Arta (34) had already worked as a nurse in Albania for a while when, eight years ago, she followed love to Belgium. After the integration programme at Bon, she started working as a medical secretary in Ukkel.
After her arrival in Belgium, Arta started the procedure for a residence permit. Her application was refused four times, but she did not give up. “I signed up immediately for a Dutch course and started working as a cleaning assistant.”
Arta finally received the green light for her stay in Belgium. Via VDAB, she ended up at Bon, where she could follow an integration programme that focuses on people with experience or a strong interest in the healthcare sector. In addition to a basic Dutch course and social orientation lessons, this programme also includes workshops and information sessions about training and employment.
Nothing to lose
“In Albania, I also did the administrative work in our medical centre. I first heard about the existence of a medical secretariat through my counsellor at Bon”, says Arta. “In my home country that term does not exist, but actually I was already doing that job there when I was still a nurse.” Arta did not hesitate for a moment to register for this integration course at Bon. “I had nothing to lose, I was determined to follow that programme.”
Finding your way in Belgium
After the integration programme, Arta registered for a six-month course to become a medical secretary. “The expected level of Dutch scared me for the first few weeks”, she says. “But after a while it went very smoothly! The teachers told me that I would soon find work and that was true. I was able to start working in a hospital one week after successfully completing the course.” Arta is now very satisfied with her job. “I have had a permanent contract for two years now and it is going well. I am really happy there!”
Arta therefore looks back on the integration programme she followed at Bon with nothing but positive feelings. “The programme was very pleasant and interesting, but above all it also helped me to find my way in Belgium.”
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