A cup of coffee with...
06. February 2025Alexandre Salvador about Living and Working in Austria
Please introduce yourself
My name is Alex, I work in business development at an Austrian company, and I have been living in Vienna for two years. I am from São Paulo, Brazil.
What brought you to Austria?
It was my heart. My wife, also Brazilian, received a job offer in Austria, and we took on the challenge together.
How was the process of moving and adapting? Where did you receive support, and where would you have liked more?
Despite having support from a relocation and documentation assistance company, every new beginning has its challenges, especially understanding some rules of the new country. The biggest challenge for me was the language. When I first arrived, I wondered what the most difficult thing would be and what would take the longest to adapt to in Austria. The answer was clear: learning the local language. I have no doubt that this is the best advice I can give to colleagues planning to come to Austria. I dedicated myself intensely to learning German. I received support from the government, which subsidized part of my studies, as well as support from my wife and my teachers. After feeling that my German was relatively comprehensible, I started applying for jobs and attending interviews. In this journey, I also received support from ABA, which gave me good market tips and guidance on where to look for opportunities. By the way, ABA has a very good book, rich in information, but I only had access to it or knew about it after a year in Vienna.
How is the work culture in your current company?
The company where I work is known for the longevity of its employees, with many professionals having over 10 years of tenure and possessing highly respected technical knowledge in the market.
Although I have been with the company for a short time, I notice a special care for employees, from the structure of the equipment provided to the working environment, which is very pleasant and focused on long-term thinking.
How has living in a different place, specifically Austria, changed you personally?
It's been better than I planned. Honestly, I didn't know Austria before I came here. I discovered a country rich in culture, history and nature. The cultural difference between Brazil and Austria is significant, from the way people think about the seasons to the way they enjoy their day.
Where in Austria can you feel a bit of Brazil? Recommendations?
There are a few nice places with a Brazilian feeling, but I really feel the Brazilian vibe when I'm walking down the street and hear our language. It's great to see that more and more Brazilians are here, whether for vacation or work. Or when I see kids wearing football jerseys with the names of Brazilian players. Another thing that connects me to Brazil is hearing Brazilian music on local radio, especially in the summer, or seeing foreigners wearing flip-flops by the Danube River or at the pools. Something that also impresses me is the number of Austrians who speak Portuguese.
