Relocated: with family from Ukraine to Austria
Current employer: BWIN Interactive Entertainment AG
Position: Software Developer
Date started: 02 June 2008

    

1. Why did you decide to work abroad? Were you looking for a vacancy in any specific country?
   
   

   I had experience working abroad and I liked it :). I didn’t look for a vacancy in specific country: the more Western - the better.

2. Have you worked abroad before?
   
   

   Yes. I was working in the USA.

3. Did you have any doubts in the successful outcome of your application with Ciklum Relocation for a chosen vacancy?
   
   

   Actually right after the interview with the employer I was almost sure that I will not get the job. But it worked out well.

4. Why did you accept the job offer from your current employer? What do you enjoy most about working at BWIN International Ltd.?
   
   

   The offer was quite good. They offered me the same conditions as they offer local candidates. I like BWIN for its openness and creativeness. I have learned a lot and still have much to learn.

5. What was your best moment during your first working days at the new place?
   
   

   Hmm. Hard to say. I started my work the same time when European Championship 2008 was taking place in Austria and Switzerland. And there was a game Austria vs. Germany in one week or so. That day the whole office gathered in the sports bar and was watching this game. That day I recognized the company as a big team.

6. What are the new approaches to Company Management and Project Life-cycle implemented at your company in comparison to your previous experience?
   
   

   First of all Agile Development or SCRUM was new for me. I think this methodology suits to the company. Additionally I have learned different aspects of testing processes, like regression, automated, and stress tests.

7. What new experience did you gain at your current position? Do you have a chance to learn or you only share your knowledge with others?
   

   I think I have learned more than I shared.

8. Are you a part of an international team at your current place of employment? Is there a language barrier between your team-mates?
   
   

   Yes, I am a part of an international team. We have people from Slovakia, England, Germany and of course Austria. Sure there are some language difficulties still but I am working on that :).

9. How long did the process of adaptation to the new environment take place for you? In terms of everything being new: the country, company, team, and even your flat.
   
   

   I think it took 3-6 months for me.

10. Do you have an opportunity to keep in touch with your family and friends? Do they visit you?
    
    

    I miss my friends and family. They can visit me but not that often as they want to.

11. Did you have a chance to travel around Austria or to any neighbor-countries?
    
    

    Oh, yes. I visited all 5 or 6 cities in Austria including famous ski resorts. Also I have been to Portugal, Germany, France, Czech Republic and I already booked tickets to Spain and the Netherlands :)

12. What do your wife and children do while you are at work? Is your wife looking for job opportunities?
    
    

    She is currently in Ukraine. It is hard for her to find a job here since she doesn’t have a work permit.

13. Is there anything else you would like to add?
    
    

    I am very thankful to Ciklum for giving me this opportunity and wish you all the best.