Meet the expats: Hamed Kazemi

Originally from Iran, Hamed Kazemi initially moved to Luxembourg to study for an MA in Learning and Development at the university. Five years later, with his studies long behind him, he is still here, enjoying the Grand Duchy's lively culture and community.

What brought you to Luxembourg?

I first came to Luxembourg in 2010 to continue my studies at the University of Luxembourg, doing an MA in Learning and Development. I had heard about the programme from my only friend in Luxembourg at the time, Maryam Firoozi.

She and Gudrun Ziegler, the programme director, were the greatest help to me both to get to Luxembourg, and to settle here. The university provided a room in Esch-sur-Alzette and then Luxembourg City, where I spent almost two years before moving to my own place.

What helped you get settled in Luxembourg?

What still strikes me in Luxembourg today, just as it did five years ago, is the number of new people you meet all the time. It is as if this tiny country has the largest people turnover ever.

Then comes its beautiful landscape and its livelihood, which you will find if you actively look for it. All the different and authentic kinds of celebrations all over the place are just amazing.

My most favourite ones are the Buergbrennen and the Vianden nut market, where they serve Portuguese grilled chicken. It always goes crazy in the end in Vianden.

What do you like most about Luxembourg?

I love that Luxembourg is so close to everything. A one or two-hour journey and you can visit a new and totally different place in the country of your choice.

Or if you’re sporty and ecological, you can bike everywhere!

If you could change one thing about Luxembourg, what would it be?

There have been some difficulties as well. The single most notable one I faced concerned accommodation, when I moved out of the university residence.

The population in Luxembourg should start getting used to young people coming to their country and trying to develop and build something.

Not everyone comes with a CDI! There are also some legal difficulties for entrepreneurs, which are being worked on.

And then it can also be quite unnerving, trying to land a job.

What tips would you give new arrivals?

One peculiarity of Luxembourg that I was lucky enough to get the hang of quite fast is that the fun is out there and is happening, but it will never come knocking at your door.

You have to be proactive and find it. And then, it will be most welcoming. Same with the people. You should reach out and trust that they will respond. Luxembourgish people can make excellent friends.

Read other articles from the Meet the expats section

Do not miss the news - sign up to receive thewort.lu newsletter in Englishdelivered to your inbox six days a week.