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Alfredo Libertini, Supervising Veterinarian

Two months after his arrival in the Netherlands, Alfredo met his Dutch girlfriend through a dating app. It is not only thanks to her that his integration is going very smoothly. "I have always felt that I wasn't 100% Italian. As soon as I arrived in the Netherlands, I instantly loved it!'

What did you love about it?

"My colleague in Rome had tipped me off about a position as a vet in Pieterburen for research on seals. I immediately applied for the job as it had always been my dream to work with seals and dolphins. Noord-Groningen was such a beautiful area, its villages so neat and well taken care of and the people so nice, what a great vibe!"

I feel completely at home in the Netherlands.

Alfredo Libertini
Image: ©NVWA

The Dutch are really different from Italians, though

"At the risk of making generalisations, I am much calmer than most Italians. You should meet my mother. She is a true Italian. I like the reserved nature of the Dutch. I feel more at ease with that nature. And the Dutch being direct and honest gives me the freedom to also say what I want. I really want to thoroughly learn the language and culture."

Would you liked to have stayed in Groningen?

"A year in Pieterburen working with the seals was enough for me. I was ready to do something completely different. I wanted to learn more and develop myself. Working for NVWA as a supervising veterinarian seemed perfect for this. It makes me immensely proud to be able to contribute to food safety and animal health."

You presumably express that, then?

"I do not understand why other young people are surprised that I like working in the slaughterhouse. It is a highly respected job in Italy. In Italy, working for the Italian supervisory authority is very popular. People consider it an honour to work for them. Perhaps because food is so important to Italians. In the Netherlands, everyone seems to take it for granted that our food is safe. Italians are more aware of the effort involved in food safety."

Biography

  • Alfredo has been living in Amersfoort with his girlfriend for three years.
  • He goes to the gym three times a week.
  • He enjoys painting. It is a creative outlet for him alongside the strict supervision at work.
  • Together with his girlfriend, Alfredo enjoys their international group of friends.
  • He is keen to visit his colleagues at Schiphol at some point.