​When I first met Catarina, the process was technically hers. She was the nurse seeking a professional opportunity in Belgium. But it quickly became clear that this was never an individual project.

Although Alexandre is not a nurse, he was present every step of the way: in every meeting, every decision, every doubt, and every achievement. He was always by Catarina’s side, and honestly, it no longer makes sense to tell this story without including him.

Because this is a story of resilience, partnership, organisation, and a strong determination to succeed.

Throughout the entire process, they were incredibly committed and organised, facing every stage with admirable positivity. Even when confronted with bureaucracy, major life changes, and the natural uncertainty of starting over in a new country, they never lost their enthusiasm.

There is also a detail that makes this story even more special: they brought their whole family with them and did not leave their four-legged companions behind.

A message Catarina recently shared with me perfectly captures their experience:

"Three months ago, we embarked on the greatest adventure of our lives. We left our comfort zone behind and embraced an unknown destination that promised great challenges: our beloved Brussels.

These three months have been filled with many firsts, invaluable intercultural learning experiences, significant professional development, discovering the city and everything around it, and continuous personal growth.

With Vitae’s support, we were able to achieve all of this while building a better future. In just three months, I feel that we have accomplished more than we ever expected, including the new sparkle that everyone says we now have.

From the very first contact, we felt supported and guided throughout the entire relocation process, especially regarding bureaucratic and logistical matters. Vitae was instrumental to our success during this initial stage of our journey. We still have a lot to learn, but support was never lacking, and it was impossible to feel alone.

Brussels has been a wonderful surprise. And practising nursing in an environment that challenges and values me has made every effort worthwhile. The journey is demanding, but the reward of growing here is beyond words."

A few days before they left for Brussels, they stopped by the Vitae office to say goodbye, and the three of us ended up having lunch together. It was a simple moment, but a very special one for me.

Seeing their happiness, motivation, and the positive way they were embracing this life-changing opportunity left me feeling genuinely reassured and happy.

The gratitude they continue to show us is impossible to put into words. Thank you both for trusting us and for allowing us to be part of the life you are building.

Daniela Silva
Recruitment Consultant