IVANA REHAK

QUALITY MANAGER

Ivana Rehak from the Czech Republic has been a quality manager for international corporations since 2005. After stints working in Germany and China, in 2024 she moved to the Stubai Valley in Tirol to work for SWACRIT systems in this role – and to no longer have to maintain a long-distance relationship with her husband. 

"I would absolutely do it again"

I moved to Germany almost 20 years ago. At the time I was employed by Siemens. In an international corporation, the opportunity to work in another country is always there. At first, I only wanted to be away for a year, but I liked it so much that I stayed longer. I was young and wanted to see the world. I also worked for Siemens in China for three years. My husband has been living in Tirol since 2023 and for many years we had a weekend relationship. The landscape, nature and everything the region has to offer eventually convinced me to leave Germany and come to Tirol. It was a great decision. I would absolutely do it again. If only because, after a hard day at work, you always have the opportunity to unwind and enjoy nature. That’s what you call real quality of life. 

"I find this relaxed approach to work very positive"

At first, the working world in Tirol was very unusual for me. It always takes a little longer to get down to business in conversations – first you talk about the weekend, where you went hiking, which walk you should definitely do. That's often part of a meeting. I believe Tiroleans take a slightly more relaxed approach to work tasks and projects. But they are not less goal-oriented, just less stressed, and still meet deadlines and budgets. I find this relaxed approach to work very positive. 

"My neighbours welcomed us with open arms right away"

My colleagues were a little reserved at first. But when you get to know each other a little better, you always find something you have in common. In Tirol, it's skiing, hiking, the mountains, nature. All those things are a great topic of conversation. I think that is also what connects us all – not so much the technical aspects, but the nature that surrounds us. My neighbours here in the Stubai Valley welcomed us with open arms right away. I was a little unsure at first, but it worked out very well. Perhaps also because I come from the Czech Republic – that means there is also a kind of common reference to the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The cultures and cuisines are very similar. 

"It's worth it"

To someone who is considering moving here but doesn't dare to, I would say go for it! After all, Tirol is in Europe. And in Europe we are all somehow similar. You will be supported in getting established here. Many before us have done it and succeeded – and you can do it too. It's worth it. And although I've only been here for a year, I somehow feel that I've arrived. 

MORE STORIES