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I’m still happy here

Arleen is production lecturer at Media for over 11 years

Life before Breda University of Applied Sciences

Arleen was born and raised in the Philippines. She graduated in BA Film, cum laude at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and finished her master’s degree at Nanyang Technical University, Singapore. She worked in different production companies such as Furball, Industria, Bigfoot, Ignite Media and Bicycle Pictures and had her own production company, Cinematografica, together with director Raya Martin and producer Armi Cacanindin. Since 2005, she has produced over 20 feature films, including INDEPENDENCIA and MANILA. Both were Official Selections of the Cannes Film Festival. After years of experience as a feature film and documentary producer, she made the switch to teaching at BUas eleven years ago

BUas feels like a big family. It’s an international and open community.

Arleen Cuevas

Production lecturer at Media

Journey at Breda University of Applied Sciences

She already knew about BUas through her spouse who started working at BUas in 2009 and didn’t know if she could find a job here in the Netherlands. Surprisingly enough, after a number of guest lectures, BUas had a job opening. It was the perfect moment. ’At first, I was worried about not being accepted in the Netherlands, because I’m different from other colleagues. I’m not Dutch or European, but it was a very smooth change. It felt and still feels like a big family. Especially amongst the other expats, but Dutch colleagues were welcoming too.’

Working at Breda University of Applied Sciences

She considers BUas a good workplace. ’I never thought I would be working here for over 11 years, but I’ve never felt like leaving and I’m still happy here. That’s a good sign.’ She describes BUas and her academy as very international and open. ’Working here in the Netherlands is different from working in Asia. It feels more collaborative. Especially the work-life balance here is better!’

What she loves most is working with students. She mainly teaches and supervises students from the production track programmes. ’We have a close relationship with our students and fellow teaching staff.’

In 2019 all academies relocated to a renewed green and sustainable campus. Instead of separate faculties, academies are all in one place. Boundaries across academies are fading. ’I’m really glad that BUas isn’t afraid of change, always looking how to innovate and better things.’