Bart van der Meer

Bart van der Meer has a diverse work experience spanning a range of roles and industries. In 1990, they worked as a Front Office cashier at Hotel Okura Amsterdam, where they conducted check-out payments and managed payments from in-house restaurants. Bart then worked as a Russian Interpreter at the Dutch Ministry of Defense from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1994, they were the Manager of Public Relations and Assistant to the CEO at GMM Bank, where they managed public relations and assisted the CEO. In 1994, they joined Amstel Diamonds as the Manager of the Russia Department, where they established and operated the department and collaborated with the Russian Embassy. After that, from 1996 to 2020, they were self-employed as a Tour Director, managing travel itineraries, conducting various tours, and speaking multiple languages. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, they worked as a Warehouse Employee at Kruidvat, filling orders for health and beauty products. Bart also worked as a Sales Agent at Marketing & Sales Impact from June to November 2020, conducting door-to-door sales and managing customer retention. In 2021, they joined Bart's Travel Stories as a Master Storyteller, delivering interactive and personalized virtual travel stories. Additionally, they became a Dutch Language Tutor at Fluent Panda the same year. Finally, also in 2021, they started working as a Market Analyst.

Bart van der Meer has a diverse education history. Bart earned a Master's degree in Soviet/Russian history, Russian language, international politics and relations, and Spanish language from the University of Amsterdam, where they studied from 1982 to 1988. In 1989, they attended the Africa Institute Academy of Sciences in Moscow and obtained another Master's degree in Soviet/Russian foreign policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, studying until 1990.

Bart also pursued other areas of interest. In 1995, they obtained the South African National Tourist Guide registration from Cape Courtesy after studying various subjects including history, politics, cultures, wildlife, architecture, cuisine, and passenger liability.

Additionally, Bart enhanced their knowledge of wine by completing a certificate program in wine cultivars and history at the Wine Academy Stellenbosch in 1996, where they visited local wine farms, explored fifteen South African wine routes, and engaged in cellar tours and MCC (Methode Cap Classique) tastings.

In terms of their earlier education, Bart completed their VWO (Pre University Education) from De Amersfoortse Berg between 1975 and 1982. During this time, they studied subjects such as Dutch, economics, English, French, geography, German, and history. Prior to that, from 1969 to 1975, Bart attended Montessori School Pallas Athene, where they obtained an Einddiploma (Grammar School certification).

To further develop their skills, Bart pursued additional education within specific areas. In 1989, they received a Diploma of Education from LOI, focusing on marketing. In 1992, Bart attended the Patrice Lumumba Language Institute in Moscow for language tutoring to improve their simultaneous interpretation skills in Russian-English and understand local slang. Furthermore, in 1991, they participated in various classes at the School Militaire Inlichtingendienst (SMID) in Ede, Netherlands. These classes focused on Russian interpreting, identifying Soviet military equipment, and diplomatic protocol.