Ciska
What is it like to move to the Netherlands for your studies and to kickstart your career in a different country than where you grew up? From surviving the cold winters to managing Dutch traffic. Californian sunshine Leslie will tell you all about her experience with living, studying and working in the Netherlands.
My name is Leslie. I was born and raised in Upland, California. My moms side of the family is from The Netherlands, so I grew up hearing them speak dutch, learning of the dutch culture, etc.
My first time coming to the Netherlands was 2021, where I met amazing people,including my boyfriend, had a sweet but short au pair job, and finally made my decision on moving here.
I moved because I wanted something new and challenging for myself. I researched every way in which I could get back to the Netherlands. The only option was going back to school, and school here is so much cheaper than it is in the US. I was then accepted into the International Social Work program at HAN.
When first coming here, I encountered many culture shocks. Here is my list:
1. I was shocked at how safe I felt, not only walking the streets, but riding a bike, whether it be at night or during the day. In California, it is quite dangerous to ride your bike, as most people drive cars, and cars have the right of way. Moving here has made me exercise more, by riding my bike and walking everywhere.
2. Another culture shock was how people stop their car and bike for pedestrians to walk, instead of going first. I may be remembering wrong, but cars don't wait for pedestrians unless there is a light in front of them. Most of the time they will see a pedestrian waiting to cross and will go before them.
3. The informality between teachers and their students in University. Multiple times over these last two years, my teachers have organized get-togethers at the park, with drinks and snacks on our last day of class together. The teachers are also heavily invested in their students' lives, and headspace. Were allowed to cry during class if the subject gets heavy, and were allowed to take self care days. Though this may only be my program, it's a new experience compared to college in California.
4. Holiday Gifts - I am so grateful for getting each year as a college student.
There are so many things I miss from home, which is something I never thought I would say once I moved. Before arriving in the Netherlands, all I would do is watch youtube videos about this country, so excited to move here.
Now, all I watch are youtube videos and shows filmed in California, wishing to go back even for a day. I haven't been to California in 3 years, which makes me have FOMO or Fear of Missing Out. I'm missing out on all of the family trips, the dinners, and outings to the mall, or daily life things like going to Target.
To sum it up, I miss everything about home. The food, the mountains, the beach, my family, and most important, THE SUN. Winters here are something I never experienced in California, unless I went to the mountains. Having to bike here in the snow and rain is not as horrible as I expected, but it is something I suffer through each week. Now I look forward to the summer sun and try to enjoy it as much as I can when it's here.
Working and school here compared to the US are less stressful in my opinion. There will always be a worry of being fired or failing, but the working environment is very calm. Everyone is super friendly, giving, and helpful in my experience. One example being one of my coworkers not only helped me move apartments, but they gave me furniture and decorations for my new apartment that I was religiously looking for everyday, all day, for months.
More examples being: The bosses buy us food and my sweet coworker gives me chocolate and oreos to “keep the energy up”. Although the work hours are long, I am surrounded by kind people and I am thankful and lucky for that.
When I get sick here, my bosses don't make me feel bad for it. People seem to be more forgiving and caring when it comes to your health, or when things come up that are out of your control.
What I love about my job are the gifts they give us each year. For Easter they give everyone a huge chocolate bunny that lasts so long I can never finish it. For Christmas they give us a huge gift box, filled with different foods, sweet and salty. This box is so big I am asked each year if I need it to be driven to my house, because I ride a bike home. We also have a raffle each year after Christmas break, where we get a random gift, food, or drink. I always have a huge smile on my face when I receive these gifts.
Although I miss home with my whole heart, I don't think I would have changed my mind about moving here. I've seen so many cool things, met different people, and now I finally live with my boyfriend after 2 years of long distance.
Both having come from the sunny states of California and Florida, we are suffering through the winter months together, but we are happy to be “suffering” in the Netherlands. Now we look forward to the summer sun so much more and take advantage of it when it's here.
