“In the beginning I mainly observed and tried to adapt. I took a positive approach and I worked hard. I live together with Indian friends, so I talked to them a lot. It also helps to be part of some social organization. I have many social contacts, including Dutch friends; those I have met at Embedded Systems. There you are assigned to a mixed project group, which works very well.

What I appreciate in the Netherlands is the way in which they work: they plan a lot and discuss a lot. I was not used to that in India. And they are a hard-working people. You can see the work happeninghere. There is social respect: there appears to be as much respect for the professor as for the lady who cleans the lavatories, which I think is really good.

I myself have never really had trouble settling in. But when my parents were here recently, I did see a surprising difference with India. At the friend’s house where we stayed, we were asked to wash the dishes and wash clothes (only once we had enough clothes to fill the full washing machine, as that is efficient). More so, we shared the food and travelling cost. I understand it is only fair, but in India, no matter how poor a family are, they never let the guest work or pay for the hospitality.

The Netherlands has become my second homeland, I no longer regard it as a foreign country. Once I have obtained my Master’s degree I would like to stay here for a few more years to work. However, if my parents should need me, I shall go back to India sooner.” (SK)

Next week in part 2 of ‘New to the Netherlands’: tips for a good start.