“During my first year of study in the Netherlands via EII I formed part of a group of twelve international students. We were very close, and apart from us there were not that many foreign students to be found. After my first year I stayed in the Netherlands in order to obtain my Master’s diploma; after that I returned to Ecuador. Once back there I realized that the work I was doing in Ecuador was not what I wanted to do. It was too strongly applied, and did not form a big enough challenge for me. I decided to see again whether I could find a place in the Netherlands. My contacts from my Master’s period stood me in good stead: I found a PhD research position at the University of Twente. It soon became clear to me that I wanted to stay in the Netherlands. I felt at home here. I love it when things are organized well. Besides, I always feel safe, I am not afraid of being alone. And everything is so nearby! From 2001 until today I have worked for companies in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Hengelo. I traveled everywhere from Breda, where I lived. Well, the daily trip from Breda to Hengelo was too much of a good thing, but in general traveling here works out fine.”

“My tip for foreign students wanting to live in the Netherlands: learn the language. Of course, everybody speaks English, but you don’t really fit in until you speak Dutch, and also understand what’s being said when people are not speaking to you directly. Also: be yourself. Try not to fake enjoying something when you don’t, just because you want a job. It’s no use. You must want to integrate into society, you must feel at home. For me the Netherlands is my home. At the moment my husband is working in Paris, which is why I’m looking for work in Paris myself as well. Still, five years from now I hope to be living in the Netherlands again. I like it here.” (HB)