Sofia and Juan got involved more than six years ago when studying at the same university in Buenos Aires. It is the first time they have been away from home this long. Juan: “We both really wanted to go and do something else. We were working in Buenos Aires, but projects there are hardly challenging at all and besides there is little industrial development taking place in Argentina.” Sofia: “In addition, we wanted to leave because we were fed up with the current situation in Buenos Aires. Prices keep rising, while salaries stay the same. Even if you have a high income you cannot buy a house or go on holiday. We have had to save for a very long time before being able to buy our tickets, while we both had good jobs. The whole situation is rather desperate.”

They fully share their enthusiasm about their stay in Eindhoven. Juan: “It is a big challenge to be in another country. You are far away from friends and relatives and the language is totally different. Although it is a welcome bonus that everybody speaks English, we really want to learn Dutch. When you go to another country for an extended period and you want to integrate with the local population, that is the main thing.” Sofia: “Even though the Dutch are very open, you need to take some action yourself to make contact. I follow hockey training and I am the only foreigner there. All Dutch girls help me out with the language, and if I don’t understand it, they speak English.” The only thing that the two are struggling with is Dutch food. “We really try to get used to your eating habits, but we just can’t manage it. Milk with your lunch, dinner at six p.m., a ‘croquet sandwich’ - it is really awful!”

Sofia and Juan would like to stay in the Netherlands after completion of their program. Sofia: “We want to have a good life in a place where we feel comfortable. Which is how we are feeling here. In the long term I should like to set up a business in my place of birth, Mar del Plata, in order to create a source of income for its inhabitants.” (HB)

Do you have a special connection with someone here at the TU/e and would you like to be portrayed in Cursor together? Contact us at Engcursor@tue.nl