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    NL, my new home?
    Gabriel Taban
    18 november 2010 - Many international graduates or PhDs from TU/e decide to stay in the Netherlands after their studies. In this new theme series we are finding out what their motivation is, what problems they have come up against and how they like it.
    Gabriel Taban

    Romanian Gabriel Taban came to the Netherlands in 2001 for a Master’s program in Physics at Free University Amsterdam. In April 2009 he obtained his PhD at TU/e with the Coherence and Quantum Technology section. Even during his Master’s program he knew that he wanted to stay in the Netherlands. “I liked the open culture in the practice of science. The exchange of ideas takes place on a level playing field here. In Romania these things are governed by hierarchy much more. In addition, the status you have here as a PhD candidate, with a salary instead of a grant, was another part of the story.”

    Taban has worked as a risk management specialist with Arcadis since September. Between obtaining his PhD and his start at Arcadis he was unemployed for a few months. He does not have the impression that it was more difficult for him as a foreigner than for a Dutchman to find a job. “My descent did not play any role in this. This sector is not really linguistically sensitive. In the world of technology it is understood that Dutch may not be someone’s native language.”

    Although he has not used it himself, Taban is positive about the knowledge migrant arrangement (subsidized secondment of foreign knowledge workers). He hopes that in spite of its plans to restrict immigration, the new government will continue to see the importance of knowledge workers. “It is very important for both parties that these people should be encouraged to stay here. That involves proper arrangements for accommodation, family reunion, childcare, et cetera.”

    Taban speaks Dutch fluently, gives rowing training in Amsterdam and feels absolutely at home in Holland. “Integration works both ways. If you make an effort as a foreigner in the area of culture or sport, in something that involves some sort of interaction, you can make progress yourself. Especially for highly educated people this can be achieved quite well.” (SK)