For this column, we are inviting Synergy members from around the globe to tell us their perspective on living in the Netherlands. This edition, we asked Alexandra to write something on the differences she noted when moving here from Italy.
"When I decided to go to the Netherlands, I would have never thought I'd miss my country so much or that I would find a lot of differences between here and Italy.
The weather and especially the Italian food (I know that it's obvious) are the things that I miss the most. Surprisingly, I do not miss my family or friends. I know that this is strange, but I have always had the possibility to videocall them (it is strange, but I miss my dog more, because he cannot communicate).
Socially and culturally, there are a lot of differences between here and Italy. Even with the difficulties of the COVID-19 regulations, I had the experience of a cultural shock. Firstly, the bikes. It is impressive how easily you can move into the city or among cities, whereas in Italy it is very difficult to live without a car. I really love this thing, even if I fall down a lot of times! Secondly, here everyone speaks English fluently - from at the supermarket, to the driver of the bus (always on time, strange fact for an Italian), literally I can have a conversation with anyone even if I do not know a word of Dutch. However, the fact that shocked me the most at Radboud University, but that I also noticed in the Netherlands in general, is that it is very focused on the environment and sustainability. Do not get me wrong, in Italy we also care, but I noticed that here the people are very committed to this topic and I really like that."
- Alexandra Antohi
.png)
