"I love educational and community involvement projects. IT because it's one of my passions. Now I work IT, communication, marketing, outreach for the educational department of the European Space Agency."
Adrian Șuhanea is aa die-hard optimist, a dreamer who stubbornly tries to make the impossible a reality, and a Volunteer Coordinator at the Foundation.
What made you come to the Netherlands?
The opportunity to work in a field almost non-existent in Romania. The space industry.
Before leaving Romania, did you feel informed about what was waiting for you here? Did you have any pleasant surprises or the opposite? What do you wish you had known or had available that could have made the process easier for you?
Before I came here I didn't get a chance to do any research at all because there was a very short period between the job offer and the move. I was pleasantly surprised about the fact that from a language point of view, most Dutch people speak English and often you get by without knowing Dutch. It would have helped me to know some specific websites for renting a place so that I could inform myself better.
How long have you been here? Have you adapted well to the new culture? How was the process and how long did it take? How long did it take you to feel at home? What problems did you face or are you still facing?
They are from the beginning of 2017. Partially adapted. I use my bike to get to work. I've learned almost no Dutch even though I signed up for 2 beginners courses. Because I work in a very international environment my interaction with Dutch people is very little. Lack of social network outside the professional environment.
What do you still find difficult to understand about Dutch culture?
How direct they are. Here's a major difference from our culture in the way they get straight to the point.
What has changed in your way of life since living here?
The fact that I no longer use a car and only travel by bicycle or public transport.
How do you see the relationship with other Romanians and the preservation of the Romanian identity abroad?
I see the relationship with the other Romanians as a good one, given that from certain points of view we look at some situations from the same angle.
I think it is hard to talk about the loss of Romanian identity especially among those who are immigrants/expatriates from Romania. The problem of loss may arise in 1-2 generations if our children and grandchildren do not come into contact with Romanian culture at all.
Why did you choose to get involved in the Foundation's work and what would you like to achieve through your contribution?
Because I'm used to getting actively involved in cool projects that have causes I find interesting and use values I can identify with. I would like to be able to help in one way or another in a more sustainable way to change things for the better in Romania. I think that a well-constructed and integrated Romanian community will be able to do this much easier.
What do you like to do? What profession have you chosen and why?
I love educational and community involvement projects. IT because it's one of my passions. Now I work in IT, communication, marketing, outreach for the education department of the European Space Agency.
Would you like to tell us about a funny, interesting or maybe not so pleasant event that you experienced in the Netherlands?
When I first went out to a restaurant here. Our order was taken by one waiter and then brought to us by another waiter. Initially we refused thinking it was a mistake being used to it in Romania where each waiter is in charge of a specific table.
What are your plans for the future and how will you put them into practice? Do you consider Dutch society to be a good environment for them? If not, what would be the obstacles to their realisation?
To have his wife move in and manage to integrate professionally as well. Since she works in the medical system it's hard to get information about the medical system here and how she can find a job as a surgeon. The fact that she has to speak Dutch to get her medical degree makes it a long and arduous process.
Your motto or a quote that motivates you.
"Enjoy your life!"
