"For me it is important to keep in constant contact with Romanians, to feel closer to home. Preserving identity is important [...], but it should not turn into displaying nationalism towards others."

Cristian Ciobotea is a data analyst and was part of the Foundation's Funding team in relation with the Ministry for Romanians Abroad.

What made you come to the Netherlands?

I came to the Netherlands immediately after finishing my undergraduate studies at ASE in Bucharest. I came for my studies, without thinking too far into the future. I applied to several Master's programmes in the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Before you left Romania, did you feel informed about what to expect here? Did you have any pleasant surprises or the opposite?

I attended fairs organised by universities and informed myself about six to nine months in advance about studies and living costs. I did a lot of research on the internet and had no surprises at all, everything was OK.

How many years have you been here? Have you adapted well to the new culture? How did the process go and how long did it take? How long did it take you to feel at home?

I've been in the Netherlands since August 2014. I think I've adapted quite well culturally, although I didn't push too hard to get to grips with the culture, especially as both in my studies and now at work the environment is very international. However, I can say that it took at least six months to feel at home.

What do you still find difficult to understand about Dutch culture?

Dutch culture is mostly about following the rules, which is no problem for me. I struggle most with learning Dutch.

What has changed in your way of life since living here?

I'm probably a bit more detail-oriented in what I do and more persistent. I also enjoy walking, cycling and nature more.

How do you see the relationship with other Romanians and the preservation of the Romanian identity abroad?

From the beginning we had a very good relationship with the Romanians at the university, at work and at the Foundation. It is important for me to keep in constant contact with Romanians, to feel closer to home. Preserving identity is important for Romania, but it should not turn into displaying nationalism towards others.

Why did you choose to get involved with the Foundation and what would you like to achieve?

I chose to get involved to have an extra activity besides work. I would like to be part of building this Foundation and to make as many projects as possible.

What do you like to do? What profession have you chosen and why?

I work in programming and data analysis. I am an analytical person and have always enjoyed the adjacent fields of statistics, mathematics and programming. At the same time, I like that there is a business side to it and that I am not locked into the programmer bubble.

Would you like to tell us about a funny or interesting story you had in the Netherlands?

The city I live in, Amsterdam, has interesting and funny things going on every day. Probably with some late afternoon stroll around the city, I can see tourists doing anything to have fun.

What are your plans for the future and how will you put them into practice?

I don't have any set plans, but I want to experience the Netherlands and the whole international environment. Most likely, after a few years I will try to find my place in Romania. I don't know how it will be in practice.

Your motto or a quote that motivates you.

"The day we give in, is the day we die!"

We would like to include as many Romanians as possible from the entire community in the Netherlands in this series, so that we can introduce each other and make new connections. If you want to contribute, send us a message to website@rompro.nl and we will get in touch with you to give you details about the questionnaire. We'd also be grateful if you'd let someone know who you know would be interested in taking part.
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