"I love Dutch culture. I like their openness, their ability to make rational decisions, their welfare-oriented way of life. Although the Dutch are said to be too direct, I appreciate their honesty."

Dana Cosman is the coordinator of the Foundation's marketing and communication team. She is also in charge of the Foundation's newsletter. Whatever the challenge, Dana is always ready with a creative solution.

What made you come to the Netherlands?

I came here to study. I managed to get into a Master's programme at Twente University in Enschede in 2014 and completed it earlier this year.

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

I came quite knowledgeable about the accommodation, culture and way of studying in the Netherlands. We, the students, were also very much helped by the university to get our paperwork in order at the city hall, and for any other queries the faculty was there for us.

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 here since the end of 2014, so almost three years. Honestly, I only came here with the intention of studying and maybe staying for a year to work, after which I really wanted to return to my country. Now, after three years, I want to work here for about two years and then come back.

I think I settled in about a year. The weather in the east of the Netherlands (Enschede) is much more gloomy, and this has been a bit of a hindrance to settling in. I also had a hard time with leaving my friends in the country, but I came here with my boyfriend and things were better.

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

I like Dutch culture a lot and I don't really see any irregularities or things I don't understand. I like their openness, their ability to make rational decisions, their welfare-oriented way of life. Although the Dutch are said to be too direct, in the way that might offend, I appreciate their honesty.

What has changed in your way of life since you've been here?

I do a lot more sport. If I see so many people jogging in the morning and evening, I don't feel lazy to do sports anymore, and now I feel good about it. As I love cycling, I hope I can keep up this habit in Romania.

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

I think that everywhere in the Netherlands there are groups and small communities of Romanians, we like to stay together. At the university in Enschede we had a large group of Romanians and we met frequently. We even had a lot of barbecues with small fish (we brought baking soda from Romania especially for small fish), we had meetings on 1 December, and we even celebrated Easter by dyeing eggs.

Since I moved to Amsterdam, I have been in touch with the ROMPRO Foundation and I can say that I love this close community around it and the fact that we help each other.

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

I got involved as a volunteer because I like the Foundation's activities, I resonate with the slogan together we are better and, last but not least, volunteering brings me some fulfillment.

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

I recently finished my Master's degree and now I want to focus on the field of data analysis.

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

Yes, of course. The first one that comes to mind: I was in the car, and at some point he passed by the crossing. pedestrians a group of geese.

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

I want to stay in the Netherlands for about two more years, work in data analysis and travel as much as I can.

Your motto or a quote that motivates you.

My motto is the same one that has been widely used on the placards of the recent protests in Romania: "For evil to triumph, it is enough for good people to do nothing." - "Edmund Burke"

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.
What's your reaction?
0Cool0Upset0Love0Lol

Add Comment

to top
en_GB