"Be the change you want to see in the world!"
Eliza Casapopol is ROMPRO's Local Communities Coordinator and a Data Engineer by profession.
What made you come to the Netherlands?
When I finished university in England, I wanted to start a new adventure in a country I didn't know. Plus, I wanted to stay close to family, so Europe was an easy choice. The Netherlands is an international-friendly country with lots of job opportunities and developed industries, which I found very appealing.
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?
I think my coming here was very brave and not very informed. I consider myself lucky that when I arrived in the Netherlands I met some special Romanians who told me a lot about this country. I think that any international who chooses Holland should be more informed about how difficult it is to find accommodation, information about taxes, employment and cultural differences.
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?
I've been in the Netherlands for about 4 months now, during which I've had the chance to meet a lot of great people, which is why my settling in has been relatively quick. I became part of ROMPRO to get to know Romanians and I started my hobbies again to make friends with locals. The most difficult was the process of finding a suitable job, not knowing the differences in interviews and the need for networking in the right fields.
What do you still find difficult to understand about Dutch culture?
I have yet to discover a generalizable characteristic of locals that I can't understand. I think the most difficult thing is to find Dutch people who want new friends who are willing to speak a foreign language, not their native one. Once we stop thinking that all people in a country are the same we will have a chance to make a lot more friends.
What has changed in your way of life since living here?
I cook more since living in the Netherlands because eating out is more expensive than it was in England. Plus I decided to learn Dutch.
How do you see the relationship with other Romanians and the preservation of the Romanian identity abroad?
Since I left Romania 5 years ago, I have always been in contact with other Romanians in the diaspora. It is very important to meet people with whom you share the same language, culture, jokes. Often some problems we can only share with those who have the same background and experiences as us. Homesickness is also a real feeling that can only be treated by bringing bits of home to where you live.
Why did you choose to get involved in the Foundation's work and what would you like to achieve through your contribution?
I decided to be part of the Foundation because I wanted to make new friends while giving back to the community. I always considered myself a very lucky person due to the fact that I met wonderful people who stood by me and helped me. I wish I could be that person for those who need a little help.
What do you like to do? What profession have you chosen and why?
Since I studied mathematics I decided I wanted a career working with numbers and developing ideas for companies based on insights from existing data. I'm still at the beginning, but I hope that in time I can say with certainty that this is the job for me.
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?
At the moment I want to accumulate as much information as possible in the industries I am passionate about and be surrounded by the best in the field. Fortunately, the Netherlands is a country where experts are often found and I have met a lot of people who inspire me.
Do you have any advice for people thinking of emigrating to the Netherlands? Or would you like to convey something specific that you couldn't through the answers above?
The Netherlands is a country that is always looking for new talent and where creativity and innovation are promoted. If you want such a competitive and above all well-organised environment then it is a very good choice.
Your motto or a quote that motivates you.
Be the change you want to see in the world! Mahatma Gandhi
