"Since I've been here, I'm more relaxed, I ride my bike more and I eat healthier."

Rebeka Rotter is a psychologist by profession, but has more experience in career counselling and teaching. Until March 2017, she was ROMPRO Foundation's volunteer coordinator, a role she fulfilled with great dedication and initiative.

What made you come to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands was never on the list of countries I wanted to move to, but finding a suitable partner to live my life with was. That partner happened to be Dutch and that's how I ended up moving here.

Before leaving Romania did you feel informed about what was waiting for you here? Did you have any pleasant surprises or the opposite?

I left Romania four years ago. From then until 2016 I was more of a wandering bird, thirsty for adventure and travel. Coming to the Netherlands was a decision I made together with my Dutch partner. We visited the country a few times during those four years and saw how things work. I had read about the Netherlands and Dutch culture beforehand and was informed about some cultural aspects by my partner and his family.

When I got to know the country for the first time, I had many pleasant surprises about the Dutch way of life, the way things work.

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 have only been here since November 2016 and am still in the process of adjusting. I don't know the language and don't have a place to call home. I don't have a sense of home.

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

I don't understand why the Dutch consider chocolate and candy (hagelslag) as food and not sweets.

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

Since I've been here I feel more relaxed, I cycle more and eat healthier.

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

I am very happy to see that there is a quite large Romanian community in the Netherlands. Romanians here are looking for more contact with other Romanians, unlike when they are in Romania. In the Netherlands I feel that friendships and acquaintances are made much easier than in Romania.

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

I chose to get involved in the Foundation for two reasons. Firstly, I have an interest in voluntary work, which I have been doing for a long time and which I use as a way of feeling useful in society. Secondly, I wanted to expand my circle of acquaintances in the Netherlands, and the community of Romanians here seemed to me an important first step in my process of integration into Dutch culture. I think it is an anchor that gives me stability in a country that I do not (yet) consider familiar.

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

I am an active person and I like to get involved in many things. I practice Buddhist meditation because it balances me; I'm a big fan of travel because the world around me fascinates me; I adore animals and any time spent with them excites me; a night out with friends is always a good time; I love to cook and experiment in the kitchen; and I love to enjoy movies that leave long conversations.

I'm a psychologist by profession. I chose this occupation because I like interacting with people, listening to them and helping them in their difficulties. In addition, I am a very curious person and although psychology has not answered all the questions I have had, it has helped me open my mind to other opportunities.

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

My first step is to find a job, I'm currently looking. I would most like to be a psychologist or an academic advisor. For this purpose I am widening my professional circle and learning Dutch intensively. I think that language is currently an obstacle to achieving my goals.

Your motto or a quote that motivates you.

I have two quotes that guide me in life:

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - "Norman Vincent Peale"

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world. " - "Mahatma Gandhi"

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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