When handing back papers, I frequently respond, “Alsjeblieft!” (You’re welcome) when the students say thank you. My role is really all about cultural exchange! For example, next week, I will teach a lesson about Halloween and, in return, I hope to learn about special Dutch holidays.
I have also integrated myself with the school staff in a variety of ways. At the beginning of the year, I attended teacher orientations and workshops. For my secondary school, the teachers went to the north on a retreat to Volendam. There, I played Dutch trivia, went on an historical scavenger hunt, and tasted Dutch appetizers. For one primary school, I attended a cooking competition in Amsterdam in which I had to work in a team with my Dutch-speaking co-workers to make two tasty dishes. My team won and earned bottles of olive oil from Spain! I also try to take part in the daily habits of the teachers, such as indulging frequently in warm beverages during koffie (coffee) breaks.
Additionally, I am integrating into Amsterdam, my home away from home. This involves making adjustments in daily life. For example, I had to find appropriate stores for different things that I need to buy. HEMA is my replacement for Target, Action is my replacement for Walmart, Kruidvat is my replacement for CVS and Albert Heijn has taken the place of Wegmans. I try to stay as active in my community as possible by enjoying festivals, shopping at markets, attending Meetup activities, and visiting museums. Meetup is an online platform that allows you to join groups and meet people from the same location who share your interests. For example, I’m part of the Netherlands Adventurers Meetup and the International Community Meetup.
