I assumed that I wouldn’t have to deal with as much culture shock since we all spoke a common language.
Since I have arrived here, some of my assumptions have been correct. I integrated pretty fast into this community. Since most people speak English and speak it well, I can communicate with others to get what I need or have discussions. My mentors, fellow teachers, and friends also played an important part in helping me get comfortable. My fellow teacher, Michela, picked me up from Schiphol Airport on the first day, so I would not have to figure out the train station with all my luggage. My other colleague, Juliette, let me stay in her apartment for two weeks until I could move to my other housing. Both of these women do not speak perfect English, but they were welcoming, curious and helpful during my first few weeks. Manon, my Dutch roommate, spent over five years in the United States and she studied American history, so her English is superb. We have deep, interesting and engaging conversations about life, politics, social justice, and education. I would not be here without the incredible assistance of the Fulbright Program coordinators either. They helped me get my residence permit (which proves that I live here lawfully), my bank account and much more. I have had such a supportive community here in the Netherlands and I am so grateful.
My family and friends at home have also been supportive. Even on days when life gets hard here--like when I cannot read a single label at Dirk supermarket or when I fall up the stairs at the bike parking lot or when I went through the wrong door and an older Dutch lady scolded me--I always have someone who I can talk to. I am lucky that way.
