Meet Sarah through her emigration story

Motivation and experiences emigrating to the Netherlands

What do people need to know about you to understand your emigration story?

People need to know that I grew up in Manila, Philippines and now live in the Netherlands. I never thought about moving abroad. The possibilities were slim and I was more concerned with my parents and chasing big dreams.

Was there a specific event that inspired you to emigrate?

Yes. For my partner and our future together, I decided to take the plunge, leave everything behind and move to the Netherlands. Sometimes love makes you do things you never expected.

How did you prepare?

Before I came to the Netherlands, I already learned the Dutch language in the Philippines, because I had to take a basic integration exam. In addition, I arranged numerous papers to obtain my visa.

In addition to the administrative preparation, I had to mentally prepare myself for the cold weather and the long, dark winter in the Netherlands. It is a big change from the warm Philippines.

What does your life look like, what kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really 'at home' in the Netherlands?

I work at TopTaal and help students register for Dutch courses. It has always been my goal to work in a Dutch-speaking environment, so that I can improve my Dutch daily. In addition, I meet up with friends to practice the language in practice and for fun, which helps me to really feel at home here.

How different can your daily routine be in your home country?

In the Netherlands, it is more structured and quieter than in the Philippines. It is more hectic there. Here, there is more balance between work and private life, while their "work" was more a means to survive and enjoy life.

Do you already have an idea for the future?

Yes. Next year, I will follow a course that I have wanted to do for a long time. Hopefully I will qualify for it. I will also take my first driving test in February, that is very exciting and we are also getting married in the Philippines.

Culture and interactions with the Dutch

What was your first encounter with a local resident?

It was with my partner's grandparents. It was a warm welcome.

How did that go?

It went well and they were very nice to me. Even though I didn't speak much Dutch at the time, we could talk and laugh together.

Do you have any tips to meet people?

They can actively participate in activities that interest them. They can also join a language cafe or a conversation club, because there are also foreign people there.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

The most inspiring thing is the opportunity to develop myself both personally and professionally. Every day is almost a new experience for me.

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstanding you have experienced because of language or cultural differences?

I think how direct they are here, they say what's on their mind straight away. At first I couldn't handle that, but now I can. I can still be very direct with someone.

Have you adopted local customs?

Certainly, cycling to go somewhere and also having a sandwich for lunch. I'm used to it now.

How do the locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

I only hear positive things, so that's really nice to hear. They are often interested in my background and like to hear about my experiences.

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday?

I think it is King's Day because everyone is always happy on the streets. There is also always a big party and everyone dresses up in orange. Super fun!

Are there any customs in social interaction that you found difficult to understand or that you had to get used to?

Yes, the directness. The straightforwardness. It took me a while to feel comfortable with that.

How does friendship differ here from how it is experienced in your home country?

Friendship is definitely different here. In the Netherlands I have one fixed group of friends with whom I do fun things because I don't combine work and private life as friendship like it is here. In the Philippines I have different groups of friends that I got to know through different events in my life, such as from primary school to university and also from work.

Challenges and growth during the emigration

Were there moments when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

In the beginning there were moments of setbacks, because I had to do many things at the same time. Eventually I realized that it is a process and that it takes time.

In retrospect, what do you wish you had known about The Netherlands in advance?

Not really anything.

What would you do differently next time and what would you like to pass on to others with the same idea?

No, I did my best so I am satisfied. If I could give advice, it would be to be patient. You don't have to want to understand everything at once and above all be open to new experiences without comparing too much.

What was the biggest culture shock?

How people here can drink a lot of alcohol. They can handle alcohol really well, especially during parties and then they can even ride a bike upright afterwards. I didn't succeed the first time.

What skill did you never think you would need, but did you develop?

Definitely learning a new language. I thought it would be hard, but that turned out not to be true. As long as you have perseverance, you can definitely do it.

How do you deal with homesickness/loneliness?

What do you miss the most? Homesickness is not something I often get, because I feel at home here with my partner, in-laws and friends around me. Of course I miss my family sometimes, but I stay in touch by texting and video calling. What I miss the most is my father's adobo (Filipino food) and how my nephews and niece are growing up.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you are here?

Since I have been here, I appreciate how busy but lively the Philippines is, with street vendors and spontaneous conversations with neighbors or friends. I also miss the summer weather sometimes. 

Practicalities in the country of emigration

How do you deal with the bureaucracy in your new country?

I stay patient and make sure I have everything well prepared.

What was the most difficult rule to understand/follow?

The rules around taxes, e.g. tax returns, were the most confusing. Fortunately, I can always do that together with my partner.

How did you find a suitable place to live?

Yes, I live with my partner. It was not easy for him, but not impossible to find a house. You definitely need a lot of patience, because affordable housing is not easy to find.

Was it difficult?

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country? I find it difficult to compare, because it is very different. There, almost all of your salary goes to necessities because of the poor ratio between working days and income. Here in the Netherlands, the income is higher, which means it is better balanced with your budget and you can still save.

What did you learn about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

I did not have that in the Philippines, but I learned here how important it is to be well insured, especially with the mandatory health insurance.

Have you used local health care (GP, specialist, dentist, etc.) and what do you notice?

Yes, I did. I visited the GP a few times because of my allergy and it took a long time before I could go to the specialist. I usually get ointment or cream for my complaints.

What is similar or completely different from Dutch healthcare?

In the Philippines, medicines or treatments are prescribed more quickly, while here almost everything is solved with paracetamol. It doesn't always work, but I'm not complaining.

What is useful for others to take into account?

It is useful if you are already well informed about your obligations here, such as insurance.

Are there specific issues or tips around 'safety' or 'health' that are useful for other people who are going to live or work at your destination for a longer period of time?

Cycling is the main means of transport here, so it is useful and practical if you can already cycle well. It can be chaotic, especially in the big cities, so pay close attention and check your surroundings.

Activities in country of emigration

Have you developed any new hobbies or interests since living in the Netherlands?

Yes, I have started taking exercise classes, such as Yoga and Pilates. It is really relaxing and helps me stay active. Are there any projects or activities that you are involved in that give you a sense of fulfillment?

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your surroundings?

In my free time I try to go for walks or hikes because it is relaxing. I also enjoy spending time with my partner and friends.

What local traditions or rituals have inspired or touched you?

The fair is a tradition that has inspired me in terms of coziness and being together. The fun rides, food stalls and the friendliness of the people. It brings everyone together to enjoy a few days of fun.

How do you find the balance between work, relaxation and enjoying your new surroundings?

During my day off it is just purely being at home and doing household chores and time for myself. I don't think about my work and I don't get disturbed which is very nice.

Communication in the Netherlands

Have you learned the local language and if so, how?

In our area people speak West Frisian. I do know a few words and sentences that I have heard from my parents-in-law and friends. I hear those compounds when they talk, but I don't dare to use them myself yet.

How do you stay in touch with home?

Via Facebook Messenger, we always talk there. Sending messages to each other and occasionally video calling.

What are some communication problems that you have encountered?

Nothing per se, but maybe it is the time difference. In the winter it is 7 o'clock and in the summer it is 6 o'clock.

What have you learned?  

What I have learned is that it is quite difficult to be far away from my parents because they are getting older now. That is why I really make time for them to maintain communication.