DANIEL -TRIBE NL member- his story
DANIEL (left)
Moving from Spain to The Netherlands. His experience.
How long have you been in the Netherlands?
Since December 2021. When we arrived the country was in lockdown due to the pandemic. I came through TRIBE NL to complete 3 months of Erasmus and then from March 2022 with a work contract.
What brought you here?
My partner (Inés) and I got our Certificate of Higher Education in Tourist Accommodation Management. We both had an Erasmus+ scholarship for a second internship abroad. The school advised us to contact Natalia from TRIBE NL and a few days later we had our first video call interview. She gave us such confidence and explained in detail about TRIBE NL and about working in the Netherlands, that we didn’t have to think twice.
How was the beginning? Challenges?
Luckily, coming as a couple makes things much easier, also we were exceptionally welcomed and felt as part of the team right away. Our situation was a bit strange since we arrived in the midst of a pandemic and with the country in total ‘lockdown’. This actually allowed us to take more time to learn everything and that way adapt faster as in the beginning, unfortunately, the fluency of guests was minimal.
With what studies/professional experience did you come to the Netherlands?
I have a Certificate of Higher Education in Tourist Accommodation Management, and within the field of hospitality, I worked at the reception at the Hotel Peregrina *** and also completed an internship at the Hotel Gran Talaso in Sanxenxo****. I also have experience in various sectors such as logistics, supermarkets and the world of sports as a player, coach and referee.
Where do you work?
I currently work as a waiter mainly at Hotel de Zon in Ommen. Also, as they are part of a group, I have also had the pleasure of working at Het Laer, Hotel Paping, and Hooge Graven Golfclub.
What do you like the most about working in the Netherlands?
What I like the most about working here is that I feel valued. After only two months of internships, I was offered a one-year full-time contract. Something that unfortunately, in Spain, very few will be able to say. In addition to the trust they place in their employees, employee’s rights are respected with regards to extra hours and days off, without tricks or 'loopholes'.
What do you think about the hospitality industry?
It is a very rewarding industry when things are done well and you hear or read positive feedback and kind words from your guests.
What do you think about life in The Netherlands?
It is a bit different from Spain. What I like the most is the fact that here you eat dinner early and perhaps something I don't enjoy so much is the fact that many shops close at 6:00 p.m. As an athlete, I love the fact of going everywhere by bicycle and therefore cities being less noisy and polluted.
What do you like to do in your free time? Any special advice on places to visit?
Lately, with the good weather, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, going to dinner with my partner, and discovering tulip fields! One of the cities that surprised me the most was Utrecht. Although for me the perfect city is Zwolle, where we currently live, Zwolle is not very big but it has everything you need and it is really beautiful. It is also geographically relatively close to the big cities of The Netherlands and it’s well communicated.
Favorite Dutch product?
Local pear juice (from the Vechtdal), simply my new favourite drink. I always have a glass at the end of my day at the hotel!😀
Favorite Dutch word?
Sinaasappelsap (orange juice) was the first one I learned and I think it’s quite funny 😂
How about getting around by bicycle?
I like it a lot, although at some intersections people go too fast for me 😅😅
Would you recommend this experience to other Spanish people?
Yes, totally. For all those people who would like to know if they can work anywhere in the world, this is the perfect country to start. The vast majority of people speak very good English, and since it is not their first language, the accent is usually easier for us to understand than the British, American or Australian one, for example.
What advice would you give to someone moving to The Netherlands?
If you have the opportunity to go with your partner, a friend or family member, it will be a 100% rewarding experience. I also highly recommend going alone, it may not be as easy as going with someone else, but this country is very prepared to receive foreign people, people are not only understanding but they are also interested in knowing why you came here and they are grateful that You are helping their country.
Anything else you would like to share?
I encourage anyone to join this experience, I hope they find the right time to do it because really, for Inés and me it has changed our lives and for this we are eternally grateful to Natalia ♥️ 💙