INES - Dinner at 4? and other stories…

INES

Another TRIBE NL member shares her story

How long have you been in the Netherlands?

6 months. Since December 2021, when the country was still in lockdown.

What brought you here?

A 2 month Erasmus scholarship, together with my partner. Our school (CIFP Carlos Oroza) collaborates with Natalia (TRIBE NL). TRIBE NL found a suitable internship with the possibility to stay once completed. After the 2 months we were offered a one-year work contract. 😊

How was the beginning? What was your biggest challenge?

Luckily for me everything was easier because I came together with my partner. Also when we arrived the restaurants were closed due to the pandemic, so we could learn little by little and everyone was very friendly.

The hardest thing for me was overcoming my own fears. Being able to get out of the famous comfort zone that we like so much. The fear of change, of speaking another language, in a place you don't know, with new people, a different culture... But at the end I adapted very quickly.

Which kind of studies/professional experience did you come to the Netherlands with?

I have a Higher Technical degree in Tourist Accommodation Management, 3 years of experience as a waitress and 8 months as a receptionist.

Where do you work?

At the moment I am mainly in charge of the breakfasts at the Paping Hotel & Spa in Ommen in the Overijssel region. But I have also had the opportunity to work at Hotel De Zon, Het Laer, and Hooge Graven Golfclub (all part of the same company).

What do you like the most about working in the Netherlands?

The camaraderie at work, that they care about you and about your story and often ask you if you are happy with your job.

On addition to this, schedules and work conditions are respected, something that unfortunately I had not experienced before.

What do you think about the hospitality industry?

I think that the way of managing the industry varies a lot depending on the country or geographical area in which you find yourself. In my opinion, the most important thing is customer service and therefore the team. Your employees are the face of your company, if you do not take care of them, they will transmit their discomfort to the guests and this will become a vicious circle. Unfortunately, throughout my working life this is something that often that has not been taken into account. When your guests are happy it is very rewarding for yourself and for the company you work for.

What do you think about life in the Netherlands?

It is quite different from Spain, when I arrived and was asked if I would like to have dinner at 4:00 p.m. I was quite shocked, as that was almost lunch time for me.

During my first week I had to get up at 5:00 a.m…. I thought I wouldn’t manage that for two days in a row, and yet, here I am 😂

I think the most impressive thing for me was when I wanted to go shopping at 5:00 p.m. and the stores were already closed (with exception of the supermarkets), at first I thought it was because of Covid, but then they explained to me that it was normal and that there is an specific day in the week when everything opens until late, I think it's the only thing that is still difficult for me 😂 On the other hand, life is more relaxed, especially when you walk down the street and most people are riding bicycles or sitting on the grass on a sunny day. I can also feel this at work, while in Spain life in the hotel industry can be quite chaotic.

What do you like to do in your free time? Any special advice?

My favorite plan is getting to know new places, I love walking for hours in a new place and observing situations that I don't understand but that make me smile, feeling so small and at the same time so big and the personal growth that this entails. It is very easy to move within the country, the public transport is great, every week I visit a different place and I still have much to discover.

I recommend visiting the tulip fields between April and May, it is something worth admiring, it is beautiful and does not last long.

Favourite Dutch product?

Right now I can't stop drinking Mango or Peach Ice tea, I love them 😋

Favourite Dutch word?

Gezellig. It is a word that defines a state of fullness and well-being that is difficult to explain, I have not yet found a similar term in Spanish.

How about getting around by bike?

At first it was a bit difficult to get used to it because I hadn't done it since I was little. In Spain I always moved around by bus or car. Also, since I'm quite small, all Dutch bikes were too tall for me, but I’ve learned and adapted very quickly 😂

Would you recommend this experience to other Spanish people?

Undoubtedly. At the moment the question arises “what if I move to another country?” you know that there is something inside you that asks you for more, you should not stay wondering what will happen or the giving into the fear of "failing". Whenever I want to do something but I don't dare to do it, I ask myself the same question: “what would you do if you weren't afraid?” In the worst case, by making mistakes, you will also learn something.

What advice would you give to someone moving to the Netherlands?

Step by step. The day I arrived I almost bought a train subscription, now I have my car here and don't need it. Don't rush into wanting to do everything as soon as possible. It is a learning process.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Do not forget to take the time to take care of yourself and value the great effort you are making and how much you have achieved, the rest will come, sooner or later.