Veronica’s adventures

Interview with Verónica Alejandra, a Galician who emigrated to the Netherlands at the age of 26.

• How many years did you live in Holland?

12 years

• You seem to have liked it… what city did you live in?

In several: Utrecht, Amersfoort, Amsterdam and Hilversum. Utrecht is my favourite, really beautiful and full of life.

• What type of education/experience did you have when you came to the Netherlands?

I had Bachelor in Administration and Finances. I had some work experience in hospitality and in administration and I could defend myself in English, although I really did loosen up here.

• What was your first job in The Netherlands?

In a distribution factory, preparing orders for stores.

• And the last one?

Accounting assistant

• What did you find the most challenging in the beginning?

Moving around with physical maps the first years, hahaha. As soon as Google Maps appeared, everything changed ;-)

• What did you like the most about working in the Netherlands?

Meeting people from all around the world, with very different experiences of life.

• Favourite Dutch food or product?

'Drop', the Dutch do know how to make the most delicious liquorice.

• Favourite Dutch word?

'Gezellig'. There is not really a good translation for it. It's kind of 'cozy' but it’s also more than that. It is what you feel (you actually say it) when you are in company of good friends/family in a nice environment and everything seems perfect.

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

I would go out to explore typical Dutch places or have a drink with 'expat' friends, enjoy art (there is so much to see and discover).

If you like music, don't miss the Amersfoort festivals!, especially the Jazz Festival and 'Into the Woods'.

• How about getting around by bike?

If someone like me with two left feet made it, anyone can, hahaha. Everything is flat, and that helps. Of course, do not venture to tell anyone to jump on your bike until you feel confident enough, if you do not have much strength or if you have not done it before, it would be a great chance for an embarrassing fall ;-)

• Would you recommend this experience to other Spanish people?

Without hesitation

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

Be open with the people and try to adapt to the culture :-)