Leidsche Dagblad

_{This article was published in the Leidsch Dagblad, a regional newspaper in The Netherlands in 2022. It has also been featured on the official accounts of the Leiden City Photographer (Stadsfotograaf) on facebook, instagram and on the official website of the newspaper. The English translation of the article is as follows:}

“Recently I started my own business as an intercultural trainer. At the moment some of my work is still online because some customers are from Asia, but I am busy expanding my local network. I specialize in working with highly educated so-called ‘trailing partners’. These are mostly women who come to the Netherlands because their husbands got a job here.

Diversity is so beautiful. My job is that of a bridge builder, in this case between the Dutch and another culture. In order to bring people from different backgrounds closer together, you have to be a good listener. It is a process where you as an individual can only take small steps. You have to have a lot of patience.

I understand very well how complex it is sometimes to live in another country. There are many uncertainties involved. The people you leave behind at home often think it’s one big party, because they don’t see the challenges. But they certainly are! Not only do you have to adapt to different manners, but you are also far from home. This has been especially difficult in recent years, because we were only allowed to travel a little.

I was the first in my family to go abroad. My story is different but no less unique. Since the beginning of 2009 I had been in contact with a Dutch man through an organization for old-fashioned pen pals – no dating app hassle, just nice long letter writing. A year later, we planned a trip to Europe with some friends from university, but one after the other fell out. Until I was left alone.

Then, as a 22-year-old, I bought a ticket to the Netherlands without telling my mother and to visit my pen pal. That visit was his suggestion. He was willing to show me his country. My mother was immediately concerned when I brought it up. What if he had bad intentions, maybe he was a human trafficker? But I’ve always been an independent woman, so I went anyway.

One thing led to another. We have been together for 12 years and I have lived in Leiden for five years. I think the Netherlands is a wonderful country to live in and I certainly see my future here. You are so nice and direct, you always know where you stand! I love that.”

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