It is a fact that the Netherlands is a country which hosts a lot of international students. Many young people come and set up a new life in the Netherlands with their colorful dreams, open minds and high motivation. However, according to all the feedbacks received from their part in many different surveys, can it be said that they are able to pursue their enthusiasm once settle in this country? Moreover, do they actually feel welcomed by the Dutch society?
In this article, as an international student studying in Rotterdam, I would like to mention my daily struggles and my different ways of coping with the subtle discrimination.
1. Dutch people always use the phrase “oh because they are internationals” as an insult. Why would having a different nationality than Dutch be an insult? What makes Dutch people better than other nationalities?
2. Even though we do not know the language, Dutch people insist on talking to us in Dutch. What is the point in this? If they really want us to learn Dutch, they should provide us the opportunity of taking classes. All the possible ones are highly expensive, which is a big financial obstacle for an international. In addition, they never engage with international students and never accept them in their friend groups. How are we supposed to learn Dutch when we cannot ever spend time together?
3. Housing problems. Being an international means either being homeless or paying rent nearly two times higher than the normal rent.
We come to this country with great hopes and in hopes of having a positive impact for the Netherlands. Thus, do you believe that what we receive in return is what we deserve?
As mentioned in the latest popular Netflix series “Wednesday”, outcasts are always accepted as the bad people. Then in this case, are internationals the outcasts?
