Many people have asked me why I choose to study in the Netherlands. When I reply that I fell in love with the country and the people when I was 18 years-old and touring around Europe, they think I'm joking and can't believe that I traded sunny Mexico for flat Netherlands. In many aspects the Netherlands and Mexico are completely the opposite, however, both countries are full of colorful and warm people.
For the Christmas break I flew to Mexico to spend two weeks with family and friends. The things that I enjoyed the most were a 20°C temperature, the food, and speaking in Spanish all day! This short visit made me realize how much I love my country and how Mexican I feel, but surprisingly it also made me feel very Dutch. Studying in Utrecht I have learnt a lot about Sustainable Development and also about Dutch people. I love that I have Dutch friends that have taught me about Sinterklas and the perfect pannekoek recipe. Mexicans are impressed by the fact that I can already speak een klein beetje Nederlands after only 5 months!
Studying in the Netherlands is not only an academic experience, but also a personal one. The Dutch and people from other countries that I have met in Utrecht have showed me a different way to see the world and to approach life. I've fought my own idiosyncrasy and expanded my limits. Only now, I’ve become aware of how much the Utrecht days have influenced my life and my thinking.
I am Mexican but, right now, I also feel a little bit Dutch… Tot de volgende keer.
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