When I first arrived in Cluj-Napoca, Romania for my Erasmus semester, I expected a fun adventure but didn’t anticipate how much it would challenge my sense of self. Coming from the Netherlands, where independence and efficiency are highly valued, I thought I knew who I was. But living abroad forced me to rethink these aspects of my Dutch identity.
From Independence to Interdependence
In the Netherlands, independence is a cornerstone of our culture. From a young age, we’re taught to be self-sufficient and handle challenges alone. I embraced this, always proud of my ability to navigate life on my own. But in Romania, I quickly noticed how much more intertwined people’s lives were. Whether it was a classmate offering help with a project or a friend inviting me to a family dinner, there was a stronger sense of community here. Initially, I resisted asking for help, but over time, I realized that relying on others doesn’t make you weaker—it can strengthen connections.
Reevaluating Dutch Efficiency
Dutch culture is efficient and goal-oriented. We’re taught to stay on track and prioritize time, often at the expense of emotional connection. But in Romania, I observed a different approach. People took time in conversations, lingered over meals, and seemed less focused on being productive at all costs. This made me question whether we sometimes lose sight of what’s important in our rush to get things done. While efficiency is valuable, I’ve learned to appreciate that life isn’t always about checking off tasks—it’s also about building meaningful relationships.
A More Balanced View of Myself
Living in Cluj-Napoca didn’t change who I am, but it expanded my perspective. I’ve learned that while independence is important, so is community and emotional connection. I still value my Dutch background, but I now understand that true strength comes from knowing when to lean on others and when to take a step back and let life unfold.
As my Erasmus experience comes to an end, I feel more balanced—rooted in my Dutch identity but open to new ways of thinking and being. Erasmus didn’t just teach me about Romania; it helped me better understand who I am and what I value.
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