Elbarbary: "I managed to feel at home in the Netherlands"

When Elbarbary and Yomna came to the Netherlands, they noticed a few things about Dutch culture. The Dutch are direct, make considered decisions and the Dutch drink alcohol regularly. Very different from what they were used to in their country of origin.

Elbarbary explains: "When the Dutch want to communicate a message, they say directly what they want. Communication in Egypt is much less direct." Yomna: "The Dutch are thoughtful. They weigh up advantages and disadvantages thoroughly before making a decision. Syrians tend to be much more impulsive."

Despite the significant differences between Dutch and Syrians, Yomna appreciates the Netherlands. "Living here in the Netherlands has opened my eyes to new perspectives on life. Earlier, my life revolved around social activities. In the Netherlands, I am much more concerned with building a career and earning money. In that, my perspective has really changed."

Yomna came to the Netherlands 7 years ago through family reunification with her mother. "I really had to take my time to learn the language and find work. Language and work have been very important in my integration process. Through my work I learned how to deal with many different cultures, especially the Dutch. I learned how to communicate with Dutch people."

Learning the Dutch language was also important for Elbarbary to understand the Netherlands and feel at home. But while he learned the Dutch language and formed friendships with Dutch people, he also stayed true to his own culture and religion.

Elbarbary: "I have always remained Muslim and kept my cultural values. For example, I never drink alcohol or eat pork. Although it is not easy to hold on to your religion and traditions as you would in your homeland, surrounded by your community. Here you see a lot of people drinking alcohol and eating pork. You can be influenced by that."

Even though Yomna and Elbarbary now feel at home in the Netherlands, the road to it was not easy. Elbarbary notes, "Integrating is more difficult now than before. Less naturally. Many requirements and rules have been added over the past 20 years. For example, if you want to get Dutch nationality, it is more difficult than before. You have to take integration exams now. You didn't have to do that before."

Yomna also feels that increased pressure to integrate, but the contact with people of her own culture has actually helped her. "Being in contact with people in the Netherlands who have the same native language and the same cultural values, I quickly felt at home and safe here. I felt I could keep my own identity in the Netherlands. And that feeling helped me integrate, it motivated me. Contact with people from your own culture and people from the Netherlands helps you integrate, in my opinion."