Homesick, hardworking, loud, fun-loving, humorous, enthusiastic and naughty: these best describe the six Erasmus ambassadors from Spain at the Faculty of Chemical Technology.
Raquel, Christina, Maria, Samuel, Jose, and Enric, hailing from two different universities in Barcelona, are on a six-months' programme to the UT and it has been so-far-so-good for all of them. When asked about the gains from the experience, straight comes the answer from witty Raquel, 'I gained weight' and she blames 'stroopwafels'. 'I like them very much and I am taking 17 packets for my family and friends', Raquel says excitedly. She adds further, 'The independence in my life, now, is something that I am simply enjoying.' Listing another advantage of the Erasmus adventure, Raquel boasts, 'I have learnt to tolerate all sorts of people around me and this is really going to help me in the future.'
The shy Christina is contented with her new life though she does miss her family and friends. She asserts, 'I have improved my English during my stay here.'
Although glad with the punctuality of the public transport, Maria adds rather unhappily, 'The transport fares are cheaper in Spain.' When asked about the difference between the Spanish and the Dutch, she says with caution, 'The Spanish are more spontaneous and loud. There is lot of warmth in our day-to-day interactions.' She is enjoying her confrontation with various cultures though.
Having lived a busy life back home, Samuel complains, 'The day darkens by 6 p.m. after which there's nothing much to do except for chattering in our accommodation's kitchen, the place to socialise.' Samuel adds, 'The shops close so early and after that there is really nothing interesting to left to watch.'
Shocked with the good traffic sense all around, Jose states, 'Drivers, here, have lot of respect and care for people on bikes unlike Spain.' 'Sunlight and a hot lunch,' are the two typical Spanish attributes that Jose misses most here.
Impressed with his foreign experience, Enric says, 'I would like to work abroad for a couple of years and then settle in Spain forever.' This feeling of not-wanting-to-leave-Spain is echoed by all of them. They agree unanimously, 'We miss the warmth of the Spanish climate and our people.'
Clean surroundings, systematic functioning and the omnipresent trustworthiness in the Netherlands have astonished them immensely. Maria illustrates, 'Throwing away cigarette buds anywhere, after smoking, is a common sight in Spain.'
If they were given a chance to improve the existing Erasmus programme, they would definitely change the amount of money they are getting, which, according to them is hardly enough for six months. Finally, when this lively group was asked about the popularity of the Las Ketchup song, all their heads went down in shame. In unison: 'There is much more to Spanish music than just Las Ketchup. This song is not at all representative. The lyrics of the song are simply stupid and the popularity is just due to the rhythm and beats. We have better singers in Spain.' Assertive indeed.
Vijay Iyer
The six from Barcelona take the plunge into Dutch life. From left to right Jose, Raquel, Samuel, Christina, Enric and Maria.
