Navigating cultural crossroads

Author: Ana Carolina Jordão is a researcher at the Academy for Leisure & Events, and she is working on her PhD on how digital (enhancement) affects visitor experiences at events.

I am originally from Brazil, a country known for its rich culture and warm people, and my international journey began in 2013 when I moved to Ireland to study English. Living in Dublin for almost a year was my first taste of living abroad, and it sparked a desire in me to explore the world. 

After returning to my home country, I worked on two mega sports events, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and the 2016 Summer Olympics, with people from all over the world, and soon found myself craving more international experiences. This led me to Portugal, in 2017, where I completed my master's degree and worked in the tourism industry, staying for over four years. Between 2019 and 2022, my career working on international events gave me the opportunity to briefly live in three more incredible countries, Peru, the UAE, and Qatar, for around three months each. In each country I lived in, adapting to the local customs was an enriching experience that broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation of the world's diversity.

Starting my PhD at BUas
At the end of 2021, while working at the World Expo in Dubai, I received the great news that I had been selected to do my PhD at BUas. Arriving in Breda, in February 2022, marked a new chapter in my international journey. The city’s cobbled streets, cosy cafés, and academic atmosphere welcomed me with open arms, despite the chilly Dutch weather - a far cry from the sunny days of Rio! But behind the charming facade lay the fascinating challenge of adjusting to Dutch life and finding my place in this new environment.

One of the experiences that helped me most to ‘land’ in Breda was joining a Dutch band that plays Brazilian music. Being the only Brazilian in the group and seeing so many Dutch people immersed in my culture was an unexpected and unforgettable experience. It was a nice way to be introduced to some Dutch customs while staying connected to my own culture.

But the transition to Dutch life was not without its challenges. The straightforwardness and punctuality of the Dutch were some of the cultural differences that took me some time to get used to, in contrast to the very laid-back atmosphere in Brazil. Now I am quite used to the Dutch culture, and it has already led to some funny cultural shocks when I was interacting with my family and friends in Brazil, or when I go home and get frustrated at expecting things to be as organised as here. It has been quite an adjustment, to say the least!

The Dutch language
The language barrier has been one of the biggest hurdles I have faced so far. I know that English is widely spoken in the Netherlands and that it is possible to work at BUas if you only speak English. However, I have made very little progress in learning Dutch, and I feel that language is not just a means of communication, but a gateway to deeper integration within the community. Sometimes, feeling included feels like a puzzle that I am still putting together, especially when conversations within a group switch to Dutch. I hope that fluency in the language will deepen my connections and enrich my experience in Breda.

Speaking of the Dutch language, one word that I have learnt and that resonates deeply with me is gezellig, that warm, cosy feeling of togetherness that the Dutch cherish. Whether it is sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a leisurely stroll through Breda's charming streets, discovering gezellig moments has been a delightful adventure in itself!

As I reflect on my international journey - from the vibrant beaches of Rio to the tranquil canals of Breda - I am reminded of the transformative power of cultural exchange. With each new experience and encounter, I am reinforced in my belief that diversity is our greatest strength. While international experiences come with their own set of challenges, they also open up a world of opportunities and experiences that shape us in ways we could never have imagined. My international adventures have been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and learning. And here, in Breda, I have not only found a city to work and study in, but a place that feels more like home every day.

This article was published in Uncover Magazine - Internationalisation. You can read the complete magazine via this link.