From the US to the Netherlands

Who are you and where are you from? 

Samantha and I originate from New York.

Where do you live now?

Hilversum, Netherlands .

Do you live with your family? 

I live with my Dutch partner.

How old are you?

26.

Share your reason for leaving your country. 

I left my country because my partner lives in the Netherlands and it was best for me to move to her. 

Were the adjustments difficult? 

Sometimes it was a real challenge while in other cases it was a breeze. It really depended on my mood and what the situation was before me.

What was the immigration process like (visas, work permits, residency, etc.)? 

I am going for my residency right now and waiting on the IND. 

Are you working?

Currently the IND was specific in stating I was not allowed to work while I wait.

What are the pros and cons of living in your new country? 

Pros: 

My partner is here and thrilled to finally be closer to her. The atmosphere here is amazing, the culture is great and I have a great time learning about it.

Cons:

The language I am still learning so that's a challenge. There are things I do miss about New York that I cannot get here. My family, but you just have to take in stride and know you made the right decision for yourself.

Do you miss 'home'? 

I miss my family but over all I don't miss my country. Don't get me wrong I have my days but it isn't horrid. 

Any advice to share?

Definitely need to keep an open mind about what is around you. Don't expect others to change for you rather you need to adapt and change to them, which can be hard, but it makes life easier here in the end. Don't be afraid to try new things, meet new people and visit different things about the country. Going to different cities, museums and what have you helps you to appreciate where you are a little more. And definitely don't shut out your old life and place of birth. Embrace this life here but keep in touch with loved ones and remember where you are from, its a part of you just as this country is now.

Any web resources to share?

I do a lot of web browsing. Reading about the country, its history and culture. I use yahoo search and google a lot to find the things I want to know. It makes it easier to mingle and fit in if I understand my surrounding better.