The European Dream : Round Trip Only

The goal was always clear: finish school, get a degree, do a master's abroad, and then settle down in that country. This "dream" was what got me through hours of studying, research, and applications. After countless sleepless nights and a few panic attacks, my "dream" materialized. Scholarship in hand and with 2 suitcases half my height, I flew to the land of windmills and bicycles.

Here I am, happy as can be in the most stunning country ever. The Netherlands is beautiful. It has gorgeous landscapes, great connectivity, state-of-the-art technology, and relatively friendly people, too.

A few weeks in, none of that mattered. I was the youngest in my class and didn't know a soul. I cycled 14 km every day to and from university in rain, snow, and hail. I barely knew Dutch and  got scammed for money more than once. But I persevered. 

Eventually, friends were made. They were godsent and I love them all dearly. Things got better until I realized my landlord was crazy, which forced me to leave, essentially rendering me homeless.

That was my breaking point. Apart from the academic pressure, I was lonely and had experienced quite a bit of racism (that's a story for another day). Thankfully, some of my closest friends there opened their home and hearts and let me crash on their couch until I found a new place. They were struggling with broken roofs, insufficient heating, and mould (poor housing for internationals is a real crisis) but their kindness is what kept me going.

After relentless apartment hunting, I found a lovely place that had this view of the sunset every day. I also found four new friends in my flatmates.

Bottom line being, I was happy but not content. I missed being around my family and friends, the broodje kaas (cheese sandwich) culture was killing me, and job opportunities for foreigners outside tech were slim.

After much contemplation, I made the most non-Indian decision ever and decided to return home after my master's. While the job market in India is also questionable, I chose to struggle in a place where I felt grounde rather than stay in a country where I felt unfulfilled and purposeless. It is hands down the best decision of my life.

I know many people who have lived abroad and are doing very well. However, there's a lot that the successful people don't tell you (I'll touch up on this in a different post). This journey isn't a level playing field, and I learnt that the hard way. I had a good time abroad, travelled, met new people, and got my master's (yay). But living there is a whole different ball game.

Every choice comes with its consequences; it's just a question of what you choose to live with. So, do as you please, and sometimes going against the status quo can make you happier than ever. As the Dutch say, I hope your week is gezellig ✨