Cultural Differences and Adaptation: A Brazilian’s Journey in the Netherlands
A Life-Changing Move Moving from Brazil to the Netherlands at the age of 12 marked a crucial turning point in my life, initiating a fascinating journey characterized by cultural contrasts and adjustments. The primary reason for this major shift was my Dutch stepfather, who resided in the Netherlands. I had no idea that this change would bring about a variety of cultural shocks along the way. The Cultural Shock When I arrived in the Netherlands, my first experience was at an international school. Having never left Brazil before, I found this new environment to be quite overwhelming. The school was a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, which was both thrilling and intimidating. While I was used to the diverse appearances of Brazilians—who come in various shades from white to black to light skin—it was the behaviors and customs of my new classmates that genuinely astonished me. One striking aspect of my cultural shock was seeing s...