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 students wearing hijabs. In Brazil, the main religions are Catholicism and Evangelicalism, and I hadn’t been exposed to many other faiths. The hijab was unfamiliar to me and represented a culture and belief system I had yet to understand. This difference highlighted how sheltered my experiences in Brazil had been, where cultural diversity exists but is not as prominently reflected in daily life. Since then, I have known that I was interested in culture and wanted to learn more about it. That is one of the reasons why I chose Global Communication as my major; it would help develop my cultural competence even more. However, to do so, it was necessary for me to find out what my own norms and values were, as well as those of the people around me.
Understanding of cultural differences throughout the Hofstede's dimensions
In my regional cultural studies course, I developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of diversity and cultural differences. Exploring Hofstede's dimensions significantly broadened my perspective on how values and behaviors differ between cultures, particularly in relation to societal elements like class. This course not only heightened my sensitivity to cultural subtleties but also underscored the necessity of being adaptable when engaging with various environments. When I went to a Dutch primary and high school I encountered way more cultural differences, than when studied at an international school. To explore and clarify these differences, I will employ Hofstede's cultural dimensions, a framework that offers important perspectives on how cultures vary in significant areas like individualism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance (see figure 1). Through an analysis of these dimensions, I intend to highlight the distinctive features of Brazilian and Dutch cultures, demonstrating how they influenced my journey of adaptation in a new setting.
Figure 1: Country comparison tool
From Collectivism to Individualism
In Brazil, working as part of a group was always a key aspect, whether in school or during social events. I recall doing group assignments where everyone was expected to participate equally, and the success of the group was prioritized over individual accomplishments. When I moved to the Netherlands, I observed that my classmates were more inclined to work on their own. During group projects, each person had their own responsibilities, with a clear focus on individual efforts. Unlike what I was used to, where most decisions were made collectively, my Dutch classmates often made choices individually and then shared them with the group, showing a more individualistic approach (Browaeys & Price, 2019).
Navigating Hierarchies and Relationships
Furthermore, In Brazil, there is a significant respect for hierarchies, with a clear separation between those in authority and their subordinates. In contrast, the Netherlands has a much lower power distance, placing great value on equality, even in relationships between students and teachers. When I lived in Brazil, it was common for teachers and authority figures to be shown a lot of formal respect, and their opinions were rarely challenged. However, after moving to the Netherlands, I encountered a much more informal classroom atmosphere. I recall a parent-teacher meeting where Dutch parents spoke casually with the teachers, treating them almost like peers. In Brazil, these meetings were more formal, with a noticeable distance between parents and teachers. Dutch students were encouraged to question ideas and use informal language with teachers, something I gradually had to adjust to
Dress Codes and School Culture
In terms of uncertainty avoidance, Brazil ranks higher than the Netherlands. This can be seen in practices like the use of school uniforms, which are common in Brazil to address social inequality and avoid students comparing themselves based on their clothing. On the other hand, Dutch schools tend to be more lenient regarding dress codes, which reflects a lower level of uncertainty avoidance. There is less focus on controlling every detail, giving students more freedom to choose their attire. Brazil’s uniform policy is aimed at promoting equality and easing any tension that might come from visible economic disparities among students. It also contributes to maintaining order and discipline, aligning with Brazil's approach of managing uncertainty through clear rules and structures. In contrast, the Netherlands, with its lower uncertainty avoidance, fosters a more laid-back school environment, with fewer rules about appearance, prioritizing individualism and personal responsibility
Adapting to a New Culture
Adjusting to Dutch culture meant I had to actively navigate some notable differences. At first, I found the direct way of communicating quite challenging, especially since I was accustomed to the warmth and indirectness of Brazilian interactions. Over time, though, I grew to value the Dutch emphasis on honesty and straightforwardness, which encourages open conversations without worrying about offending others. Interacting with a diverse group of classmates and getting involved in school activities helped me bridge these cultural divides. I began to embrace the individualistic aspects of my new surroundings, finding a balance between my collective mindset and a focus on personal accountability. While I adapted more easily to some elements of Dutch culture, others prompted me to create strategies to cope. In the end, this experience highlighted the significance of adaptability and cultural awareness, enabling me to integrate my Brazilian heritage with my emerging Dutch identity and connect meaningfully with individuals from various backgrounds
Conclusion
My transition from Brazil to the Netherlands has profoundly influenced my perspective on cultural diversity and identity. The obstacles I encountered while adapting to a new setting have enhanced my appreciation for both Brazilian and Dutch cultures. As I navigated the varying communication styles, social systems, and cultural norms, I learned how to adjust while staying true to my origins. This journey has highlighted the significance of flexibility and cultural awareness in our increasingly interconnected world, providing me with essential skills to engage with individuals from various backgrounds. Ultimately, accepting my dual identity has greatly enriched my life, leading to a deeper understanding of both my Brazilian roots and my new environment in the Netherlands.
References
Browaeys, M.-J., & Price, R. (2019). Understanding Cross-Cultural Management (Fourth Edition). Pearson. https://archive.org/details/understandingcro0O000brow_qé8s0O
Country comparison tool. (n.d.). https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool?countries=brazil%2Cnetherlands
Monteiro, S. (2024, March 17). Culture and influence in the workplace: Individualism vs Collectivism. peoplehum. https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/culture-and-influence-in-the-workplace-collectivism-individualism
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