Laura Ernest

What has made you more appreciative of your home country?

During my time in Gainesville, I’ve really come to realize how unique Dutch culture actually is. One of the biggest things I noticed is transportation. In the Netherlands, I cycle almost everywhere and public transport is super reliable, especially for getting to school. In the US, it’s completely different. Hardly anyone cycles, and public transport isn’t something you can really rely on! It’s been a fun change, but it’s definitely made me appreciate how easy and sustainable things are back home. Another big difference is how we communicate. In the Netherlands, we’re very direct and we say what we think. Here in the US, people tend to be more indirect or careful with their words. It’s a small thing, but it really stood out to me.

How do you get involved in your local community in your country of exchange?

 There were plenty of opportunities to meet people and get involved at the University of Florida, especially through the student activities they organized. I joined quite a few of them, which really helped me settle in. I also signed up for a weekly newsletter that listed local events, from live music to special tours at the zoo, so there was always something going on. On top of that, I’ve been lucky with my housemates! They’re very social and often invite me to join them for different things, which has made it easier to meet new people. I’ve learned that being open and saying yes to invitations makes a big difference. It really helps to put yourself in situations where you can connect with others.

Chayti Biswas

What has made you more appreciative of your home country?

When I first stayed in the Netherlands, I felt homesick at the beginning. I tried to stay connected to my cultural roots, but unfortunately, there weren’t many Bengali-Hindu communities around in the Netherlands. This lack of cultural familiarity made me more appreciative of my home country, especially in NYC, where I always felt a strong sense of belonging and community.

What lesson will you take back with you to your home country?

One important lesson I’ll take back is the value of reaching out and making the effort to connect with others. I was fortunate to have a good friend, Stacy, who invited me to travel to a nearby city in the Netherlands. Saying yes to that opportunity opened the door to many more travel adventures, especially with another close friend, Kutina. These experiences taught me how meaningful friendships can grow from simply saying yes and being open to new experiences. I hope to grow to be a person who tries to get involved with various types of communities and to help invite others to share these experiences with me.