“We met for the first time when he had to go to Paraguay for work in 2008,” says Carolina. Online dating is normal these days, but this lady from Paraguay takes it to the next level: she met her current German husband online and moved to Rotterdam for him, where he lived. Still, they got married in Berlin. “That was easier for us. Because there is no Dutch embassy or consulate in Paraguay, but there is a German one.” She did an integration course in Germany and also arranged her papers there.
Still, they built a life together in the Netherlands. “I really like the Netherlands. It is very structured. I like that you stick to agreements and do what you say. That makes life easier. I also feel respected here by other people as a migrant. And also as a woman and as a mother. Also as an entrepreneur. I also feel support from the government for people who want to grow.” It is a big difference compared to Paraguay. “We experience and feel more there. Europeans are more pragmatic, plan more, look more to the future. In South America we live more in the moment. But every culture has something to give and that way we can create a beautiful society together.
Rotterdam
Her husband lived in Rotterdam, where they live together for fifteen years now. “Every beginning is difficult in a new city. But here in Rotterdam I really feel at home. The whole world comes together here. I remember the first time I was in the city alone, without my husband. Then I really thought: wow! Here you can experience everything; all languages, all the food, ways of living and thinking, and all that in one city.”
Future
She also loves nature in the city. “Like the Kralingse Bos. You can always go there with friends and the children.” She has two of them. What is important to Carolina is that they can build a beautiful future. “I think that is possible in Rotterdam. That could also have been possible in Paraguay, but that would have taken more time. You have to invest more there to have a good social position.” She wanted to find her place in the city as soon as possible. She wanted to learn Dutch, find a job and get to know new people.” No sooner said than done.
Language buddies forever
With hand gestures, she asked the municipality for an integration course. “I remember that woman looked at me really strangely, haha,” laughs Carolina. “Because I didn’t have to learn the language. But I did want to. Otherwise you go to a museum or the supermarket and you don’t understand anything. Or you want to work and that’s not possible.” She started language lessons. She liked that not only because she could learn the language that way, but also because of her classmates. “I got to know a lot of people from other countries there, such as Morocco and Asia. I’m still in touch with a few of them.”
Entrepreneurship and helping others
In addition to learning the language, she also tried to develop herself in other areas. “I am interested in art, literature and social aspects, so I looked for places where I could contribute in that area. That is why I found an association that promotes Latin/Spanish culture. They give lectures and have book clubs. I also started doing social work. I help vulnerable people who come to Rotterdam; who have problems with integration or finding a home. That makes me really happy. I have been doing that for 7 years now.”
Dare
Carolina has really thrown herself into the city and is now an indispensable part of Rotterdam. She advises other newcomers to do the same. “Dare to ask, dare to learn, dare to go to a concert or a café to meet other people. Because there is so much to experience and enjoy here. You never learn everything. There is always something to learn and experience in Rotterdam.”