“This is a multicultural city where there is a lot to do,” says Lukman from Oman. He came to the Netherlands in 2020 to study for his bachelor’s degree. “Even in high school, I knew I wanted to study abroad.” And that was possible, because his government offered a scholarship to do so. “I chose Dutch because English is widely spoken here. In Germany, you have to study German, and in France, French. That was too difficult for me.”
After completing an English language course in the Netherlands, the coronavirus crisis broke out. He returned to Oman for a while but then came back to the Netherlands. He studied for a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering in Deventer but had to live in Enschede because of the housing crisis. “It was a long journey, but I made it,” he says proudly.
Large, expensive, and diverse city
After graduating, he was offered a job at the company where he completed his studies. This company was located in Rotterdam and helped Lukman move to the city. “It was really difficult. Lots of paperwork, lots of waiting. But in the end, it worked out.”
Lukman has now been living in Rotterdam for about eight months. “Deventer and Enschede felt like student cities and were smaller and quieter. Rotterdam is a big city, with a metro, tram, and lots of opportunities,” he says. “But it’s also more expensive than Enschede.” In addition to the prices, he is also struck by the number of nationalities he sees walking around. “In Muscat, where I live, you might see only 10 to 20 nationalities. And then people are often only there temporarily. You don’t see the diversity of Rotterdam anywhere else.”
He also sees that diversity reflected in his workplace, the World Trade Center in Rotterdam. “We have colleagues from more than 60 countries,” he says. “The working language is English.” That feels familiar to him. “It’s a very international atmosphere. That suits me well.”
In addition to the diversity, Lukman also appreciates the openness of people in Rotterdam. “People are direct. If something isn’t right, they say so.” He found that difficult at first, but now he sees the advantages. “It’s especially good at work. You know immediately where you stand. I’ve also learned to be more direct myself.” He now knows the good places in the city. “I like to go to the park here in the neighborhood when the sun is shining. And to good restaurants.”
In Oman with food and holidays
He keeps Muscat close through the food and holidays he grew up with at home. “I cook a lot; Omani, but also Italian, all kinds of things. It helps me relax,” he says. “I use a lot of spices and ingredients from Moroccan and Turkish shops. But sometimes I look for very specific things; I bring those with me from Oman.” During Islamic holidays, he goes to the mosque. “There’s a mosque close to my house. That feels good.”
After a few years, he wants to return to Oman. “I want to learn as much as possible here and then apply it there.” Even though he plans to stay here temporarily, he is devoted to Rotterdam. “If you’re looking for a multicultural city where there’s lots to do, this is a great place.” But he has a tip for others who want to come here: “Start looking for a place to live early. It can take months.”