“When I first really explored Rotterdam, I was surprised by the mix of old and new and the international atmosphere,” says Serdar from Uzbekistan. After completing high school in his country in 2017, he left to pursue a bachelor’s degree in economics in the Netherlands. “I had already attended an international school in Uzbekistan. So after that, I wanted to work abroad for an international company.” After his bachelor’s degree, he pursued his master’s degree in another country: Belgium. Nevertheless, he returned to the Netherlands afterward. “I chose the Netherlands because of the quality of education, the organized society, and the safety. It felt like a place where I could grow both professionally and personally.” He found work in international shipping in Rotterdam.
Architecture and an international atmosphere
His first visit to Rotterdam exceeded his expectations. “I’d heard that Rotterdam wasn’t safe and that the city had been largely rebuilt after the war. But when I cycled around here, I was impressed by the mix of modern and old architecture. Rotterdam is raw, old and new at the same time.”
He appreciates the city’s international atmosphere, especially within his work in shipping: “People from all over the world work in my company. It’s a professional advantage, and it’s also interesting to be surrounded by so many different cultures.” Nevertheless, he advises other Rotterdam residents to look beyond that professional field. “Look outside your own international bubble. That way you really get to know the city and its people.”
Cultural differences and integration
Sardor notices major differences between Dutch culture and that of Uzbekistan, especially in directness and social interaction. “The Dutch are direct, which I admire. In Uzbekistan, people play social game. We are nice to people, even when it’s better to tell a person they’re wrong or to have a bit of a conflict. Sometimes it’s good to just act up, but also sometimes that can be annoying and counter productive in in revolving issues. Here openness and efficiency are valued, i appreciate that.” He retains some traditions from his homeland, such as respect for elders and politeness to women. “If my grandmother in Uzbekistan tells us something, than that’s the way it is.”.
Respect, directness, and curiosity
Although he sees his future in Rotterdam, Sardor remains realistic and open-minded. For example, he still has to learn some Dutch. “In my company we speak English. But still, i think it is useful to be able to speak some Dutch to locals here.”
Respect, directness, and curiosity about others are core to his values, both at home and in his new city. “Rotterdam also has these values through its international community and open culture. That’s why I can find my place here.”