Going Dutch!, by Nadia Dubé, Canada to The Netherlands

Remember to make “PALS” during your postdoctoral training: Planning and Patience, Autonomy, Language, Smiling and Sharing are the keys to a successful and fruitful experience!.

This is the first expression I learned when I arrived in The Netherlands. It basically means that everyone should pay for his own bill at the restaurant. Very informative since one should really consider to take care of himself when going abroad for postdoctoral training.

Planning and Patience
Where do I want to go and which subject thrills me the most? Choosing your lab and supervisor can be arduous. I visited the lab where I currently work the year before I started. I spoke to the people around and got a good impression of how the research was conducted. The supervisor and I discussed about potential avenues for my project. Then, I went into the spiral of fellowship applications…fastidious but worth it!

Then, I looked up at the immigration procedure. It is mandatory to get as much information as you can before you arrive to your destination. Saves you from the unexpected, as most of the immigration related issues just work differently in a foreign country. So, I left Montreal (Canada) to come to Utrecht (Netherlands) earlier this year. I contacted the lab a few months before my arrival; they arranged my work permit and offered me some housing. I also made sure I understood the whole immigration procedure before I left Canada and ensured I had all the necessary documents. I didn’t require a visa to enter the country, but I needed to apply for a residence permit following my arrival in The Netherlands. I followed the procedure: meeting at the municipality, I paid, and I waited. Then, about three weeks later, I got a letter confirming that I applied for my residence permit and I was able to obtain an appointment to get a “sofi nummer” (social security number), which is critical to open a bank account, and to get your fellowship stipend. To my surprise, I had a bank account opened in less than two months, which ended up to be quite fast. However, one weird issue is that postdoctoral fellows most of the time are positioned into a “gray” zone in terms of immigration or income taxes. Make sure you understand which rules apply to your situation. At this point in the story, I realized that planning and patience are close friends when moving abroad!

Autonomy
You have to make your own way into the lab. Don’t get disorientated by the amount of time and effort it takes to get acquainted with your colleagues, to determine and design your project, and to find your way into the lab. I experienced some demanding periods but I seriously think I forgot the pressure I felt when I first started my doctoral studies. It was basically the same at the beginning, except I was in my own country at that time, surrounded by my family and friends, and interacting with people in my mother tongue most of the time. I took a step back and I thought about it: I realized that I have been going through this typical phase each time I worked in a new lab, so no need to panic. The rule is: You start from scratch whenever you move to another lab. It might sound difficult at first but it is a great learning experience to deal with new projects and different people. Time is a key to your adaptation. Don’t be afraid or shy to ask people around in the lab, it really helps. But don’t expect to be the most important and only matter on their “to do” list. They have other stuff going on and sometimes can’t offer you all the time you expect. As well, don’t anticipate that people will get so enthusiastic about your arrival. They don’t know who you are, and it takes time to bond. Consider your new environment as challenging and it will hopefully soon become rewarding. My supervisor once told me: “You are working for yourself”. I think this is what it is all about. Postdoctoral training is a very attractive and motivating period but you also have to take responsibility for yourself. Autonomy is one of the keys!

Language
Learning the language remains, to my opinion, a major part of your integration into the society and social network. I am French and English speaking but I found essential to learn the language. Therefore, I arranged an intensive Dutch course before I left home (see the “planning” section!). Studying Dutch and taking care of immigration business were my only duties during the first six weeks I was in The Netherlands. It also provided me with a good break in between the craziness of finishing a Ph.D., moving abroad, and starting in a new lab. I enjoyed that period a lot more than I would have expected. Now I realize that speaking Dutch is helping me on a daily basis, either to follow conversations or in any type of situation. Opening yourself to a new culture is very exciting and it is a mean of making new friends as well.

Smiling and Sharing
Finally, in order to handle the distance that separates you from your family, friends, and language, try to appreciate the good aspects of your everyday life in your new country (independence, weather, food, quietness, work schedule, new friends, etc). Think about and focus on the positive sides of this wonderful adventure of living abroad. Otherwise, you might feel sad, desperate, and ready to jump into the next plane flying to your home country! I sometimes take advantage of the proximity of the surrounding countries and travel during the weekend. I discovered people and landscapes I would never have encountered if I stayed home. Additionally, you can meet and share your experience with other fellows through different foreigner unions and the various social activities they organize.

Remember to make “PALS” during your postdoctoral training: Planning and Patience, Autonomy, Language, Smiling and Sharing are the keys to a successful and fruitful experience! In summary, going abroad for a postdoc is such a fantastic experience that I sincerely recommend it. Enjoy!

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