Gaining experience without the pressure to perform

Due to circumstances, Ali had to flee from Syria, and he arrived in the Netherlands in June 2017. “My expectations were to have a better life, live in a safe country, and have a chance to live. Doing volunteer work has helped me a lot here.”Since Ali has been living in the Netherlands, he has done various volunteer work. “Volunteering has brought me a lot. It is a beautiful way to get to know the new language and culture in a warm, loving environment. This way, you gain experience in the Dutch system without the pressure to perform, it is less stressful. Moreover, you get to know people and build a social network. Volunteering isbreaking the icefor a fresh start.” Ali’s favorite experience with volunteering so far has been organizing a weekly language café. “I enjoy bringing different people together to create a cozy and positive atmosphere. I find it fascinating to learn about cultures. For example, I am curious about the types of food, customs, and social interactions, it broadens your view of the world.”

Cozy, Eighty-eight

His favorite Dutch word? “At one point, I stuck the wordcozybehind almost every sentence I spoke. Furthermore, I am a fan of words with a g, like the word ‘eighty-eight’. With the letter g, you can express your emotions and thereby convey what you are feeling at that moment.”

Step out of your comfort zone

Ali also has tips for other newcomers. “Step out of your comfort zone and be open to new things. Try to talk to different people than those with the same background as you. Many people are willing to help, you just have to ask. By stepping out of your own bubble, you create more opportunities for yourself. Learn to understand your new country and culture.”

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Ali also provides a number of practical tools to learn the Dutch language. “Check daily how many percent you speak Dutch and how many percent you speak your own language. If you don’t speak Dutch, you will never learn the language. Don’t have too high expectations of yourself. Try to convey what you have in your head with the words you know and possibly use your hands and feet as well. So, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, don’t be ashamed of them. You should be proud of yourself for learning something new.”

Ali is doing very well now. He has mastered the Dutch language and is now studying at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. “I study Engineering Product Development, a creative and technical program that suits me perfectly. Yes, I have seized that opportunity to live with both hands!”

Photo: Huub Zeeman
Text: Eva Bos

Are you also interested in volunteering?

In our online job board, there are about 1000 fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities in the city. For everyone’s talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsVCA is committed to new Amsterdammers. We do this together with volunteer organizations, Municipality of Amsterdam, language schools, and a team of ambassadors in theProject Status Holders:No content to translate.hereRead more about it. This project has been made possible by: