Learn some Dutch
‘As you will spend some years in the Netherlands, consider making the effort to learn some Dutch. Regular and informal exchanges like those during breaks would surely help improve your language skills. Or attempt once more to find a compromise with your co-workers. Most Dutch people I meet are fairly open and just need to be approached.’
Philipp Oggiano, Master’s student of Organic Agriculture
One at the time
‘People are not always aware of how their behaviour affects others. Tell your colleagues that when they speak Dutch, it makes you feel left out. If you are hesitant to talk to them as a group, approach one co-worker at a time. To your colleagues I say: it is impossible to like everyone who crosses your path but that does not mean you should ignore other people’s feelings.’
Lisa Nguyen, Project leader for diversity & inclusion, Student Service Centre
Take a course
‘When I first started working at WUR I had similar struggles, so I decided to learn some Dutch. The university offers Dutch language courses and your chair group might even be willing to cover the costs. Then the next time your colleagues speak Dutch, use it as practice. Perhaps they will even understand your struggle better and switch to English during the breaks every once in a while.’
Louis König, PhD student of Forest Ecology and Forest Management
In’to Languages
‘Language and inclusion go hand in hand. Especially in an international environment like ours, we recommend that people speak the language that everyone present understands. So it would be nice if your colleague show their good will and remain welcoming by switching to English, including during breaks. Are you planning to stay for a longer period of time? Then we can help you familiarize yourself with the Dutch language (wur.nl/into), precisely for those conversations that are not just about work.’
Irene Jansen, Head of Wageningen in’to Languages
Disrespectful
‘Sadly, I often experience the same thing. Talk to your co-workers again about the language issue and be clear that their behaviour hurts you and is even disrespectful. If they still won’t include you, they are not worth talking to in my opinion and hopefully you will meet kinder people soon.’
Klaudia, International BSc Student
Impress them
‘Their behaviour is not fair, especially since living abroad is already difficult and isolated enough. One solution could be to learn basic Dutch. You can catch some words and ask questions. Or ask if they can speak slowly (“kun je langzaam praten?”)
This way, you’ll impress them with just a few words, which may cause them to make more of an effort to speak English.’
Marta Battistel, Master’s student of Biology
Next WURry:
Do you have any suggestions for this Wurrier? Or could you use some good advice yourself? Email your tips or question (100 words max) by 22 June to resource@wur.nl, subject line: noWURries.
