No to Dutch bread, yes to Dutch directness

From Germany to the Netherlands, the journey is relatively short. Yet, when moving from one country to another — albeit neighboring ones — even the slightest differences can be felt. On the other hand, settling in is easier.

Nicolas Daub, a Postdoc researcher at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), made the move six and a half years ago to pursue a PhD in flow batteries — a type of battery where energy is stored in liquid electrolytes, such as water. After earning a master’s degree in organic chemistry, he sought to continue his career in academia.

Dutch Diaries

Getting a job opportunity, moving to a new country, and settling in are three moments every expat has experienced. But how does the Netherlands look in the eyes of the foreigners who move here for work? In our new series, Dutch Diaries, we bring the stories of expats who moved to the Netherlands to work in the tech and innovation sectors. Why did they decide to come here? What do they like the most about the Netherlands? What would they change?

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Why did you choose to move to the Netherlands?

“I didn’t like the way PhD careers were structured in Germany. There, PhD tracks only last three years, and one can only focus on a specific research aspect. In my case, I should have focused either on producing a material or using an existing material for a given application. I wanted to be involved in every step of the process, so I decided to explore opportunities abroad. So I also decided to apply for a position at the TU/e.”

What do you recall about your first time coming to Eindhoven?

“I came for the first time for the first PhD interview, and I recall that day as a terrible one. It was pouring, and I wasn’t happy about how the interview went. On top of that, I remember my father nearly running over a cyclist with the car.

A few days later, I asked my supervisor to conduct the interview again. A few weeks later, I came back, this time with my best friend. It was a sunny fall day, and I met more people within the research group. That finally convinced me to accept the offer.”

German and Dutch cultures share many similarities. Was there anything that surprised you?

“Food culture is quite different. For instance, the concept of sharing food as bitterballen — a typical Dutch meat-based snack usually served with drinks — is not something I was used to. Additionally, I learned to bake my bread, as I prefer not to eat Dutch bread. In Germany, there is a lot of sourdough bread, while in the Netherlands, it is not that common.”

How has your academic experience been?

“I found a pleasant environment within my research group, led by Professor René Janssen, who sought to foster a family-like atmosphere. I felt accepted, and my colleagues have always been willing to assist me with various projects or even just reading a letter from the bank. The lab was well-equipped to conduct experiments.

Although I didn’t study in the Netherlands, I came to notice the differences between the two university systems. In Germany, after failing a course three times, one is barred from that study track in the country. It is pretty harsh, whereas in the Dutch system, such a thing does not exist. You can graduate even ten years after starting your study track.”

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What are the pros of living in the Netherlands?

“In Germany, I used to have issues with being too blunt in my communication. In the Netherlands, this has never been the case. I am a fan of Dutch directness because being honest and straightforward makes you much more efficient.”

What habit would you bring to the Netherlands from Germany and vice versa?

“I feel German people tend to be more disciplined, although I think this attitude is fading away with the new generations. I admit this is a very high-level complaint, but some extra discipline in some contexts wouldn’t hurt.

Typically, Dutch people possess excellent time management skills and can accomplish a significant amount of work within the time allocated to a given task. To this end, in meetings, for instance, they typically state at the beginning that they only have half an hour available for that session. In Germany, people tend to be less strict in this regard, and meetings often run over time.”

Do you see yourself living in the Netherlands in the future?

“I think so. Having a Dutch fiancée, speaking the language, and now being integrated into the society, I would stay.”