Dear Mesa West Rotary Club,
Greetings from Tilburg, The Netherlands! I have been here for exactly two months now and it is crazy how fast time is flying by! I am having such a phenomenal time and I wanted to take a moment to share what I have been up to with all of you wonderful people who helped get me here!
When I walked out of the baggage claim at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam I was greeted with open arms (quite literally), tons of smiles, and by a group of kind people. Since then, that kindness has carried out as I have developed wonderful relationships with both my host family and the Rotary District here. My first host family is absolutely amazing and I feel so much at home and a part of the family. Along with my host family, the Rotarians here are beyond supportive and have really showed me that regardless of where you are in the world, you can always find a Rotarian willing to help and believe in you!
Since being here, I have already had the opportunity to travel around The Netherlands a lot. Given that the entire country is much smaller than all of Arizona, I find ease in taking a 1-2 hour train ride to get to the other side of the country! I have visited Zeeland, Meppel, Giethoorn, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven; all amazing cities here in The Netherlands offering different parts of Dutch culture. I have also gone outside of my country and been to Belgium a handful of times, once to visit the European Parliament in Brussels, and will visit London in November with my school.
Speaking of Dutch culture, there are so many amazing things I have really enjoyed since I’ve been here! The food is phenomenal, from the delicious cheese made freshly from the village next door to hagelslag, yummy chocolate sprinkles you eat for breakfast. I have indulged in each new experience that comes my way. Also, I have really enjoyed riding my bike everywhere, with it has come a new sense of freedom. My favorite experience so far has been visiting the Rijksmuseum and seeing so many famous paintings! As far as learning the language, mijn Nederlands is heel goed! The hardest part about learning the language is the pronunciation, but I’m working really hard. It helps that all my classes are taught in Dutch and I hear it all day. I may not understand much now, but I know that I will by the end of the year. In the meantime, I’ve really perfected the smile and nod for whenever someone says something you don’t understand or offers you something you don’t know.
Even though my exchange year is still in the beginning, it has already provided me with some of the best experiences in my life. I have made some truly amazing friends in the kids at my school and the other exchange students! We all have so much in common and have the most fascinating conversations as we share about our personal experiences and culture.
I am truly thankful to be here on this unique experience, and I owe all my thanks to the Rotarians at Mesa West. Thank you for believing in me year after year and always being so willing to support my crazy dreams. I appreciate you so much Mesa West and I look forward to updating you more throughout my exchange year!
Much love,
-Colton Cagle
Exchange Student to The Netherlands