Interview with an International: Ahmed
When Ahmed first landed in the Netherlands, he was no stranger to change. Originally from Sudan but raised in Saudi Arabia, he had already lived a life marked by movement—from his studies in chemical engineering in Saudi Arabia to a Master’s degree in Sweden. Yet, it was Leiden that would become his next chapter.
His path to the Netherlands wasn’t typical. After completing his studies in Sweden, Ahmed found himself fascinated by the idea of living in the Netherlands, though he had never visited. The job opportunities seemed ripe, and in January, everything fell into place: he received an offer and packed his bags for Leiden.
Leiden: A Perfect Mix of Small-Town Charm and Big-City Vibes
Ahmed’s first impressions of Leiden were nothing short of delightful. Having lived in larger cities, he found Leiden to be a refreshing change—a place that managed to feel like a cozy town with all the perks of a big city. "It’s like a mini-Amsterdam, but without the hectic lifestyle". He found comfort in the city’s beautiful canals, especially as he walked along them, taking in the picturesque views that Leiden is known for. He soon realised that the mix of locals and internationals created a welcoming vibe that made him feel at home.
"I was surprised by how many internationals there are in Leiden," he says. "Even in the smaller towns, you find people from all over the world. It’s such a diverse place."
The Cycling Challenge and Language Barriers
But settling into a new city isn’t always as easy as the first impression suggests. For Ahmed, the cold and grey weather of January presented an unexpected challenge. Coming from the warmer climates of Saudi Arabia, he found it difficult to adjust to the chill of the Dutch winter.
The Dutch passion for cycling also caught him off guard. "When I first heard that everyone here cycles, I was a bit intimidated," Ahmed admits. "I wasn’t the best at it, and I wasn’t sure if I could keep up." Despite his initial hesitation, he gradually found himself growing more comfortable with cycling—though he’s still not quite brave enough to tackle the streets of bigger cities like Amsterdam.
Aside from the weather and cycling, the language barrier was another hurdle. While many people in the Netherlands speak English, Ahmed knew that to truly integrate, he’d need to learn Dutch. "It’s been tough, but I’m taking classes," he says. "It’s going slowly, but I’m getting there." He also mentions that the directness of the Dutch people, which can sometimes be seen as blunt, actually resonated with his own personality. It was refreshing to communicate without having to second-guess intentions.
Finding Community: Blues Dancing and Basketball
In the midst of the challenges, Ahmed found ways to make Leiden feel like home. One of his first adventures was stepping into a blues dancing class, something he had never done before. "I was a complete beginner, but I wanted to meet people, and dancing seemed like a fun way to do it. Now, I’m really enjoying it, and I’ve met some great people through the class."
Ahmed is also a big fan of sports. Although he didn’t join any formal sports clubs, he took advantage of the basketball courts near his home. "I just head out, and if I see people playing, I join in," he says. It’s his way of staying active and connecting with others who share the same interest.
The Heart of Leiden: Favourite Spots and Hidden Gems
As Ahmed’s time in Leiden grew, so did his love for the city. He’s found a few favourite spots that reflect his personality and his growing connection to the town. "I really like Huigpark," he shares. "It’s close to where I live, and it has a basketball court and even a spot to practice cycling." He also enjoys a few local cafés, especially one called “the North End”, where he can catch a football game on the big screen. "I’m a huge football fan," he says. "It’s the perfect spot to watch matches."
But it’s not just the familiar places that have captured his heart. Ahmed recently visited Volendam, a quaint fishing village north of Amsterdam, and he found it to be his favourite spot so far. "It’s a small place, just one street, but the seafood is amazing, and there’s so much history. It’s very quiet, and there are no internationals — it felt like a real escape."
The Netherlands Feels Like Home
Despite the initial challenges, Ahmed has found his rhythm in Leiden. The city, with its blend of history, culture, and community, has offered him everything he was looking for. He enjoys the work-life balance that the Netherlands promotes, where you can focus on your career while still having time to enjoy your personal life. His positive experiences have only strengthened his decision to stay here long-term.
"I feel at home here," Ahmed says, reflecting on his journey. "Leiden is just the perfect place to settle in. It’s small, everything is close by, and the people are so welcoming. I was worried at first that I wouldn’t meet other internationals, but the Meet&Mingles really helped me find my community."
Looking ahead, Ahmed plans to stay in the Netherlands for as long as possible. "I’m really happy with how everything’s going," he says. "I feel like I’ve found my place here."
