Photo Guy Ackermans When I first arrived in the Netherlands for my studies, I was filled with anticipation, excitement and admittedly, a touch of nervousness. I had read about Dutch directness before, but nothing quite prepared me for the reality of it.
In India, we are taught to be polite, diplomatic, and careful with our words especially in academic and professional settings. We often layer our criticism in compliments, soften the blow with context, and approach disagreement with caution. So, when my Dutch classmate looked at our group project draft and said: ‘I guess we need to redo it, it is not perfect’, I froze. I wasn’t sure whether to be offended, defend my work, or just smile awkwardly.
That was my first culture shock.
Group work was another adjustment. Back home, group assignments often ended up being a solo effort disguised as teamwork. But here in the Netherlands, collaboration is taken seriously. Everyone is expected to contribute and if you lack somewhere, you will be told. One teammate told me: ‘May be the professors are not expecting this part, let’s change it a bit.’ But it was fair and necessary. I improved.
I learned that ‘good job’ isn’t something you hear unless it truly is good
Receiving direct feedback on my own work was probably the most challenging part. Whether it was a professor, a supervisor, or a peer reviewer, I learned that ‘good job’ isn’t something you hear unless it truly is good. ‘This part lacks structure’, ‘You need to be clearer’, or ‘What’s your main argument here?’ became normal. At first, I interpreted these comments as personal failures. But over time, I saw them for what they were opportunities to improve and learn. The result? The positive side of this pushed me to grow not just academically, but personally. I stopped fearing ‘directness’ and began appreciating its honesty.
More importantly, I learned a new way to communicate one that values clarity over comfort, honesty over hesitation. Dutch culture thrives on openness. What first felt blunt now feels refreshingly clear. It’s not rude it’s real. And once you get it, it clicks.
Because when voices are clear, ideas travel faster. And when truth speaks first, trust follows.
Arohi Natu, is a first year Master’s student Food Technology from India. She is a creative person who likes to try new things and also loves cooking, singing, painting and exploring new places.
