My name is Thasni Thahira and I am a post graduate of Microbiology. I came from India (Kerala) to the Netherlands with my husband. He is doing PDEng at TU/e. I have been living in Eindhoven since December 2017. I got married on 23 August 2017. My husband moved here in September and he applied visa for me. First we thought it takes time for procedure but for me everything was fast at that time.
First time in my life I moved from my parents and outside my country. I missed my family and friends a lot. Anyways, I reached here on 9 December night; it was almost 19:30. Next morning I woke up with snow site. It was amazing view for me because it was first time in my life. We got a nice apartment with huge balcony beside bedroom and it was full of snow.
After two days I had an appointment in the Expat center. My husband couldn’t come with me so the day before that, he went out with me and showed me the way to go the Expat center. Next day I went alone but I forgot the way. The tunnels confused me but fortunately a man pointed at the direction of Primark. From there I knew the direction. But on the way back home, I didn’t know how to reach my apartment and I lost my way. I was confused, walked around an hour near PSV road. I had no internet and my NL sim was not activated at that time. How can I call my husband! It was a horrible moment. Finally, I found the right way and also realized where I was mistaken. It was a proud moment for me. Nowadays when I think of that moment, it makes me smile.
After three weeks, I heard about GiT programme from my husband. Then I emailed to Carola. Immediately I got her reply and I felt so happy. Because of Christmas vacation it was going to start after New Year and I eagerly waited for that day. During the first GiT, I was a little bit shy and afraid about what kind of programme and how I can communicate with other girls. They are from different countries and different cultures. But after two meet up I was so happy, and I got several friends. I understood that they are in the same situation like me. We exchange our happiness and sorrow and that is what makes GiT.
GiT happens once in a week and every week I eagerly wait for that day. Every week different activities like crochet, paintings, embroidery, tours, trips, career supporting classes, dance, music, potlucks etc. take place. I learned so many things through GiT and I like to give my heart-full thanks to my dear Carola and my friends. And I learned not only the dutch culture but also different cultures through my friends. We organized so many programmes in and outside GiT. We had a great event in ASML and I contributed my foods and mehendi work on that day. Every now and then we meet in someone’s residence to share our thoughts and do these kinds of events. I visited many times to Megha’s home to do crochet making and for discussions. I think she taught most of the spouses in the GiT and thank you Megha for your patience because it takes time for a beginner. I am very thankful to my Dutch teacher Hermine. She teaches like a mother. And I am thankful to Eliana and Nandita. We study together in Dutch class and we have learned so many things during those classes. Once again thank you Carola for giving this Dutch classes in TU/e.
Most of the spouses are living in the same building and because of that we can help each other during any activities. So, I feel much better than when I came here first. Right now, I am emotionally attached to this place and I still am trying to get a job.
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