I am Tasnuva Jannat. I’m from Bangladesh. I have done my Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery and completed Masters in Public Health in Bangladesh. I went to Belgium to do double masters, Masters in Epidemiology. My husband also did his master’s in Ghent University. In 2018, however, we started a new journey in Eindhoven when my husband started his PhD at the TU/e. So both of us started this journey from 25th of January, 2018.
Now, how I came to know about “Get in Touch” program? Well, my husband started searching for PhD from September 2017. At that time we were in Bangladesh. One day he told me, “you will not feel bored if I get an opportunity to do a PhD at the TU/e.” I was surprised. How can it be possible?
Then he told me, “I have seen a video in the TU/e website that they arrange some programs for the spouses.” I was really happy to hear that because during my Masters program in Belgium I didn’t find this type of activities to meet different people. Then both of us together watched the whole video again and it was so inspiring. Some girls talked about the interesting activities which are usually done every week. They also shared their experiences about getting a job by discussing with different spouses and the mentor. I felt relieved thinking hopefully I will not feel bored since I am going to meet different international spouses.
In February 2018, some of my Bangladeshi friends also told me about that program and we planned to join GiT. We also heard about Carola from one of my Bangladeshi friends. She told me just knock her and introduce yourself. She will reply.
After that I met Carola, this amazing lady. She is just like a mother to all of us. I learned a lot of things from GiT. I attended some interesting programs like making handicraft items (decoupage). These were really fun. I also attended one meditation program which was very interesting as we learned to visualize our inner self.
The most beautiful part of GiT is after each program Carola asks us to say something about this program. How was it/how did we enjoy it? One of the sweet part of my GiT memories is that I asked Carola about second hand shops in Eindhoven. To answer my query surprisingly she arranged the GiT visit to a second hand shop ‘Het Goed’. This shop was so big and all the items were just wow. That day we also visited two parks and enjoyed a lot.
Another program that I attended was a potluck party. Different cultures and countries’ spouses brought different delicious foods and this program was also arranged in a beautiful park. That day we also enjoyed a lot and we acted like a baby; we were swinging in the playground, taking lots of pictures. I also met Hermine through GiT. She is a sweet dutch teacher. Unfortunately, I also missed some of the programs when I was sick and visited Bangladesh.
It is difficult to express all the great memories of GiT in words. In few words I can say- Get in Touch is really a wonderful platform which is not only about meeting different spouses but also about learning various amazing things and spending quality time. It’s like a family for all the spouses. My husband always tells me, “You people are really lucky to get involved in this beautiful program.” I will always cherish my memories of GiT and will always try to be a part of this beautiful program. Last but not the least hartelijk bedankt to Carola Eijsenring and “Get in Touch” .
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