Anna Crosetti
Anna Crosetti has been living in Eindhoven for 16 years now, but is still scared of riding a bike. She works as Masters Coordinator at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Eindhoven is... a dynamic community made of interesting, international and creative people.
How would you describe Eindhoven?
An industrial city that was able to change in the last twenty years, finding a complete new identity as leading place for technology and design.
Why did you move to the Southeast Netherlands?
For love, (I know it is a cliché) I married a Dutch guy.
How long have you lived in the Southeast Netherlands?
It seems I did arrive yesterday in this country but in fact I am here for already sixteen years!
What is your favorite motto?
"If you want something you have never had, then you have to do something you have never done."
To me it means to not be afraid of trying new things, do not be afraid to change.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before moving here?
I wish I knew how to ride a bike - I still don't - it scares me!!!
Are you a member of any international organization or clubs?
As a creative person I am always attracted by cultural and creative platforms. I was a member of the Vormgevers Overleg, the platform that initiated the Dutch Design Week.
What is your best piece of advice for other expats?
If you have time, learn the language. If you understand the language you understand the culture.
What is the best advice that someone gave to you about living here?
Someone told me to try volunteer work in order to get to know locals. It turned out a very good advice indeed. Not only did I get to know more Dutch people, but I also discovered interesting cultural institutions with which I collaborated.
What was your first impression of the Southeast Netherlands?
I loved it, Noord Brabant is such a green region with forests and a rich country life.
Did you experience culture shock?
Not really, but I regularly do experience a style shock. I mean Dutch people are not afraid to mix and match styles so you can see men with sandals and white socks or summer straw bags used on a snowy day!
How have you adjusted to living in the Netherlands?
For nature I am a curious person, this helped me to make connections and to discover places and events unknown even between Dutch.
What do you miss most from home?
Family and friends, long lazy summer days, old buildings, and some fashion awareness.
What do you like the most about the Dutch culture?
I love their capability to organize, it is a very disciplined country. Dutch people enjoy structure and respects rules. They also have a great sense for privacy.
If you had to leave the Southeast Netherlands tomorrow, what would you miss?
The lovely country landscapes, made of old farms, green flat land and cows .
What is your favorite part about living in this part of the Netherlands?
I love the little villages of Oirschot and Oisterwijk, which I highly recommend for a visit.
If you could go back in time, to before you moved here, would you still move?
I moved to the Netherlands for my Dutch husband, so definitely yes!
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