Expectations
Presentations of Grand Tour and Vivian's personal experiences, was what prepared her for the cultural differences between the Netherlands and Qatar. It was the first time that she visited an Arabic country. “My opinion about the Islam is positively influenced due to my visit to Qatar. I learned a lot about their opinions, habits and behaviors,’’ Vivian mentions.
It was easy for her to get settled in at the campus and in her new environment. Vivian found the locals very friendly and willing to show her around Doha and Qatar. She made friends really quickly.
Culture
Culture shock was something Vivian did not really experience. It was the reverse culture shock that affected her more when she came back from Qatar to the Netherlands. She did notice some differences, which could be seen especially in the culture, religion, norms and values, politics and the
relationships between men and women.
Vivian does mention that she thinks that it definitely
makes a difference whether you go alone or with friends.’’ Especially if you are not feeling well or if something is wrong it is nice to have someone to talk to that knows you.’’ Luckily she had her friend ZamZam to support her and ZamZam could count on Vivian.
Vivian in
Qatar