Klara Birikh - Expats and Locals Limburg | Buddy System Sittard-Geleen

An interview with Klara Birikh

“What I really love here is the bicycle culture. I cycle to work every day. Cycling one hour per day helped me learn Dutch. I used that time to listen to Dutch podcasts.”

My name is Klara Birikh. I have been living in Sittard for seven years now. I originally come from Russia,I lived in several countries – Israel, Germany, UK and Finland, finally moved to the Netherlands from Finland. I came here for love, and luckily, I was able to continue working for the same company from my very first day in the Netherlands.

Over the years I have studied some Dutch and even received my Dutch passport. I now work at Chemelot, where I am based in Building 1.

How would you describe your experience living in the Netherlands?

I find the Netherlands a very friendly and beautiful place to live. I felt welcomed, especially because I had support from my partner and his family.

The only real challenge for me was the language. At home we speak English, and at work I also speak English with colleagues from many different countries. I did not really have a place to practise Dutch regularly, so learning the language has been a slower process. But overall, I think the Dutch are warm and kind, and the atmosphere here suits me very well.

Is it easy for you to meet Dutch people?

The Dutch are very friendly and open to talk. At work or during lunch you can always have good conversations. But there is a boundary that you usually do not cross. People here are kind, but they do not quickly become close friends. That is different from Russia. For me this is fine, I have a family here and some friends, and that is enough. I do not need twenty close friends to feel comfortable, a couple is enough.

What was the most difficult thing to get used to?

The Limburg accent and dialect. When you finally start to understand Dutch, you realize you do not understand anything when someone speaks Limburgs. That was the hardest part for me. My advice woould be start learning the language from the beginning, do not postpone it. Even small steps matter. That is how your language ability grows naturally.

How did you hear about the Buddy System?

Through my colleagues at Chemelot. Two buddies, Noah and Nikolai, work in the same hallway as I do. Before that, years ago, I had never heard of the Buddy System or the Wereldcafé. I do not think they even existed at the time. Especially the Wereldcafé has helped with my integration. It is the only place where I can regularly speak Dutch. We meet every two weeks, and even one hour of speaking Dutch makes a big difference. We have a small circle of regular visitors, so we know each other, talk about our lives and families, and the atmosphere is very friendly. it is also easier to speak Dutch there, because the group adapts to each other’s language level.

Would you recommend Buddy System events?

Absolutely. These events create a friendly atmosphere and help people feel part of a community.
I have met new people through the drinks and activities, and even just reading the group chat helps you stay connected.

Tips for integration and advice for newcomers

I would definitely recommend the Buddy System events to other internationals. These gatherings create a friendly atmosphere and make it easier to feel part of a community. I’ve met more people through the drinks and events.

My biggest advice for anyone who just moved here is simple: start learning the language right away. Don’t postpone it. Even if your schedule is full, take small steps. The more you hear Dutch, the more you start recognizing and understanding it. Read signs on the street, listen to conversations around you, learn word by word — that’s how it grows naturally.

If I could go back to my first months, I wouldn’t judge myself, but I would remind myself to stay consistent. Cycling one hour a day became my secret trick: I used that time to listen to Dutch podcasts, dialogues, or audiobooks. It helped more than I expected, So: begin small, stay consistent, and make the language a natural part of your routine.

Life, work and culture in Sittard-Geleen and Chemelot

Living and working in Sittard-Geleen feels calm but pleasant. Younger people — like my partner’s children — enjoy carnival and beer festivals, and colleagues often say Geleen is even livelier than Sittard for youths. I cannot say for sure, but that’s what I hear. Chemelot is considered very international, but in higher management you still see many Dutchmen in dark suits with briefcases. When our CEO gives a New Year speech, it’s in Dutch. In that sense, the company is more Dutch than people sometimes claim.

Compared to Israel, which was very chaotic, and Finland, which was extremely calm, the Netherlands feels like the perfect balance for me. Dutch food culture also took some adjusting. Lunch here is small, while in Russia and Finland it’s usually the biggest meal of the day. Over time I got used to it and I actually think it’s better for productivity — you’re not tired afterwards. Dutch food overall reminds me a bit of German cuisine, but lighter, and many people here eat very internationally too.

This interview was conducted and published with the voluntary consent of the interviewee.
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