SU_A_30

[i] Good day [name]! My name is [name]. And I will interview you today for the ‘Specially Unknown’ project for the Red Star Line Museum. Can you perhaps tell me a bit about yourself first? What is your name? Which country do you come from? How old are you?
[r] Good day [name]. I am [name]. I am 28. I am from Syria, Damascus. I have been living here in Belgium for 3.5 years. Yes. I study at the University of Antwerp. I am following a master’s degree ‘Management and organization’. I am now in the final phase of my master’s degree. I … yes I am doing my thesis now. And I’m doing pretty well.
[i] And what did you do in Syria? Did you study there?
[r] Yes I have Bachelor in the economy of Damascus University University. And yes I studied there for 4 years. And after my studies I started working at Red Cross. Syrian Red Cross. I worked there for 3 years. Yes. That was it.
[i] And how was it at school for you? What was difficult or easy for you?
[r] You mean here?
[i] No. I mean in Syria.
[r] I was reasonable, okay, A smart student. Reasonable enough to study. I liked to go to school. I was not a ‘nerd’ or something. But I wasn’t a bad student either.
[i] And what kind of child have you been?
[r] I can’t say that I was a naughty child. I was pretty good but also a bit naughty in some cases. Yes I really had a lot of friends at school and … At the place where I come from I almost know … yes I know a lot of people there and everyone knows me. It was reasonable …
[i] Do you mean the neighborhood of Damascus?
[r] Yes the neighborhood where I come from. Jaramanah. It was a very small village but it was next to the Damascus city.
[i] And can you perhaps describe life in that neighborhood? What was it like when you were a child?
[r] How was it? It was fairly simple to live. Not so much … no problem actually. My childhood was very nice. That period was one of the best periods in my life. I had a very warm … I actually have a very warm family. Two sisters and my mom and my dad were very good for me. Yes it was very good. I don’t know what to say.
[i] And did you have your own house there?
[r] Yes we had our own house. Yes it was as I said a simple life. One of the most important things was to study. Yes because we were such a middle class family. We were not a rich family but also not very poor or something. So the only way for me to reach my goal in my life and to reach my ambitions was to study. And work on myself for myself. To have a good life. Because I believed in that. That comes from my mum and dad. They were really like that … Strong for that point. Studying occurs.
[i] And what was your parents’ profession?
[r] My dad works for a very long time For 40 years as a chief. He works so much abroad to take care of his family. And my mom was just a housewife.
[i] So he had to travel a lot to other countries?
[r] That’s a bit … Not really the case because … My dad always comes on vacation to Syria. Yes he had to travel a lot but he worked abroad. So he only comes on vacation for Syria. For 1 month or 2 months a year.
[i] And how was it for you to see your father only 1 month a year?
[r] Yes as a child I really had a bit of difficulty. I had found it really difficult because I always wanted my dad with us. But yes, when I got a little more or older I started to realize why it was. Why my dad always had to work abroad. Yes because the situation in Syria for him was not optimal. He wanted to be able to take good care of the family. So if he wanted, he decided to go abroad where he had work.
[i] Do you mean there was no work?
[r] For him was not a good stable work to really stay in Syria. So yes he always had to work abroad. And yes two months or a month a year to come to his family.
[i] And the other family members? Nephews and cousins? Do you have such a large family?
[r] Yes amai. I really have a very large family. The side of my dad … I can’t count them because there are a lot. Ten brothers and sisters. And the side of my mom is about the same. And all those people also have children and … So that was really a very large family there. Yes that was a bit in the 70s, 60s … That’s how it was in Syria. People made so many children. But I really enjoyed it. Because a big family always nice around you. In case of getting married or so special opportunity we come together to celebrate all things.
[i] You said you have two sisters. Are they older or younger than you?
[r] Younger than me. [name] and [name]. The oldest is now 25. And the smallest is 15.
[i] And is your family so far in Syria? Or where are your sisters?
[r] My family? My mom and the smallest sister they still live in Syria. And my oldest sister has recently moved to Switzerland. About 10 months ago or so. She now lives there. And I can visit her.
[i] Have you already been?
[r] Yes twice. The first time was from Syria after 3 years. So I came after No more seeing for 3 years. That was the first member of my family I have seen from 3 years. It was a bit of emotional moment. Yes I didn’t know how to feel or something. Because it was a bit weird. So yes.
[i] I know that there are many people with different religions in Syria.
[r] Yes that is true.
[i] And what were the relationships between these people before the war? How were the social relationships before the war?
[r] Social relationships, what exactly do you mean?
[i] I mean the relationships between different cultures.
[r] Between different religions?
[i] Religions. Yes.
[r] According to my personal opinion people in Syria were always they were always together. They always lived together without problems before the war. It was no problem. Okay each group has their own traditions and such. But… If you look positively at this point, it was a very rich diversity in the Syrian community. I think. So where I come from, that little village. In Jaramanah. We were a kind of Druze.
[i] Druze?
[r] Druze. Yes that’s a certain … yes … If you search for Wikipedia, Druze is a kind of a group of Islam, but they are a bit not as real like Islam.
[i] A kind of religion?
[r] A kind of religion yes. Historically it is part of Islam culture. But Druze don’t really follow the Islamic rules. Of that religion.
[i] And what is the biggest difference?
[r] Eh … the biggest difference … Okay I can’t … that’s a bit difficult to say. You have to wait until you are 40 for example To really follow the religion. Or to try to understand because they say it is very complicated or something.
[i] 40?
[r] You have to wait for you 40 to be able to follow. Because you must have the wisdom. To understand that. According to those religious people. In this religion. But for me personally, I live like an ordinary person. I don’t really have a faith or religion or something.
[i] Do you mean your atheist?
[r] Agnostic I think. More than atheist. Don’t know.
[i] OK. But I mean communication between all religions in Syria, was it okay? Or what was the communication like?
[r] Yes it was okay. Yes I think so. Maybe other people see that in different ways. They were up to a certain point … People were so conservative against each other. They didn’t want … It was a bit difficult to be really mixed. Yes … There were no problems. Really serious problems not to be able to live together. Do you understand? I think. That’s my opinion. Maybe it’s different.
[i] And were you interested in politics in the past?
[r] Politics? No. I don’t think so. Even when I was in high school. Politics was … Not my real thing yes because I don’t get it so well and I am very far from politics. Even in Syria it was a bit … It was really always difficult because … You know the situation in Syria. So politics was not my thing. I just live like normal people. I was not interested in politics. That’s how I wanted to say it.
[i] And maybe you can describe a little how life has changed in Syria after the war? Ordinary life.
[r] Eh … how life has changed after the war. It will be very difficult to live. Yes before the war … We had stability. Economic circumstances were so much better than now. Syria was one of the cheapest countries in the world. Where you can do anything for very little money, for example. But also on the other hand that wages … they didn’t pay so well. Because yes … it was a bit closed economy. It is not that open to the whole world. No capitalism so far in Syria. Yes there are disadvantages and benefits. But I think it was very better than now. Naturally. But that is also logical because of the war. That the situation has become very bad. But yes … Syria was really a place, a very good country to live there. Economically. You can do many things, you can enjoy life.
[i] Yes and after the war?
[r] After the war, yes, Everything has changed. Because the war in Syria destroyed everything. Start from people to those buildings and all things. It wasn’t that simple. I thought it was a bit … Tough hard! Hick difficult.
[i] Do you remember the moment, Maybe a year or a month when it really became super difficult?
[r] Yes yes. In 2014 I think … For me it was the worst period in the Syrian war. Because so many bad things have happened where I lived and it became so dangerous. And I could no longer tolerate that to live there. And yes for me it was really no longer acceptable to stay there. I tried my best … To be close to my family and … to build my life … And yes I don’t know. It became more complicated and more complicated until the moment it is no longer possible to stay there. So yes we decide to flee.
[i] Together or?
[r] Yes I had a few friends and we had that idea. Even before the war I had an idea to come to Europe. To continue studying and working here. That idea used to be … I even wanted to … But it was impossible to come to Europe in a legal way during the war. Yes I had decided to flee with a few friends. In 2015. In the summer. To come here.
[i] And do you remember the moment when you made that decision?
[r] The moment? Yes I still remember that. Yes… I was with two of my friends who came here with me. We were chatting for a night … And drink and talk and such. And I said then: “Okay. Now it is the time to really take the step to take the step to go further and no longer look back. Now we must either flee because that is the time to do it or stay here and to accept our decisions. That we have to stay here and fight against all bad conditions. Either now is the time to leave Syria. So yes we searched how and so, who and how … Yes actually the … We tried to come here as students, but it didn’t work. It was impossible. I don’t know what reasons. But here, we were not … It was always rejected, rejected … So yes we decided: ‘Okay, We are going to come here through the illegal way. ” That is the only way because nobody wanted to accept us.
[i] And did you also have to fight in the Syrian army?
[r] No. It was not mandatory for me because I am the only son for my family. So I was … I don’t know. It became … I didn’t have to go to the army. But for many young men … Who had to go to the army it was really one of the main reasons why people flee.
[i] So if you are the only son of your family then you don’t have to?
[r] No. Because they … They see that you are the only person who can take care of the family.
[i] But for your friends?
[r] Yes for my friends. So I decided that I no longer want to stay there. Because my ambition was greater than to stay in the area of war and cry.
[i] And did you think about bringing your family?
[r] That was actually a personal decision. Yes. So no …
[i] And what was your family’s reaction?
[r] Eh it wasn’t … It was also very difficult for them because I am the only son. But they have seen that I tried for 3-4 years to do something and I didn’t succeed. Because yes I had just graduated and I had no work in my direction, in economy and such. I had to work at Red Cross. I really liked that because I wanted to help other people. But at a certain moment it also became very difficult for me because I also had all those people with the same problems In the same danger of life too. So for my family it became more acceptable after a while. More acceptable. Because they see it was impossible for me. They wanted me to have a better life. So it was.
[i] And you said you worked at the Red Cross What were your tasks there?
[r] I worked there in logistics. Yes and also a bit … I didn’t do that often first aid or something …
[i] Far what?
[r] First Aid. First Aid … Yes Emergency. If something happens then you go on the street and you help people … explosions or something. But I was more in the office than really in the field.
[i] And there were no possibilities to develop there?
[r] No. That was limited. Because you see, in the country there is the war. So yes.
[i] Maybe we can now talk about the flight ourselves? Can you perhaps tell you a bit about the preparation of your flight?
[r] Preparation? I had a suitcase with my clothes. Just my clothes. And we fled. We went to Turkey. And then from Turkey to Greece with a boat. It was very difficult. It takes 7 hours or so. From Turkey to Greece. And in the middle of the journey the engine of the boat no longer worked. And we had to wait for the Sea guard. To pick us up in the middle of the sea. That really happened. It was actually the most terrible moment of my life. Because you are in the boat and you don’t know what will happen to you. I thought: “Okay. Maybe we’ll die now. “” So we have to … Yes I was also with my friends of Syria who were with me together. It was really … yes! I don’t know how to describe that.
[i] Such a panic?
[r] Yes panic … Yes because we also had on that boat … Women and children. And I remember another dad of those children, he was really angry and he started to shake his child and say, “” Stop crying! “” He was actually a bit crazy. So one of my friends has picked up a child from him. And he kept the child close to him to protect him a bit because that dad went crazy. He was really getting crazy. Maybe he would throw the child into the water. So that was really a bad moment in my life. And I don’t want that anymore … I want to forget that.
[i] And how long did you have to wait until the big boat came?
[r] Oh … 3 hours or so. It was in the summer and we had nothing. Water or something.
[i] No water?
[r] No water. No… It was a bit not so well prepared. So we were lucky that those people came to get us. Quick … fairly fast. So that was really hard for everyone.
[i] And then did you arrive in Greece?
[r] Yes.
[i] And Van Greece?
[r] Yes from Greece we took it … We came here from Greece.
[i] Immediately?
[r] We had to wait until we found the best way to come here.
[i] And by which countries? Was it on foot?
[r] It was a bit on foot, A bit by train … Until we are hit here.
[i] By which countries?
[r] I don’t really remember it. Macedonia, Germany … And then here. Yes.
[i] And how did you know it is possible to use this way to flee?
[r] We didn’t know. It was really a … No certainty with that trip. You just had to go on and see what will happen. Because from the first moment we have decided to do that and there was no certainty that it will work. So we had to be prepared for everything that can happen on our way.
[i] And how many days did the entire trip last? From Syria to Belgium?
[r] How many days? It was a bit long ago … More than two months.
[i] Two months?
[r] Yes.
[i] So you had to stop in those countries?
[r] Yes it was not immediately. No. And in which countries did you have to spend a lot of time? In Greece we spent a lot of time and also in that … Macedonia.
[i] And where did you live there?
[r] We stayed in a hotel or something. Yes. Via taxi and all those things. So illegal way.
[i] Maybe we can talk about your arrival in Belgium? Do you remember the moment when you came to Belgium? To which city first?
[r] To Antwerp.
[i] Immediately?
[r] Immediately to Antwerp. I had a friend here who came for me. Yes he has me … I am lucky. I stayed with him. Yes… I had to wait a few days until I went to Brussels to request asylum … So I applied for asylum. And then they sent us to a camp in … In reception center.
[i] Where?
[r] In Hasselt. East Flanders.
[i] Do you remember the feeling when you first came to Belgium? What were your feelings?
[r] I actually felt very good. But also … I was also a bit scared because I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. But then it was pretty good for refugees. If you came then you got reasonable … Yes you receive a residence permit in a short period. You don’t have to wait that much. But yes .. I wasn’t like that … I lived in the moment myself … Yes and when that … what does that call? When I received that residence permit it was completely different because I had more certainty of yes now I can really start with what I want. So I started looking for a place where I can live. I came to Antwerp. From then on I started making a little plans for my life. So yes. I went to Linguapolis to study Dutch. That was the first step.
[i] But you said that you have lived in a shelter? And how long did you have to stay there?
[r] About … Yes we were lucky in that period I think. Because there were people who waited a long time without an answer. But in that period we were really lucky. It didn’t take that long. About 2. 5 months until we have received an answer.
[i] And you were there with your friends?
[r] Yes.
[i] In the same center?
[r] In the same center yes. It was a center with 700 people. From different countries.
[i] And what was it like for you to stay there?
[r] Difficult. I can’t lie … I didn’t think it was so cool to live there. Because there are so many people together from different cultures … And different nationalities … And they all have to live together in a very small place and do everything together. But I had an idea … How it would be. So it became less bad for me because I knew in advance.
[i] You were prepared?
[r] Yes. I was prepared: “Okay. It is not going to be the best moment of my life. “” I had prepared myself mentally for that challenge. But personally I didn’t like that. Nobody liked that.
[i] What were the activities there? What did you do for 2 months?
[r] Eh .. activities?
[i] Or not so much?
[r] It was for us because it was such a short period to get the papers we had not made that many plans. And not so many activities. We just live there … Until that procedure is ready for us.
[i] So after 2 months did you come to Antwerp? And can you tell a little about the first months in Antwerp?
[r] Yes. One of my friends he lived here he lived here in Antwerp. He is also a refugee.
[i] He was your friend from Damascus?
[r] Yes. He helped us so much. Because in the first period if you get papers you have to find a place within 2 months to rent and also move.
[i] Why 2 months?
[r] For you can no longer stay in the reception center. So we had to find something within 2 months. That was really a very big problem for everyone. Because you don’t know anyone here. Do you understand? And nobody wants … Yes nobody wants to rent a small studio or an apartment to people from a shelter … to refugees. That wasn’t that simple .. Because you have no work and you receive benefits from OCMW … So that was really one of the … of the most difficult challenges for us. So we kept looking and search until we found someone Who wanted to do that for me and could give a place to live. And yes then I could move to where I used to live.
[i] And then you immediately started with your Dutch or …
[r] Yes immediately. I have registered for Dutch. For the Dutch course at Linguapolis at the University of Antwerp. Yes I followed the intensive course.
[i] And was it also with the stock market or?
[r] Yes with the stock exchange.
[i] And how did you know it is possible to get that stock market?
[r] Via Atlas … yes. Such an organization or I don’t know what he helps all refugees to find the way and what you have to do in your life. So they have delivered all the necessary information to us. To know how and when and who … and all those things. Via the internet too.
[i] And you were there with your friends in Linguapolis?
[r] Yes. We had a group of 5-6 people who knew each other.
[i] From the whole way of Damascus to Antwerp together?
[r] No. Because there were friends who came after us. To Belgium. But I also know those people from the past. But it was very cool that you are together with people in your country.
[i] And what was it like for you Learn Dutch at Linguapolis?
[r] Em … at Linguapolis it was reasonable for me … In the beginning it was hard hard because you start directly from a certain level, You don’t start from zero. So, for example, the teachers talk to you directly in Dutch. And there is no other common language to learn a little. So I remember the first course and the second course were very intensive and very difficult. But we had nothing else to do. So I always had to work a lot on Dutch.
[i] And do you remember the moment when you realized that you could already speak Dutch? And when you felt comfortable with Dutch?
[r] Eh … not necessarily. But I always went to a café to get to know new people. I never stayed at home. Because yes if I stay at home and don’t talk to anyone, Dutch will always stay at the same level. It will never develop. So yes I got to know a few friends here in Belgium. Belgian friends. And they helped me talk to Dutch so much. And I often went to … Events where you Can practice Dutch. And that helped me a lot.
[i] And which other languages do you speak?
[r] My native language is Arabic and English.
[i] And what was perhaps the most difficult for you in Dutch compared to English for example?
[r] The most difficult? Yes the structure of the sentences. The grammar was completely new to me. And some statements also in Dutch. Some letters we don’t have in Arabic. They were also difficult because sometimes you say it but it’s different.
[i] For example?
[r] Yes the ‘u’ and that ‘e’ And all those letters. So far I sometimes make mistakes …
[i] Yes …
[r] We don’t have that in English …
[i] But now you are already speaking very well and comfortably? You no longer think of grammar?
[r] No. It comes from yourself.
[i] And then after Linguapolis what did you do?
[r] Yes I registered for the master’s degree. And I started 2 years ago.
[i] And why did you choose this master?
[r] This master? Yes because … I wanted here Stay Antwerp. And of all the masters that I could do who are relevant with my previous education in Syria, that master was the best option for me. And it doesn’t take that long either. 1 year. But I also had to follow a preparation program of half a year. For me it was the best option and I didn’t want to change the city or anything. Because here I had my place where I felt more and more at home. So that was the main reason.
[i] And how was it for you to study the Master?
[r] The first 3 months were the most difficult. I still remember that I always had to do double work at home to be able to follow because studying in it Dutch is not that simple. Even for Belgian or Dutch students. I don’t know if you can imagine what it is like in it Dutch to study. You have to do everything … yes more than you have learned at Linguapolis for example. You have to do a lot to learn the new vocabulary.
[i] And what was the difference compared to your bachelor in Damascus?
[r] Yes the group work actually. I had never done group work in Syria. And here you have to do a lot of group work with other students. I thought it was in the beginning … I was not at ease or anything. Because I didn’t know the students very well. But it works like this here. You have to do a group work. Yes that was really the biggest difference. And also the way those people … Yes the way of teaching … It is completely different.
[i] And what is the difference?
[r] Yes how to take an exam for example. Some exams are with the computer for example. And yes, it’s a bit different than in Syria. You don’t have … how can I say? In Syria we had so many questions from previous years.
[i] Repeat?
[r] Yes you can prepare a bit for the exam. But here you don’t know what it will be like. The exam.
[i] And the communication between students, Was it easy for you?
[r] In which area do you mean?
[i] I mean not only by teachers but also with students.
[r] It was pretty good. But not really cool or something. Yes… I didn’t have that much … I don’t know, maybe it’s a bit different here. I didn’t really have people or a group with whom we always sat together or something. A bit alone … But I have a few people I know. But not really much.
[i] And is communication in Syrian universities different? For example between students.
[r] Other? Not so different. But perhaps because of the language or by culture. It was a bit different. But not really a big difference. You can’t just talk to people you don’t know everywhere. It comes naturally. And you also have so much work to do. So I didn’t have that much time to do other things than study. I really wanted to finish everything.
[i] And when did you realize that it was a bit easier?
[r] Yes I waited until I passed the first semester. To see and to evaluate myself where I am now. Am I really good to do that or do I have to do something else? But after the first semester … Yes I am not so good, I passed half of the courses. But my … My points were not that bad, were very good. So I realized: ‘Okay. Maybe I should put more effort into the 2nd semester. ” And in the 2nd semester it was so much better. I was successful for everything. And the third semester was the optimum period in my study life. And now I am in the final phase.
[i] So you are now busy with your master’s thesis?
[r] Yes. With my thesis.
[i] And how are your master’s thesis?
[r] Fairly good. A bit slow, slow. But on the right path. We will see what it will be like.
[i] And what is your plan after your master’s thesis? Do you already have a plan?
[r] Yes of course. I intend to look for work. Finally in my direction. So I want something in finance, accounting or accountancy. Try such things.
[i] And what do you do outside studying? Do you have hobbies perhaps?
[r] Hobbies? Yes I sometimes do sports. For example, I like to cycle. I occasionally play basketball. I started dancing. I often dance at the weekend.
[i] What kind of dancing?
[r] R&B, Hip Hop. Everything actually. But usually on R&B.
[i] Yes and actually I forgot to ask, what was your image of Europe when you were in Syria?
[r] About Europe? Em … how can I say that? I had no extreme expectations about Europe. Because I knew it is not possible like in films, for example. As we see in the media or in the cinema or something. So I had fairly realistic expectations about Europe. And I knew in advance that Europe … That life here is of high quality, for example. But also so much stress of work, of studying. You always have stress if you live here. But now I experience that myself, how stressful it is. But I had no culture shock or anything about Europe, no. Because I was reasonable in Syria like now here. Maybe a little less because of the things I don’t have there. But personally I had no culture shock. No.
[i] But how did your image actually change when you came here? What was different than in your head?
[r] Other? Yes … how should I say that? Yes how should you … Build a social network. I had a little different ideas. But in reality it is more difficult than in my mind. I had to put so much effort to get to know many people. Here it is more an individualistic community compared to Syria. Too little time, everything is … Organized in a certain way, arranged. Yes something. Not so much happens spontaneously. You must have a plan for everything. That is really a big difference … That I personally realized. I learned that too.
[i] And how did you experience that to learn?
[r] By the people. How my friends do. And how it should be. Because otherwise you can’t live so well here. It comes from life pressure. From the social pressure, of all things together I think. Capitalism!
[i] And in Syria is it different?
[r] It’s just easier. People have more time than here. That is my own opinion.
[i] What are the reasons that people have more free time?
[r] What are the reasons? I don’t know what the reasons are. Maybe because of little work or something. More freedom how to work. We have so many self -employed people. More than here. That economy is not that open. Many people do their own work. So you can choose what you want to do and such.
[i] And how was it for you to adapt to the new way to live?
[r] It actually comes from itself. Because yes I was always doing something. I think it will be adjusted automatically. Yes. Something like that.
[i] Maybe we can talk about the mentality From Belgian people? How did you experience that? What is the culture of Belgian people?
[r] Yes. When I came here the first thing I heard from people was that Belgian people were closed. They have their own space and it is a bit difficult to touch the circle. But… I thought it was up to a certain point. But I think it is also because of the human being. For me personally I always had … I was always brave to more … To make more effort to get to know people. Because sometimes you stop at a certain moment and you try not to do anymore, but okay it’s a different culture and different mentality, but that’s just a difference between people. We also have a different culture and mentality. But that doesn’t matter. That does not bring any problems. I see it in a positive way. But for me personally it wasn’t really a problem. I could adapt a bit to that mentality.
[i] And is there anything that is really special for you in Belgian culture?
[r] Special? Eh … I don’t know … beer! That’s the best for me. A really special thing. But for real … You mean the culture or how people think and the traditions and such? Yes everything is fine. They have a plan for everything for every thing. That is really an exception.
[i] Is it positive for you?
[r] Yes but I can’t always do that. For me personally I can’t always do that. I also have to have a little chaos in my life. But for work and really serious things that is really good. That is something to learn from actually.
[i] And do you have a large network of Belgian friends? Do you have many Belgian friends?
[r] Fairly good. Not so mega big or something. But not so little either. But usually there is not such a really close bond. Usually superficial. But they will continue to contact me but I mean; For me personally I feel a friendship more when it is really closed. But for ordinary acquaintances I have pretty good yes.
[i] And are you used to your life in Belgium?
[r] No not yet. Nobody can do that.
[i] Why?
[r] Because even Belgian people don’t want that either. Be used to that … It is because of the weather, I think. Don’t know. But I am not yet 100% used to it. No. There are things that still annoy me so far.
[i] For example?
[r] The weather! It sometimes makes me a bit depressed. So yes.
[i] And do you think you are already integrated into Belgian society?
[r] You must first define ” integration ” to answer this question. Everyone sees that from his own position.
[i] I mean that you feel more comfortable. That you ” belong ” here.
[r] Yes I feel more comfortable myself. The longer it takes … Over time, the more time I spend here, the more comfortable I feel. And the more just I get to life here. So of course yes. But if I now compare my situation with the previous year with the previous year … Last year was not like now. It was worse. Now I feel more confidence here. More at home.
[i] So can you already say that Antwerp is your home? And that you feel at home here?
[r] I believe that people can make a home of every place. If they really take the right way. Yes it is reasonably my new home. I have a home in Syria but here is my second home.
[i] Can you perhaps describe your environment a little and your neighborhood? Where do you live?
[r] I used to live in the center. In the first year of my life here in Antwerp. And I moved here because I think it’s the best place in Antwerp.
[i] Why?
[r] For the atmosphere and the people … They are very cool. You feel more at home here than in other places.
[i] What is the name of the neighborhood?
[r] Zurenborg. Next to the dawn where there are all cafes. I think it is the best place in Antwerp there. Because you can see more local residents of the city here. That is not so touristy or something. That’s just a place where people … you know everyone here. That’s true.
[i] Do you have many contacts with the Syrian community in Antwerp?
[r] Syrian community? Fairly little actually. Just those friends from the past I know. And also a few friends I recently got to know. But not so intensive. No.
[i] And why not?
[r] Em want … I really don’t know why. But maybe by doing other things. We don’t have … I don’t have that … how should I say that? That is a bit difficult. But I don’t have … I have others … So I have other things to do … There are a few friends I know but not really the Syrian community. Maybe a difference in culture …
[i] Do you still have many contacts with your friends who still live in Syria? I do have contact with them. But not as intensive as before. Because yes you have your own life and they also have things to do. It will be less and less. But I still have contact.
[i] And what is your contact with your family in Syria?
[r] Very good. We are constantly talking.
[i] And don’t you think about bringing them here?
[r] The possibility exists but we will see. Leave it for the future.
[i] And what do you think is the impact of migration on your life? How did your mentality or character have changed after your flight?
[r] Ehm.. through the migration. It has a great influence on my character. Because I learn new things. And my character is very influenced by … To come to a new country by getting to know new traditions and new people. And by being very independent. Yes. Sometimes. Often. So all those challenges influence your personality. But of course it has a positive impact on me. Because now I am .. how do you say that? Now I am on the right track for my future.
[i] And is there anything that has changed in your character?
[r] What do you mean? Yes I am getting older! That has changed!
[i] No no. For example, I mean some people say they are becoming more open to other cultures. Maybe there is something that has also changed in you?
[r] Yes yes. Maybe so too. Because in Syria they don’t have that much … We actually have almost no foreigners or something. Or people from other countries who live there. And here you suddenly have I don’t know how much 150 different nationalities in Antwerp. And that also enriches your … That enriches yourself. You can have contact with so many different people and get to know different cultures. And I think that’s very cool. In such a small place such as Antwerp. Yes.
[i] OK. Maybe we can talk about the most important values?
[r] Oops. Main values?
[i] Yes, for example, do you already have an idea how you will raise your children if you have them in the future? Are you going with Syrian or Educate Belgian values?
[r] Mixed. Mixed values. When it’s about children. Because I like to have good things of all mixed cultures.
[i] And what is positive in the Syrian culture for example?
[r] I can’t really answer that question so well. Not currently. Because I’m not sure yet. Yes. Maybe another question is better.
[i] And if you, for example, … you have an idea who should be your ideal partner? Should it be a Syrian person or a Belgian person? Or is it important?
[r] I think what is important is the person himself. It doesn’t matter where the person comes from.
[i] So the nationality is not important?
[r] No. For me personally. Maybe it’s different for other people. Maybe it’s different for my family. But for me personally no.
[i] And what are your future expectations? About your life here in Belgium.
[r] Work. I have to work. And build a fairly stable life here in Belgium. But I have no long -term expectations. I first want to graduate and work a bit. Until I have a clear vision about my future. But in the long run I still stay here in Belgium. And we will see what the future will bring to us. Because 5 years ago I never expected that I am making the interview with you here now.
[i] OK. Thank you [name] For the interview.
[r] Gladly done.
[i] That was very interesting. And I wish you every success with your studies and your master’s thesis.
[r] Merci. Thank you.
[i] And good luck with your future job.
[r] Okay.