Originating from the Banat region of Romania, known for its early German settlers and strong cultural heritage, Andra Maria Valette’s parents enrolled her in a German school, believing it would offer greater opportunities later in life. This decision proved pivotal, as the education she received opened doors for further studies in Germany. Reflecting on her journey, Valette says, “I later came to Luxembourg by chance.” In 2014, while still attending university, she received a job offer from a Big Four firm, prompting her move to Luxembourg.
“Luxembourg felt like home. I never felt foreign here because of the country’s diversity,” Valette says. Her sense of belonging was further cemented when she met her future husband at work. A French national, he shared her enthusiasm for Luxembourg's multicultural environment. Together, they decided to make Luxembourg their home. Valette became a naturalised citizen, and the couple now have two children, whom they are raising to be multilingual and multicultural.
This multiculturalism profoundly impacts Valette’s daily life, especially in raising her children. The children are growing up surrounded by multiple languages and cultures. “My husband and I speak English and French to each other. My mother, who is often here helping with the children, speaks Romanian with me, and we mix these languages when speaking with the kids,” Valette explains. This linguistic tapestry is a common experience for many mixed-nationality expatriate families.
Their elder son primarily speaks French, the main language at his crèche. “To prepare him for preschool, the crèche will slowly introduce Luxembourgish through a native speaker,” Valette notes. “Given Luxembourg’s three administrative languages, we wanted them to be exposed to multiple languages early on.”
Determined to enrol her children in a local public crèche to ensure they learn Luxembourgish early, Valette faced challenges. Despite being on the waiting list since her first trimester, they did not secure a spot. When the public crèche finally contacted them a year later, it was too late. Consequently, both children are now enrolled in a private Montessori crèche.
“Although it’s early to say, I think we will go for the public school system,” Valette states confidently. Her own educational journey fuels her belief that her children can thrive in Luxembourg’s traditional school system. “I attended a German school even though my parents didn’t speak the language, which makes me confident our children can master the language requirements of the traditional school system.”
At home, Valette’s family embraces a blend of cultural traditions. They celebrate both Romanian and French holidays and have incorporated Luxembourgish customs, such as Dräikinneksdag (Three Kings’ Day). For common holidays like Christmas, they alternate between Romania and France each year, ensuring their children appreciate their diverse heritage.
Food in their household is a delightful fusion of cultures. “We make burritos and poke bowls, which are neither French nor Romanian. But we also love traditional recipes that our parents make when we are together.”
Valette appreciates Luxembourg’s progressive policies, particularly the equal right to parental leave. “I don't think many countries offer this benefit,” she says, noting that both she and her husband took advantage of parental leave for both children. Reflecting on the healthcare system, Valette comments, “I think the pregnancy and birth facilities are very good here, but I only gave birth in Luxembourg, so I don’t have another country to compare it with.” She advises parents to consider private insurance for births to secure a private room, allowing the father to stay with the mother and baby after birth.
As Valette navigates the complexities of raising multilingual children in a multicultural environment, her family exemplifies the blend of tradition and modernity that defines life in the grand duchy.
Tips and suggestions
Language: “To expose our children to different languages, we incorporate songs, music, books and cartoons into their daily routine,” says multicultural expat mum Andra Maria Valette “Cartoons are particularly effective for the eldest. Parents can borrow CDs, DVDs, Tonies (Toniesbox), and multilingual books from the library, which has a rich collection. The national library even features a family room, though we haven’t explored it yet. Additionally, Netflix offers educational cartoons like Cocomelon in various languages, which has been a great resource for language exposure.”
Culture: “As part of my journey to acquire Luxembourgish citizenship, I joined an integration program that offered affordable language courses. I paid around €10 for a course at the National Institute for Language Learning (INLL). This programme was invaluable for learning the language and gaining a deeper understanding of Luxembourg's culture and institutions. It provided a structured approach to becoming familiar with the country’s way of life.”
Fun activities: “Luxembourg offers numerous family-friendly activities and destinations. The animal park in Esch is a fantastic and free. The country is dotted with well-maintained playgrounds that provide endless fun. The Philharmonic has an excellent children’s programme, introducing young ones to music. Additionally, Luxembourg hosts various events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something exciting for families to enjoy together.”
This article first appeared in the 2024-2025 Paperjam Expat Guide.
