Corporate Housing Factory (CHF), leading corporate housing provider in the Netherlands, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website, corporatehousingfactory.com, which serves as a booking engine and guide for its six properties with serviced apartments in the cities…
By Jan Vincent Meertens Professor Geert Hofstede, one of the Netherlands' most widely cited and translated scholars, passed away in February 2020, at the age of 91. Hofstede is known for his pioneering research on cross-cultural groups and organizations…
By Chris Smit The Dutch are internationally known for the fact that their English is of a very high standard. Why is that? Well, there are a couple of reasons. On a technical level, the Dutch language has its roots…
For those seeking an English-language study program, the Netherlands is one of the most accessible countries to explore, for a variety of reasons. For starters, over 2,100 courses are on offer here in English, constituting 23% of the bachelor’s degrees…
There is nothing like seeing a country through the eyes of another person – and this becomes even more exceptional when you get to see it through the eyes of a photographer. On June 1 of this year, an…
What does ‘being a parent’ mean? What do custody or parental responsibility entail? For instance, do you have a say in the choice of school for your children? Especially for unmarried expat parents, the answers to these questions are not…
‘Patchwork families’ are families made up of parents and children, whereby one – or both – of the parents has brought in a child from a former relationship. Sometimes these parents also have joint children. Almost 10% of all families…
Greg: Hi! It’s me, Greg Shapiro: The American Netherlander. And this time it’s also my wife Inez de Goede; author and mother of our two kids. Inez: The mother-who-always-gets-the-blame-when-things-go-wrong-with-her-child. Greg: Right. Inez has quite some experience with…
By Jaap Mos Since the successful launch of the Primary school in 2014 on the TU campus, International School Delft (ISD) has entered a new phase in its development with the opening of a secondary school campus in 2019. With…
Indeed. A crucial question for anyone who accompanies, or joins, someone on a relocation anywhere. We, at ACCESS in the Netherlands, want to draw attention to the efforts of our Patron, TU Delft’s Dual Career Services. We have known for…
How It All Began The Stories that Move project, an anti-discrimination campaign and curriculum created by the Anne Frank Foundation in cooperation with ISA, has proven to be a mark of true innovation in education. A free, online tool and…
By Paul Michael Let’s play a game. I’ll give you the name of a country, and you have to tell me something about its culture. Only, there’s one rule; you can’t refer to any of the ‘six fs’: food,…
The Hague has been home to a Dutch Waldorf school for over 90 years. Since 2018, it also boasts an international, English-language one, aimed at children of kindergarten and primary-school age. Based on Steiner’s principles, the school offers children a balanced…
“Though there was a war, these were also some of the most valuable months of my life; what I saw, showed me how kind and compassionate people are – everyone shared whatever they could and they would never let us…
Students, staff and parents of the International School Utrecht are very pleased with the design of the new campus that will be located at Utrecht Science Park. It will be an organic, green building where the school community can learn,…
Choosing the right curriculum for your child can be quite a challenge. In this article, Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam offers a quick guide to the International Baccalaureate to help you decide if it is the right choice for your…
And What Happens Next? By Annebet van Mameren To these seemingly simple questions, there are surprisingly no simple answers. In this article, Annebet van Mameren talks you through the procedures and practicalities, to make sure your child gets…
By Divya Susan Varkey Looking out of my living room window, I see my neighbor’s house decorated for Christmas – Santa Claus, Christmas lights, reindeer and elves hanging in various angles across the wide glass. Walking past it, though,…
By Nico McGough Wine importers often look back as the wine year is coming to an end. I certainly do that, and for 2019 there are two, maybe three, ‘wine discoveries’ that have made this year special. We have…
By Chris Smit Most of the work I do consists of giving 1 or 2-day workshops and giving lectures (anything between 20 minutes to 2 hours, I consider a lecture) about cultural differences. And to ‘ease’ the delegates into…
Museum Voorlinden, which opened in 2016, was created by Joop van Caldenborgh, a businessman and art collector who wanted to share his collection with the world. It houses both temporary collections, as well as (semi-permanent) pieces – such as the…
One of the joys of moving to a new country is the opportunity to create a new home from scratch. All those times you’ve dreamed about creating your perfect home... Well, now is your chance. Of course, you don’t have…
Humania: About Head, Heart and Body Have you ever rolled through a hugging machine? French kissed with giant tongues? Or used an aging machine to see what you will look like in 20 years’ time? In the brand-new Humania exhibition…
By Robin Pascoe The experiences of a young Brexit escapee trying to find a place to live in Amsterdam have proved quite an eye-opener to DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe. When your own offspring have flown the nest, the rooms…
There are cities that come to life in spring, but become drab, unimaginative blocks of building materials in the winter. However, one city that becomes part of a fairytale in the winter is Gouda. The highlight of this fairytale, this…
Moving to another country can be stressful and time-consuming and the last thing you want to have to worry about is whether your house will have power. Ampeer is a service provider specialised in energy-related services for expats that helps…
By Yolanda Bokhorst You must be wondering: what’s the connection between the words in the title? I can assure you; more than you would expect. Allow me to explain. When you buy a house without having the amount of the…
One of the most important issues involved with buying a house – in fact without these you could not buy one – is finances. You either have to be able to rent a home, buy it, or finance it and…
By Deborah Valentine Those of us who have been living in the Netherlands for a while, have noted with sadness the number of international students starting their studies, without yet having a place to live. Each year, the lack of…
In the Autumn 2019 issue of The XPat Journal, you can read our interview with National Geographic photographer Frans Lemmens. Frans’s books on the Netherlands include The Netherlands at Its Best, which brings you not only aerial views of villages,…
By Chris Smit “Belgium has a higher score on hierarchy than the Netherlands. This means that in Belgium, like in Guatemala, the boss is much more the boss than in the Netherlands, where the boss is more of a…
By Jan Vincent Meertens In many cultures, people use high-context communication for two key reasons. One reason is their sensitivity to social hierarchy, also described as the power-distance dimension in the Hofstede model for intercultural management. Another key reason…
By Patrick Rovers It is clear that the European Union is facing its largest downsizing operation since its genesis in 1951. It stands to lose 67 million citizens, and 5.42% of its territory. It stands to lose London, its…
By Yolanda Bokhorst Don’t we all want the best for our children? We provide them with a safe and sheltered home, we raise them well, make sure they get an education and try to give them the tools to…
By Edith van Ruitenbeek In the Netherlands and many European countries, cohabitation, instead of marriage, is an accepted way of living together – at least for tax purposes. However, for family matters and for residence permits it is not.…
The BSN, the Burgerservicenummer or Citizen Service Number, is a unique personal number that everyone in the Netherlands must have. It is something like what in other countries is referred to as a Social Security Number, Citizen Service Number, or…
If you have come to live here and find yourself on the road or in the office all day – or if the thought of tackling those heaps of dust, cobwebs, mud tracks or sticky stove tops gives you a…
It is often said that asking a person to describe their own culture is like asking fish to describe water. How do you describe something that you have been surrounded by all your life, without being aware of the fact…
By Deborah Valentine “Succeeding in Change – Agility and Change Management” was the title of a networking event – Hague Hub – organised by the International Leadership Academy and OPCW in The Hague earlier this year. One way of…
The special theme of this issues is careers, and sometimes you come across someone who has followed a truly unconventional and adventurous path that makes you realize that there is more to a career than climbing the corporate ladder. In…
By Greg Shapiro When it comes to Dutch employment, Shapiro takes you behind the scenes for a unique peek at the bizarrely revealing rituals known as ‘Dutch corporate events’. “Granted, I’m just a comedian, but I do get some…
The Power of an Elevator Pitch By Nannette Ripmeester and Sevi Christoforou Every job seeker has heard about the importance of having an elevator pitch ready, in case they find themselves stuck on an elevator with the CEO of their…
By Robin Pascoe Today’s breed of young adults just starting out on the career ladder might have the world at their feet, but DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe would not swap places with them for anything. I never set out…
Interview with Scholtes & Janssens Piano duo With events at historical sites, the Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam touches the soul of the old city center of Amsterdam in October for the seventh time. Artistic directors Lestari Scholtes and Gwylim Janssens, also…
Moving, Growing, Connecting The AICS (pronounced ‘ace’): what do we do? The AICS facilitates high-quality, accessible, community-based, international learning for students of all nationalities living in the Netherlands. Our vision is to be a community where learning is at…
The Meeting Place for Expats and Local Businesses The 9th edition of the IamExpat Fair is taking place on Saturday, November 9, at the Grote Kerk in The Hague. At the IamExpat Fair in The Hague you will learn all…
Success for The Knott, Straight Out of the Box By Nico McGough The ‘oldies’ among us will remember a ‘straight out of the box’ maiden victory, long ago when German industrialist Walter Wolf built a Formula 1 car…
As Far as a Cannonball Would Travel Ask anyone if they know of a big park in the Netherlands, and they are sure to come up with De Hoge Veluwe National Park. However, another park that is at least…
Fish Discover Water Last By Chris Smit The old Arab proverb “Fish will discover water last” is a very useful term to describe, in a cultural context, how people only realize that they have a culture of their own…
Every year, more than 4,500 new internationals come to the Hague region. In total, more than 60,000 internationals live and work in The Hague, in various sectors such as embassies, NGOs, universities and multinationals. The Hague International Centre is the…
By Pim Bouwmeester When you move to the Netherlands, you are coming to live in a country that is widely-recognized for its excellent health care system. One reason why the Dutch health care system is rated so high for…
By Melanie Genssler Chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are experiencing a rapid, world-wide spread. The World Health Organization has reported that, in 2001, chronic illnesses represented approximately 46% of the global burden of disease, and…
By Robin Pascoe When you are a former smoker and a current insomniac there is nothing worse than being woken up by people on their balconies, smoking and having a laugh in the wee small hours, says DutchNews.nl editor Robin…
In the biggest science museum of the Netherlands, visitors of all ages can discover how fun and fascinating science can be by trying out everything themselves. This summer you can do even more at NEMO. The museum will be bike-themed,…
Everyone living in the Netherlands is obliged to have a health insurance – also highly skilled migrants, expats and foreign students. Although it is mandatory to have health insurance in the Netherlands, there are certain conditions which determine if you…
More than 30 years ago, a Community Needs Assessment undertaken by the American Community Council “…recognised the sombre reality that numerous families were experiencing significant stress and personal problems during their settlement and integration”. While the most recent research is…
Being in control – also during the last stages of your life – is something that more and more people are looking into. This has resulted in a huge increase in the number of living wills over the past years.…
On the 21st of May, the Dutch parliament voted to review the law for spousal alimony, with the aim of limiting the period during which spousal alimony is paid out. According to the majority in Dutch parliament, now that society…
If you happen to stroll through Vondelpark near Emmalaan on a Saturday morning, you will probably hear the sounds of children laughing and running around, soaking up the sunshine whilst they learn about and develop their sporting skills. This is…
Robert van Hall is a portrait photographer whose works go far beyond putting his clients on a stool and having them plaster on their prettiest smile as their eyes glaze over. Robert is inspired by the classic lighting and settings…
Lassus Tandartsen combines high-quality dentistry and a people-oriented approach to provide you with the best in dental care services. They offer you a wide range of dental treatments, such as general dentistry, dental hygiene, veneers, (invisible) braces, implantology, endodontics and more. Lassus…
How do you go about finding a reliable, discreet and conscientious cleaner, if you don’t speak the language, don’t have a network and need a quick solution? Helpling’s cleaners have been awarded a 4.7 out of 5. They come from…
Winford, the largest provider of private primary education in the Netherlands, will be starting a fully-bilingual primary school program in Amsterdam in September 2019, under the name Winford Bilingual Primary School. The school is an extension of the current Little…
The Wijnstudio Is Your mentor Many wine lovers want to know more about this marvelous beverage but are not fluent enough in Dutch to follow regular courses. For people like these, De Wijnstudio has created the ultimate solution; a course…
Ask the question, What is the national flower of the Netherlands? and people will answer: the tulip. However, as many of you might already know, the tulip did not originate here. It arrived here in a rather roundabout way. Popular…
Having kids that go to school or university is always a good source of inspiration for writing an article. This year, my son spontaneously gave me the topic of this article when he was telling me about his current school…
You might be excused for thinking that The British School of Amsterdam (BSA) is solely focused on educating UK-born pupils. But nothing could be further from the truth. The school is truly international, with over 970 pupils of almost 60…
AICS will be going through many exciting developments over the next few years. Their main location, which is currently based at the World Trade Centre, will move to A.J. Ernststraat, Buitenveldert towards the end of 2021. A large, spacious building…
My son was 13 when he was diagnosed with a chronic disease. We almost didn’t want to tell his school, because we knew we’d get a chronic response. But – before we get too far – let me say a)…
The Bilingual Swim School in The Hague Over the past decade, SwimKids has grown from a modest initiative, with an individual Instructor giving private one-off lessons, into the most established, well-known and respected swim school for expat and bilingual children…
Step Into the World of Zein International Childcare Any good pedagogue will tell you that children learn through exploration and discovery, and at Zein International Childcare, this forms one of the cornerstones of their approach to Early Childhood care and…
In early March, 88 American School of The Hague (ASH) Middle and High School students and 18 employees returned from trips around the world as part of the ASH Global Service Learning Program. These students spent their holiday break training…
The owner of this fine culinary ‘hotspot’ is Mister Modest, Marcel van der Kleijn. First, he founded Restaurant Callas (one Michelin star), then he opened a sympathetic outlet on the Denneweg, now called Oogst (harvest), where Michelin awarded him the…
In September 2019, the International School Delft will open a secondary school. The secondary school will be governed by the Board of Stichting Lucas Onderwijs, a strong education group with primary and secondary schools in the Hague/Delft region (www.lucasonderwijs.nl/). From…
During 30 years of RISS, starting as a small department within the Wolfert Bilingual School, it has grown to become a symbol of Rotterdam’s growth, international importance and multicultural awareness. RISS provides an education that not only addresses these…
When moving from one country to another for job reasons, one of the issues expat parents have to deal with is choosing the right school for their child(ren) – in terms of creating the best conditions for obtaining the diplomas…
A Community Learning for World Citizenship A group of staff members, students and parents recently reviewed the school’s Mission Statement. Together, they came up with four equally important pillars that underpin everything at International School Utrecht. Community We…
By Yolanda Bokhorst Isn’t it wonderful when you meet the love of your life? And when you then decide to make it official, by getting married? For a marriage to be valid, you have to enter into it in…
A Good Option for Your Child Who Doesn't Speak (Fluent) Dutch? By Annebet van Mameren In the almost six years Annebet van Mameren has been advising international parents on the most suitable schools for their children in the Netherlands,…
A Must Have for Everyone Who Loves the City Who knew storm, rain and mist could look so pretty? Photographer Ewout Huibers explored his beloved Amsterdam in every type of weather imaginable. From sparkling spring sunshine, summer clouds at…
Zoekjaar – translated literally it means “search year” – refers to a status for graduates with advanced education who would like to work in the Netherlands after graduation. Think of a zoekjaar as an orientation year for graduates from…
First Impressions of an Indian Mother in the Netherlands By Divya Susan Varkey I silently mused at the contrast that they were faced with, while they continued telling me of how here in their public school in The Hague, kids…
“Within a few weeks, I already knew that I had been granted refugee status. That was very good news. It was a feeling of complete awe. I was now a resident of a new country and I took it upon…
By Annebet van Mameren More and more international families relocating to the Netherlands. While previously most expats received an extensive relocation package from their employers, these additional benefits are no longer standard. As you can imagine, not everyone is…
By Robin Pascoe Group by group, we filed out of the room and went our separate ways. I was left feeling enormously humbled. There was me, loud-mouthed Brit with my cynicism about the whole process, surrounded by people who…
It has been more than 32 years since ACCESS was founded, but still, Community Education plays a similar function; that of offering something to help internationals, expats if you will, from feeling isolated in their new surroundings, or offering them…
Forewarned is Forearmed By Wijnand de Gelder Don’t forget that you are making things easier for potential burglars if you leave a door or window open to a room that you are not in – if even for a few…
Last summer DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe wrote about how the fire brigade took down the drainpipe attached to the front of her house in their hunt for a baby duck. But the story was far from over. “Regular readers of…
When you move to another country, you are faced with its rules and idiosyncrasies. Not only in daily life and at work, but also when it comes to other, more formal rules. The author has learned that many of her…
Champagne’s Rising Superstar This tiny champagne house was founded back in 1872. It remained a small house until Pascal Leclerc, who had a profound interest in organic viticulture, took its reigns. He began cultivating his vineyards with biodynamic techniques…
When relocating anywhere in the world, for an extended period of time, finding a place to live is among the first steps which need to be taken. Intuitively we know this can be of vital significance in getting settled. More…
It was early November. The leaves had turned yellow and were, with their last strength, still hanging onto their branches. The day was another record-breaking one, with temperatures soaring to a wonderful 15 degrees centigrade. The sun had just crawled…
From National Bank to International Top Hotel At the heart of the Parliamentary District of The Hague, located in a prestigious spot opposite the Royal Palace Noordeinde, you will find Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde occupying a…
Financial Asset and Emotion The song Driving home for Christmas probably expresses best that a house is much more than a pile of bricks. That it is, in fact, a vital part of one’s wellbeing. When preserving the…
Heading toward Winter It’s that time of the year again. We’ve put the clock back one hour (more about that later), it’s cold outside, dark when you wake up, and dark when you come home. But then there is…
Each Comes With Its Own Rules Whether you want to buy or sell a house, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. In this article, a few words of advice for you, tailor-made to…
Seemingly endless panoramas, the rushing of the waves and the ultimate feeling of freedom. That is what living in Duineveld, an exclusive development just beyond the dunes in Noordwijk aan Zee is all about. Imagine this: your own characteristic apartment,…
Stephanie Dijkstra has been Editor-in-Chief of The XPat Journal since its inception 20 years ago. During a FaceTime interview, Diane Lemieux set out to uncover the vision of the woman who has set the tone and shaped the unique quality…
The Dutch Social Security System If you legally reside and/or work in the Netherlands then, in principle, you are subject to the Dutch social security system, unless you are exempt under EC Regulation 883/2004 or a bilateral social security treaty…
Presales Phases 1 and 2 in Full Swing Comfortable living in a building whose façade is covered in green and that has ‘high-rise’ gardens. All this is possible in the new construction project VERTICAL in Amsterdam Sloterdijk. So much interest…
For many people, the topic of a will is a difficult one. As is the timely considering and arranging of a prenup or a cohabitation agreement. We would understandably rather not consider the unpleasant things that could happen to us,…
By Sevi Christoforou & Nannette Ripmeester There are currently abundant job opportunities in the Netherlands but, as with every country around the globe, there are some cultural norms that you have to take into account in order for your job…
Young professionals are moving to the Netherlands, attracted by opportunities to start a career at some of the major companies in this country. At the same time, there is a need for trained talent in today’s challenging employment market. Consequently,…
The signs are almost imperceptible. But we see them. The employment market is growing and opportunities for internationals looking for jobs in the Netherlands are increasing… incrementally perhaps, but we see the trend. Here at ACCESS, there is a slightly…
Cross-Cultural Mobility International relocation and cross-cultural mobility provide both challenges and opportunities. For many families, these include coping with new jobs, a new environment, language and culture and, most importantly, settling their children into a new school. At American School…
When a Dutch manager gives an ‘order’ to one of his or her colleagues it is always (no, there is no exception) met with the – one word only – question; “Why?” Could you make those photocopies for me? Why?…
By Alette Vonk A German friend of mine came to work for a car company in the Netherlands. She was to head a relatively small production unit and expected that it would be fairly easy to manage this team of…
The Grachtenfestival is an eagerly-anticipated cultural highlight of the summer here in the Netherlands, drawing in thousands of music lovers from all around the world. The ten-day celebration of classical and contemporary music, held annually in August, is set along…
For over a decade, Zein International Childcare has been the childcare provider of choice for international families living in The Hague and beyond. Founded on a dream – a vision to help children embrace the advantages that an internationally-oriented lifestyle…
In general, Dutch bosses have a reputation for being non-hierarchical and down-to-earth. Even the Dutch prime minister is known for biking to work and cleaning up his own spilled coffee. Once, I hosted an event for a company with a…
In the past few weeks, DutchNews.nl has reported on the shortage of qualified teachers, and Amsterdam’s efforts to solve the problem by drafting in civil servants, students and refugees. We’ve written about the crisis in the hospitality sector, with cafés…
Maybe your employer is your sponsor and you think you can’t leave your job because your new employer has to be a recognized sponsor too (not all companies are sponsors). What, then, if a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity opens up with a…
In our first interview, I asked Ruby to describe the Dutch in five words. With characteristic care, she gave the question some thought before answering: “Open-minded, liberal, frugal, environmentally and socially conscious and good business people.” What are five words…
Sunday, October 7, 2018 – Beurs van Berlage - Amsterdam On Sunday, October 7, 2018, the 16th edition of Amsterdam’s renowned i am not a tourist Expat Fair for Internationals will take place. Come to the stunning Beurs van Berlage…
In the world of wine & food pairing there are good restaurants, better restaurants and superstars. In the latter category we have the ultimate example in the harbour of Scheveningen. Chef Niels Schavemaker is one of a rare breed; not…
Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Grote Kerk Another important day to mark on your agenda: November 10, for the IamExpat Fair in The Hague! The meeting place for expats and local businesses The IamExpat Fair is designed to support…
NEMO Science Museum offers plenty of entertainment for the entire family this summer. The fact that science is fun and fascinating for everyone, is something visitors will discover as they try out everything themselves in the Amsterdam science museum. From…
There is no doubt; a relocation or expatriate assignment to a new country is often exciting, an adventure of sorts. However, it does not affect all involved equally. When the thrill or adrenaline of planning, arriving and settling has worn…
Right behind the dunes of the quiet Zuiderstrand and close to the lively quays and restaurants around the harbor of Scheveningen is where De Zuid is going to arise. This unique new neighborhood around the Derde Haven is being constructed…
How many people in uniform does it take to kill a duckling? In the case of the duckling born on top of a five-floor block in Amsterdam west, the answer is 13 – which was certainly unlucky for the bird…
In Life, Love Is Not Everything, But Without Love, Life Is Nothing By Wills Langedijk Sharing new experiences, spending more time together as a family, and having to turn to each other because there is no-one else can bring you…
The ones who have been to a Dutch GP already know I’m right; two weeks’ rest and a paracetamol are the most-prescribed medicine in the Netherlands. Living in Belgium it’s a different story. Going to your GP in Belgium almost…
Enjoy the Best Healthcare in Europe When you move to the Netherlands, you are coming to live in a country that is widely-recognized for its excellent healthcare system. Over the past decade or so, the Netherlands has scored near the…
Taking Away the Sting of Insecurity As mentioned elsewhere in this online issue, there is no doubt that the Netherlands offers top-quality healthcare. Various studies are cited, to which we can add the following: according to the Healthcare Access and…
In most cultures, people have their own way of making a toast. People raise their glass and say things like na zradavi, egészségére, salud, santé, zum Wohl or ganbei. And proost! here in the Netherlands. These are all local expressions…
Imagine a restaurant that serves only organic food and wine. You can arrive by car, bike, on foot or by boat. You can sit at leisure while the kids burn tons of energy in the play park next to the…
Seemingly endless panoramas, the rushing of the waves and the ultimate feeling of freedom. That is what living in Duineveld, an exclusive development just beyond the dunes in Noordwijk aan Zee is all about. Imagine this: your own characteristic apartment,…
As a lawyer specialized in family law, I have often witnessed that the only option is to end a marriage or cohabitation, at least at the stage I finally meet the couple. Unfortunately, I have also experienced how devastating a…
As notary publics, we are often involved in the highlights, but also in the low points, of our clients’ lives. Such as divorce. A hotchpotch of rules, treaties and regulations applies – which requires the need of a lawyer who…
Centrally located between The Hague, Rijswijk, and Rotterdam and within reach of Amsterdam, Delft doesn’t really require an introduction. This central location is further achieved by its closeness to two airports, a new underground train station within walking/cycling distance and…
With almost 1,400 students representing 60 countries, the International School of Amsterdam (ISA) offers numerous opportunities for students of all ages to become impassioned with life-long learning by experiencing ‘real-life’ learning moments that connect them with the meaning behind the…
As the world gets smaller through our ability to travel and with the increased use of social media, being an internationally-minded citizen has become an essential part of our ability to succeed in life and to contribute positively to the…
By Jan Vincent Meertens Cultural differences have an influence, in multiple ways, on the relationship between teachers and students, teachers and parents and between students. The ultimate learning outcome, short or long-term, may not be what parents, teachers or students…
It was nothing more than a dream two decades ago: ensuring the right of every man woman and child to protection against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) contributes to a world in…
As mentioned on page 30, Leeuwarden is one of Europe’s Cultural Capitals this year, which will be celebrated not only in the city itself, but throughout the whole province. Once you are in Leeuwarden, where to eat and sleep? Post…
The center of Leeuwarden is cozy and manageable in size – the one time we got lost lasted about 20 seconds – and the people are very friendly. At the end of the market day, we witnessed how the owner…
If education is the key to success – however you define it – then what is there to learn, prepare for, when moving overseas, or crossing borders? As the American tennis player Arthur Ashe once said: “One important key to…
By Greg Shapiro Dutch TV has a real hit with De Luizenmoeder, set in a first-grade classroom at a Dutch grade school. I’m pretty sure it’s based on a true story, possibly my own. Here are some of the most…
By Chris Smit This will be my fourth year contributing to The XPat Journal. This also means that it’s my fourth article on this issue’s topic: Education. Given this fact, it is not always easy to come up with a…
As the world gets smaller through our ability to travel and with the increased use of social media, being an internationally-minded citizen has become an essential part of our ability to succeed in life and to contribute positively to the…
At the American International School of Rotterdam, our mission is to challenge and inspire our students to be principled and resourceful citizens of the world. AISR offers a competitive, world-recognized academic program that is complemented by opportunities for all members…
In 1983, Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest was issued a licence by the Dutch government, allowing it to provide international education alongside the Dutch curriculum. The choice was made then – and 35 years later this is still the case –…
The center of Leeuwarden is cozy and manageable in size – the one time we got lost lasted about 20 seconds – and the people are very friendly. At the end of the market day, we witnessed how the owner…
When coming to the Netherlands as a student, special immigration procedures apply. Which specific requirements are to be met depend on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Some nationals need an entry visa plus residence permit, while other…
By Wijnand de Gelder The focus of this issue is education. Which is the author has chosen to direct your attention to a number of issues in the context of participating safely in traffic. It is important that adults realize…
By Diane Lemieux Ève-Marie Dalcourt and Donnie Duncan are in The Hague because it is home to one of the world’s top dance companies, the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). Diane Lemieux talks with these two young dancers about their life…
In this article, we go into the possibility of arranging a scholarship or grant if you are coming to the Netherlands as a non-Dutch national to study. We also provide a short overview of the studiefinanciering-loan, which – subject to…
By Edith van Ruitenbeek When moving from one country to another, finding the right school – in terms of creating the best opportunities for obtaining the necessary diplomas to face the global future – used to be easier for British…
By Annebet van Mameren Last year there was a lot of commotion on the playground of a small town in the south of the Netherlands. What had happened? A family from the school had gone skiing and had posted some…
To accommodate the growing demand for student places, International School Utrecht opened an extension to the main building and a completely new wing this January. This extra space allowed the school to open six new classes, which means around 80…
You know how it is… Perhaps stuck in a rut at work, you feel you can do more but just don’t know how to mine the wealth of potential greatness that you are sure must be inside you somewhere. You…
By Robin Pascoe This season’s big television hit is a series about a typical Dutch primary school called De Luizenmoeder – the nit mother – and follows the trials and tribulations of a new parent finding her place in the…
Nancy Mayer has a very special life; she makes a living teaching people how to sing. Or, in reality, how to find their voice. For she also gives speaking lessons. “Fantastic voices are really fun to work with, because you…
When you move to another country, there is often another very important member of the family who comes along: your pet. And you want to be sure of two things: one, that you will be allowed to ‘import’ your furry…
The term zoekjaar – or literally translated “search year” – does not mean that rescue squads are out with helicopters scanning the countryside for missing persons for a year. Actually, it is more the opposite; the government is seeking highly-educated graduates…
On January 1, 2018, a new matrimonial property act entered into force in the Netherlands. Until January 1, 2018, the system of general community property applied. It meant that all property and debts of the spouses became joint property and…
As I sit behind my desk, I can see the snow falling. Beautiful big, white flakes. And I know the woods nearby will be full of moms and dads, dragging their kids on sleighs down the tree-lined paths to where…
When is someone considered a real Dutch person – or Dutchie as they sometimes call themselves? Do you need to know the whole national anthem by heart? Or do you have to have visited the Rijksmuseum at least once? No,…
One of the stereotypes that people have about the Dutch is that they are stingy or cheap. But in actual fact that is not true. The Dutch are among the most generous people in the world when it comes to…
It would be nice if the process of buying a house were simply a matter of “yes, I would like that one” and handing over your credit card. Though this may be the case for the top 1% wealthiest people…
Back in the days when books were rarer and more expensive commodities than they are today, it was common to mark your books with a label bearing your own name and ¨Ex Libris¨, which means “from the library of”. While…
Although The Hague is a booming city for expats, there is no realistic market for high-quality rental properties that can provide easy living for busy executives. Currently there are more than 50,000 expats residing in The Hague. The iamexpat fair…
The beautiful area De Stadhouders, located on the border between the lovely Statenkwartier quarter and Duinoord – one of the most popular living and work locations in The Hague – is on the market. We have compiled a layout book…
Expats who are settling in the Netherlands are often faced with cultural differences, especially when it comes to sensitive and private issues such as moving into a new home and meeting the neighbors. Take Fernando and Elmira, who moved into…
A stranger who’s been through your stuff, who’s taken some of it with him and who has left a path of destruction in his wake. This can have quite an impact on your life. Be aware of the fact that…
The winter holiday season in the Netherlands is magical, with all the trees and houses lit up by twinkling lights. But for DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe, the Christmas period is also about an intangible nostalgia for ‘home’, wherever that is.…
Whoever thought that riding your bicycle could be so complicated? That it required not just motor skills and traffic awareness, but also social and emotional skills? If you grew up riding your bike in some other less-bicycle-friendly country, then you…
But what I am really looking forward to is tomorrow morning. A fresh layer of snow will hopefully have covered those thousands of tracks made the previous day and, as I set out through the woods at 8 o’clock in…
For most people, the purchase of a house is an important and exciting event. This is especially so for expats who find themselves buying a home in a country other than their own. Of course, finding the right house in…
In their mission to serve the international community, ACCESS plays a role in managing the expectations of locals who meet, work with, and/or provide services to the growing international community. It is their belief that when expectations are properly managed…
On Sunday February 4, 2018, The Feel at Home in The Hague Fair will be celebrating its 11th edition. More than 4,000 visitors attended the event in the Hague City Hall in February 2017 and appreciated the unique ambiance created…
For someone for whom the buzz of Amsterdam leaves her breathless, I would have never guessed that The Hague would knock my socks off. Yet it’s true: Den Haag has also stolen my heart. Two days of intense touring there…
An important day to mark on your agenda!: the Fall is the IamExpat Fair in The Hague, on November 4. The meeting place for expats and local businesses The IamExpat Fair is designed to support internationals in the Netherlands, and…
For more than 10 years, WWW.XPAT.NL has been the major online information platform for those seeking English-language information on the Netherlands. The website now has a brand-new design, easier navigation and offers more useful content than ever. Specially-designed for mobile…
The name might make you think, Oops, is this a decent place for a nice person like me? – as the combination ‘smoke’ and ‘Amsterdam’ does tend to point you in a ‘certain direction’. But we can confirm that Frank’…
Though very few people know about it, it really should come as no surprise that this country, riddled as it is with canals, should have its own Venice. Not a city, though, just a picturesque little town called Giethoorn,…
Zein International Childcare was founded over a decade ago by childcare professionals looking to help children embrace the advantages that an internationally-oriented lifestyle can bring. Today, through their consistent commitment to high quality, Zein is the leading provider of international…
For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting this moment, the time has come once again for the annual update of The Holland Handbook. Over the years, this book has grown and developed: it has been expanded upon to…
By Jan Vincent Meertens Consensus has always been in the DNA of the Dutch. It is the basis of what the Dutch call ‘effective decision-making’. The expat is often fascinated and frustrated by this culture of consultation and tolerance. Fascinated,…
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – is probably the best career advice to give to young people, and we have Oscar Wilde to thank for his wise words. But discovering and being yourself is not easy in this…
May of 2017 saw the final year students of American School of The Hague undertaking a combined total of 624 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. Both programs require planning, hard work and, above all, a passion for their chosen…
By Chris Smit I like the saying an ex-colleague introduced me to: “We all do the same things, just differently”. In other words, we all eat, drink and sleep, but what we eat, when we eat, how we eat, and…
For this issue of The XPat Journal, we interviewed Marjolein Leopold-de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel, who was born in Indonesia and survived a Japanese internment camp during WWII as a little girl. To Marjolein, who was little, life in the…
Though most people work directly for an employer, over the past years, a considerable and growing number of people in the Netherlands have chosen to work in self-employment, to the point where, at present, 1.76 million people have self-employment as…
By Edith van Ruitenbeek “I shouldn’t have to choose between my kid and my career.” These words, uttered by Victoria Azarenko, one of the best tennis players in the world, recently reached the front pages, when she announced that she…
By Robin Pascoe Journalist may be her main profession, but bank clerk, travel agent, postman and garbage collector could easily be included on her cv, writes DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe CBS figures show that the Dutch work fewer hours…
The New York Times: “If you see only one live performance this year… Nederlands Dans Theater is the one to see.” LA Times: “Unpredictable NDT is memorably modern.” The double performance Side A: Split into One and Side B:…
Get ready for the Holland Dance Festival, returning to its home base in The Hague and the cities of Delft, Rotterdam and Amsterdam from January 25 to February 11, 2018. Opening a window to the (dance) world, the festival will…
By Pim Bouwmeester How is it possible that in case of sickness, unemployment, or pregnancy you still get income in the Netherlands? Does your employer pay it out of generosity? Why don’t you get this extra amount on top of…
By Phoebe Young “Most of my friends from the UK took sensible, vocational degrees that guided them straight to the safe and sturdy rungs of the London job ladder. I set off in a similar direction, and spent my student…
By Greg Shapiro Looking for employment at a Dutch company? Greg Shapiro takes you behind the scenes for a unique peek at the bizarrely revealing rituals known as ‘Dutch corporate events’. Though a comedian, he gets some lovely, candid snapshots…
Are Dutch labour laws giving you a headache? Why not make things easier for yourself by letting Dutch Umbrella Company take care of all the legal administration? They offer you everything you need for your company and your employees. They…
By Robin Schalekamp and Kees de Graaf If an employee works (in employment) in more than one country, or lives in a country other than the one he works in, both countries could have the right to levy taxes over…
The potential we see at ACCESS, among the available (international) talent already here in the Netherlands, is simply mindboggling. In this, the Employment issue, we could not help but reflect on our own volunteers, in the context of locally-based employers…
Since the introduction of the ICT (Intra Corporate Transferee), formally known as EU Directive 2014/66 (as of November 29, 2016), Altair Global has received many questions regarding the difference between the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Procedure) and the ICT procedure…
By Yolanda Bokhorst Many people who have found the love of their life want to formalize this bond. In the Netherlands, there are various options available for those who want to do this; one of these is the registered…
Sunday, October 8 will see the 15th edition of Amsterdam's renowned "i am not a tourist" Expat Fair. Come to the stunning Beurs van Berlage in the heart of Amsterdam to explore what the Netherlands has to offer you! …
Edith van Ruitenbeek In general, a break once in a while – from your daily challenges and tasks – is considered healthy, especially in our modern world. Whether this is to soak up the sun, get some physical exercise, play…
“I have really marvelous memories of my life,” Bryna tells. “I've written in my books that poor children don’t know they’re poor – they don’t think, ‘I’m deprived and I don’t have what other people have’. And it’s up to…
We meet David Aardewerk, owner of Rocks and Clocks, located in the Hofkwartier, just a stone's throw away from the Noordeinde Palace in the centre of The Hague. Rocks and Clocks is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has…
The Utrechtse Castle Route takes you through an area you could explore for days. In this issue of The XPat Journal, we take you along the manors, mansions and castles of this Route. You can do the whole tour on…
NEMO Science museum is an exciting destination for curious children and families, located in the heart of Amsterdam. Inspire the next generation of scientists to question the world around them, discover new technology and explore life itself, through hundreds of…
With almost 1,400 students from 53 countries, the International School of Amsterdam works under its mission to educate for international understanding to ensure that every student recognises the intrinsic and extrinsic value of each lesson taught at ISA. For almost…
Chef at was born out of a love for food and wine, and as the name suggests they can cook everywhere (Chef at… you fill in the blanks). Chef at brings the fine-dining experience anywhere you want them to. They…
The right of a child to an education (Art 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child) is considered an important right. Without a doubt, with the right education, children are better prepared for their future. Complications can…
Music is a universal language and makes for a wonderful bridge between different cultures. That is why the International School Utrecht has embarked on a journey to become a school where music will truly take centre stage. Responsible for designing…
The Impact of Culture on Sports by Tom Fadrhonc As a student, Tom Fadrhonc played rugby at a university in the Netherlands. Sports was a social thing and the majority of the students played primarily to have fun, and secondly…
What do you think of when you hear the label ‘refugee’? Diane Lemieux interviews Manar Aburshaid and busts a few stereotypes. Whatever image the word refugee elicits, it is certainly not the charismatic, intelligent face of Manar Aburshaid. Had I…
The meeting place for expats and local businesses The IamExpat Fair is designed to support internationals in the Netherlands, and connect them with local businesses and service providers. This landmark event is an exciting opportunity for internationals to find everything…
How about a day at the beach: you cycle to Scheveningen on a nice and sunny day, rig your catamaran, hit the waves, maybe participate in a regatta and finish with a drink at the clubhouse? It’s all possible at…
Robbie Zein founded Zein International Childcare, together with husband Jan van der Meijden, based on a dream to provide a better way to support and develop the lives of internationally-mobile children. Today, this dream has become reality as Zein has…
In 1983, Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest was issued a licence by the Dutch government, allowing it to provide international education alongside the Dutch curriculum. The choice was made then – and 25 years later this is still the case –…
In general, the Dutch education system works very well, but because of its unique features and many different types of schools, a lot of international parents have a tough job identifying the right school for their children. This job is…
The assignment was simple. Write an essay on the question: “What is a burnout, and how can I avoid it?” And by the way, “You have to write the essay while you’re juggling homework for eight other high school classes,…
Service Learning is a term that you will hear around local and international schools these days, but what does it really mean? Service Learning is the methodology used by teachers to connect content, skills, and/or dispositions taught in school to…
For their regular columns in The XPat Journal, ACCESS, in 2017, will focus on how it represents, informs and manages the expectations of the local community and its service providers about internationals. In keeping with this advocacy role, ACCESS has…
The AICS is now 13 years old, and offers international education in English to over 1,200 students. The main location is based in Amsterdam Zuid at the World Trade Centre. To help take the pressure off their waiting lists, a…
“Relax man” is an expression you might associate with a stereotypical Caribbean island such as Jamaica. But in Dutch schools, when it comes to being the best, the atmosphere is almost Jamaican; there is no pressure at all. In other…
The focus of this issue of The XPat Journal is education. Which is why the author has chosen to focus on participating safely in traffic, as it is up to us adults to set the right example. As the Dutch…
It is time to party at 10forKIDS! In April of this year, 10forKIDS international childcare and after-school care is celebrating its fifth anniversary! A milestone. And time to look back and reflect – something 10forKIDS is happy to do, as…
Under Dutch law, education is mandatory for all children of all nationalities residing in the Netherlands, from ages 5 to 18, and should be completed with a diploma. The author goes into the various forms of education in the Netherlands,…
The international practice of a civil law notary boring? Hardly, as you can tell from the following examples of situations that we have had to deal with recently. They are like puzzles, which are hard to reverse, but which could…
By Richard Laribij My first introduction to general aviation was during the time I lived in Cyprus. I had always been fascinated by aviation; even as a kid I used to sit in the back seat of the car, staring…
The Dutch political system invariably creates coalitions – and goodness knows how many parties will be needed this time round. The process of coalition building can take forever – well, months and months at least. Manifesto points are ditched, compromises…
On Sunday 5th February 2017, The Feel at Home in The Hague Fair will be celebrating its 10th edition. More than 4000 visitors attended the event in the Hague City Hall in February 2016 and appreciated the unique ambiance created…
Top international business schools meet executive talent through One-to-One meetings in Amsterdam on the 26th of January. The prestigious Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has been an important contribution to career development over the last century. It has gained…
We are pleased to announce the appearance of the second online issue of The XPat Journal! The December Issue is the yearly Housing Special. Please explore, enjoy and share the preview version with as many people as you want. …
I always believed that America’s greatest export product was its optimism. No country in the world could rival our ability to dust ourselves off and start anew. Despotism hadn’t etched itself in to our national psyches yet. We could still…
By Bob Bragar It’s not the great and the good who are going to decide who is the next president of United States. It’s the taxi driver. This summer I spent an inspiring week at the Democratic National Convention in…
When I was ten years old, I moved to South America with my Dutch father and American mother. Though my father loved history, he had studied law in order to be ensured of a career. However, he never lost his…
Franklin and Walter Benedict, ever heard of them? Brothers maybe? Or cousins? In fact, it is neither of these, as they are not even related. ‘Birds of a feather’ comes much closer to describing their relation. Bas van der Elst…
Centuries-old tradition and modern interior design come together in the stunning ceramic apples of the Royal Blue Collection. The objects, ranging from five centimetres to giant, one-metre wide (limited edition) apples, are decorated with a contemporary interpretation of the famous…
Thirty colossal, 17th-century group portraits from the Amsterdam Museum and the Rijksmuseum collections have been brought together for the first time ever in the Hermitage Amsterdam. These ‘brothers and sisters’ of the Night Watch are unique all across the world…
Securing a nice job in the Netherlands is one thing, but taking care of all the necessary administrative arrangements can be something completely different. Though some expats have a steady contract, more and more knowledge migrants opt to take employment…
“It feels good to be back from vacation. Mostly it’s because I grew up in America, and Dutch vacations seem so long. Back in America, you’re lucky to get two weeks off in a row. In the Netherlands, if your…
ACCESS turned 30 in 2016; August 11 to be specific. It is exciting to reflect on the fact that a volunteer-based, and run, organisation has managed to reach this age of maturity. Is it the formula, the people or the…
In this article, the author takes a look into the details of a typical Dutch meeting. Let’s share his vision on the Agenda: The agenda, if at all present, consists, like most agendas, of the different points that are to…
NEMO is the largest science museum in the Netherlands and has been created especially for those who are curious by nature. NEMO Science Museum takes you on a trip through a world of everyday items – that turn out to…
Completely designed by two American School of The Hague (ASH) students, the International Schools Biology Competition sets a new precedent for inspiring students on the subject of biology and uniting neighboring schools towards a common cause. Already in its first…
In June of this year, the European Commission (EC) presented an action plan to support EU member states in the integration of third-country nationals, along with their economic and social contributions into the EU. An integral part of the action…
Deborah on being placed abroad: “Partners embark on the adventure together, but once the adrenaline of the first year wears off and the house and spouse are all sorted, they start to spend way too much time alone and in…
In the Netherlands, there is a difference in tax treatment between an employed person and a self-employed professional. If the relationship between you and your principal qualifies as an employment relationship, your principal (the employer) has the obligation to withhold…
Gouda is a lovely city to walk through, thanks to its reasonably compact size, historic buildings, clean appearance, car-free center and pleasant atmosphere. But there is one more detail that, if you fail to look up, might have you missing…
By Altair Global The Netherlands Due to the improving economic situation in the Netherlands, a new trend is becoming apparent: as of recently, expats are more frequently changing employers. Since strict regulations apply to this process, it is important to…
This article goes into the implications of an expat career for the marital property regime of spouses. Whereas Dutch people often do not know the contents of their prenuptial agreement, or, if they do not have a prenup, what they…
Learning Dutch, finding a house, experiencing Dutch culture, making connections, solving immigration and tax issues, and finding employment – all at the “i am not a tourist” Expat Fair for Internationals in the Beurs van Berlage, in Amsterdam on Sunday,…
The IamExpat Fair is designed to support internationals in the Netherlands, and connect them with local businesses and service providers. This event is an exciting opportunity for internationals to find everything they need in one location, on one day. From…
“Stories are contextual. They begin long before a professional goal has been achieved, fueled by incidents that have deeply impacted the teller. Workshop organizers, who ask me to help women learn to convey their professional accomplishments more confidentially, usually overlook…
You would expect for new regulations and laws to result in a simplification of life in these times when the world seems to be afire with violence, intolerance and complicated international relations. The Dutch tax authorities operate by the slogan:…
by Ruddy Swinnen and Sjaak Pappe For many expats, an international career can be a road littered with pitfalls, allergies and culture shock – but also with great fun, enhanced performance and inspirational new relations. Economies, companies and human capital…
By Wijnand de Gelder Summer vacation is over. A new school year has begun. The children’s minds are still filled with images of their vacation and they are excited about their new class. Many of them are walking or riding…
One summer evening in July, Sarina Maat was enjoying a drink and nibbles on a terrace in the sun with her fitness coach-turned-friend. Summer evenings don’t get much better than that in the Netherlands. Well, actually, in this case they…
By fusing flexible-stay accommodations with luxury facilities, The Student Hotel pioneers a modern co-living hybrid that makes it the perfect home for a new generation of young professionals, expats, global nomads and students. The Student Hotel is transforming the idea…
There is a Dutch saying that goes “You have a No, but by asking you may get a Yes”. Remember this when you start looking for a job in the Netherlands, because in this small and crowded country, everything is…
Now our children are graduates, or nearly graduates, things are changing. The world of eternal internships looms. Working a 40-hour week for work experience expenses of € 300 a month is far from unusual. So how can you pay the…
During The International Fireworks Festival you can enjoy spectacular displays from 8 competing nations. This annual festival draws some 400.000 spectators, so if you want to ensure ring-side seats then grab your very own VIP table at Pier Zuid –…
According to Center for Curriculum Redesign (CCR) founder Charles Fadel, education is “falling behind its mission to prepare students for the future: a world that’s increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.” Curriculum was significantly redesigned in the late 1800’s when…
What will be the legacy of Race to the Top and Barack Obama’s other education initiatives? Indeed, what’s been accomplished in education reform around the country since 2012? Does our current traditional model of education meet the needs of most…
From now, on the June and December issues will be digital. Since September 1998, The XPat Journal® is the premier English-language magazine for expatriates living in the Netherlands. Every quarterly print issue of The XPat Journal contains high-quality and timely…
The Atlas of Amsterdam presents the Dutch capital through hundreds of maps, countless graphs and dozens of photos. It tells you all about the 180+ nationalities that live and work in the city, expats from all corners of the world…
On behalf of Bouwinvest Residential Fund, Bouwinvest has rented out approximately 1,095 m² of living space to Corporate Housing Factory in Park Hoog Oostduin, The Hague. In the ‘plint’, they will be creating 14 Serviced Apartments – for short or…
In the profit-above-all-world of digitization and automation, ethics and the nature of professionalism seem to be in question and under attack from all sides. Will the new robots on the block provide the same expertise and multiple intelligences we expect…
In the profit-above-all-world of digitization and automation, ethics and the nature of professionalism seem to be in question and under attack from all sides. Will the new robots on the block provide the same expertise and multiple intelligences we expect…
“I see the range of professions, both in the United States and abroad, as under severe strain, because of both internal and external forces.” — Howard Gardner In the profit-above-all-world of digitization and automation, ethics and the nature of professionalism…
After a winter and spring that seemed more like an never ending autumn, we suddenly had a very UnDutch hot summer weekend in May. Yes, summer is at our door. And with summer comes that OMG feeling -on the hips…
With so much lycra around these days, stylish looking racing bikes, runners, power joggers and Organic supermarkets popping up like ‘paddenstoelen’ (toadstools) you’d think the whole country is on a health kick. Often enthusiasts prefer to talk the talk rather…
Innovation and Quality: Two Sides of the Same Coin? was the title of Education Fast Forward’s 17th global debate at Mobile Learning Week in Paris in partnership with UNESCO. The big debate brought together thought leaders in this field from…
In 1972, a couple of young enthusiastic Americans came to Amsterdam, the city where anybody, anything and everything goes, and decided to open a store with American erotic magazines and book remainders bought for 10 cents a pound dry weight.…
If Spring this year proves to be wet and cool and you are looking for something to do (with or without kids), then Leiden is an excellent place to start with the following three museums: Museum of Antiquity Visiting…
International School Utrecht has recently been accredited by the International Baccalaureate to teach the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Receiving IB accreditation for the Primary Years as well as the Middle Years Programme at…
Tornante Trainingen finds traditional language lessons in a classroom to be too one-sided for students. That’s why they also teach Dutch through organized practical activities in and around Rotterdam. This is a powerful concept, as “Rotterdam is hot & happening…
The XPat Journal was one of the first to be informed about the fact that cozy new venue was going to be opening soon. Now that it is up and running, we are glad to share this great tip with…
For over 50 years, the International School of Amsterdam has educated the children of expat families from around the world and now serves over 1,350 students, ages 2-18, from more than 50 countries. When ISA adopted its mission over 20…
English is globally the third most commonly used language across the world, with only Mandarin and Spanish more frequently spoken. As the world’s population becomes more transient, the opportunities for individuals to teach English overseas are greater than ever. For…
Moving day… It is not without reason that they say that moving ranks right up there on the list of stressful events, along with divorce, death and losing your job. And no wonder, because there is so much to think…
When you walk into a restaurant and immediately feel at home, you know you are going to have a fine lunch or dinner. After all, a first impression can only be made once. And it was certainly made at Ich…
A ‘School Inspection’ is a term destined to instil trepidation into the most confident of teachers and the most outstanding of schools. Why then would The British School in The Netherlands (BSN) voluntarily put itself through such a thing? The…
Three years ago, the American International School of Rotterdam (AISR) started offering an expanded mother-tongue language program in grades PreK1 - 5 (ages 3-11). Since 2013-2014, the AISR has expanded the mother-tongue program to include French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin,…
Dubravka, who studied English Language & Literature in Zagreb, as well as Philosophy, has two jobs: one, teaching English Teaching Methodology at the University of Utrecht and the other, teaching Research Methodology at the HVA University of Applied Sciences, at…
Art. 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child describes the right of children to an education. For expat parents, the actual right to an education is not so much the issue as is choosing the right school,…
Should you come to the Netherlands with your family for a longer period of time, then there are a number of practical issues you will have to arrange. Then, once your house has been taken care of and the right…
I was reading one of those articles about how Dutch kids are the happiest in the world. Every so often someone does a survey and finds that – instead of pushing kids to perform well on tests – Dutch schools…
In 1986, a red flag was raised by a Counsellor at the American School. There were troubles in the community. Troubles which needed a response. A gap in services which needed a solution. The starting point was, of course, to…
Before enrolling your child at a school, you’ll have to decide whether to send them to an international school or ‘go Dutch’. Both have their own advantages, and in this article, the author explores the differences. The author goes into…
While there is a well-documented shortage of places at some international schools, a survey in Amsterdam last year showed that what most parents really want is help in getting their children into a Dutch school. International schools provide a great…
The demand for Special Education is increasing worldwide and nowhere is this more so than in international education/schools, where families – relocating for work reasons – want to meet the educational needs of their children first. Special Education offers students…
Different cultural value patterns of teachers and students are frequently responsible for a suboptimal transfer of knowledge. The ability to understand, accept and reconcile these cultural differences is necessary for teachers addressing students with different cultural backgrounds. Having been educated…
In this edition of The XPat Journal, Chris Smit focuses on two aspects of education. Namely the fields of study available at Dutch Universities and the coaching phenomenon in the Netherlands. Both of these phenomena have their roots in two…
The British School in The Netherlands (BSN) are hosting three Early Years Open Mornings on 15, 16 & 17 March, to introduce parents of 0-3 year olds to the first year of schooling at the BSN - known as Foundation 1. For…
What kind of education is needed to equip students for the challenges of an unpredictable, complex, rapidly changing world? What’s the role of Educators? What can parents do to help? In my travels around the globe as an education writer…
To Federico Cheri, the Netherlands is the European equivalent of the American Dream: the Dutch Dream. If you come to Holland and you work hard, you can become anything you want. Love In High School on Sardinia, Federico met…
Julia Townsend has her own business in England. On the day she landed a big contract, she came home jubilant, hardly able to wait till her husband came home, so that she could tell him the good news. As her…
Eighteen months ago, Steve Dailey came to the Netherlands for a day. And he’s been here ever since. What started out as a day of consulting, turned into an employment contract with a Dutch employer, Origin. Still no need…
Our interview for this month took place in the soon-to-be former home of Mrs. Ruby Vos (she’s moving to a new house). Ruby moved here in 1994 with her Dutch husband. However, Ruby herself is somewhat Dutch, as her parents…
“Numeracy and literacy are important, but learning is also a vehicle to help people recover and regain what is most critical to them – their own dignity, self-esteem, and respect for the other,” comments Secretary General of the International Federated…
At the IB Heads World Conference in The Hague, I talked to Peter Senge, the renowned expert on systems, business management and learning, and senior lecturer at MIT. His bestselling book, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning…
For readers of The XPat Journal and XPat.nl The 18th edition of the International Art Deco & Design Fair (NADB) will be organized in the Grote Kerk in The Hague from January 14 – 17, 2016. Approximately 40-45 exhibitors will…
Fiction Promises of Blood by David Thorne Rather than leave his fortune to his three children, William Gove has chosen ten random people as his beneficiaries. After his death, Lawyer Daniel Connell begins the job of tracking them down,…
Then you need to be able to quickly focus on your new job and living environment, without having to worry about your relocation. Atlas International Movers takes the entire relocation process off your hands. Since their daily work includes relocations…
By fusing luxury and flexible-stay with top-notch facilities, The Student Hotel is pioneering a modern hybrid in hospitality, and the perfect base for the new generation of young professionals, corporate expats, trainees and students. The Student Hotel offers safe, conveniently-located…
Finding somewhere to live is the main concern of expats when they arrive in the Netherlands. Buying a home is certainly an option and may be even more interesting than renting. But there are conditions attached and customised advice…
In the past, wine bars were unknown in Holland. London, Paris and New York boasted great places to sit & sip. But here in Holland it was not so easy. Bit by bit, the wine culture has opened up, with…
There is a lot involved in the purchase of a house. When you have found your ideal home, you will have to enter into a written purchase agreement and you will have to find a bank that is willing to…
For a city as modestly-sized as Nijmegen, it has a significant place in Dutch history. In fact, it is presumably the oldest city in the Netherlands, and recently celebrated its 2000th anniversary since its official establishment as a location for…
Of course we know that a house is much more than a pile of bricks. Real estate agents, in general, tell you that three things matter where the value of a house is concerned: location, location and location. However, in…
The former, colonial, connection of the Netherlands with Indonesia has resulted in a large number of Indonesian restaurants in Holland. What they serve varies from cheap, fast food to really interesting dishes; well-prepared and based on the finest ingredients. Quite…
Kalindi Soni didn’t go from rags to riches, she went from riches to rags. “I’ve learned that when you’ve gone from having everything that you could want, to having nothing, to being able to build it all back up again…
Expats often ask whether it would be possible for them to purchase an apartment for purposes of renting it out, for apartments and residences in the large Dutch cities are considered an interesting investment. In addition to rental income, an…
The largest public fair for Art Deco & Design, with art and design dating largely from the 20th century, will be taking place for the 18th time in the Grote Kerk in The Hague; from Thursday, January 14 to Sunday,…
When we think of traditional classrooms, we think of desks and chairs and the teacher at the head of the class – but if we think of teaching and learning rather than classrooms, our perspective on the learning experience broadens.…
That time passes and life moves on is, of course, not news to school children. Families that move cultures, countries and even continents face a challenge. For children, however, there are the additional pressures of moving curriculums, class systems, peer…
Last year, when The XPat Journal published a special on housing, Chris Smit wrote an article on why the Dutch keep their curtains open all the time and why it is OK to peek inside if you want. This time,…
Of course, there are a lot of benefits to buying a house. Apart from the fact that you own real estate of which the price may increase again, there is the advantage of a tax relief on the mortgage interest…
You have arrived, manoeuvred the hurdles of registration, figured out the transport system, managed to open a bank account – the gateway to just about everything here – and settled on a place to live. The shipment – from overseas…
Well, the Dutch culture seems to be an example of this, and it is one of the many fascinating paradoxes that often puzzle expats who come to the Netherlands. When Fernando Lanzer first came to the Netherlands on a work…
Welcome to the Netherlands. You’re going to need a place to live. What should you expect? Here are some helpful quiz questions, based on my own personal research and submissions from readers of my book How to Be Orange. Question…
When viewing a rental property, have you ever taken a close look at how safe (or unsafe) it really is? Expats tend to assume that safety regulations are the same all over the world, but Holland unfortunately stands out as…
For centuries, the Low Countries had an open door policy with regard to foreign entrepreneurs. A considerable part of the affluence in the Golden Age came from foreign business owners who were allowed to settle in the Netherlands, start a…
The Netherlands wants to encourage start-ups, keep its international students and be a magnet for global talent. But we seem to be incapable of coming up with a solution to the shortage of housing for people on lower incomes. Scarcely…
After three successful editions, Expatica’s International Job Fair returns on Sunday, October 4th. The event for pursuing an international career in the Netherlands will join forces with the longstanding "i am not a tourist" Expat Fair, which is taking place…
Learning Dutch, finding a house, experiencing Dutch culture, making connections, solving immigration and tax issues… Everything is possible at Expatica’s 12th “i am not a tourist” Expat Fair in the heart of Amsterdam on Sunday, October 4. For those not…
Fiction City On Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg New Year's Eve, 1976. Teenager Sam clings to life after being shot in Central Park. Who wanted her dead? Why did she change her plans and head uptown? This mystery brings…
I came to the Netherlands to work with a comedy theater: Boom Chicago. Some of my favorite shows were the corporate events we’d do for big Dutch companies. That’s where I gained my insight into Dutch business. My experience can…
Remembering the often quite dismal quality of organic wines sold in the past, wine lovers might not be motivated to try the new wave of organic wines produced today, despite their recent world-class quality. Many of the wine world’s greatest…
There are plenty of reasons to take a trip to the south to explore the city that is reinventing itself! Although international tourists are not yet including Eindhoven on their ‘Must-see destinations’ list, there is plenty to explore in this…
“I like to believe that everyone has wisdom that we can benefit from. Also the people in that little village in Spain, who have never gone beyond its boundaries; what they know about finding happiness in life it at least…
The new European Inheritance Regulation has been introduced and will apply to ‘international’ inheritances that come to be on or after August 17 of this year. What will be its consequences for the cross-border successions of those who lived in…
The return back home of the expatriate family is an aspect of expat life that is often overlooked by those responsible for human resources. Much corporate effort is put into a successful expatriation of a family. Its return, however, is…
American School of The Hague (ASH) strives to provide its students with an education that emphasizes academic rigor, differentiates instruction for learners’ needs, and extends to extra-curricular activities. ASH also provides extensive opportunities for each student to grow intellectually, socially,…
Having some expat experience herself, Edith van Ruitenbeek is aware of the privileged life that comes with allowances for housing, travel, schooling, etc. – but also that this is, of course, only one side of the coin. As a family…
Are you one of those restaurant visitors who are bored to bits by those rectangular plates with 32 ingredients, all sitting side by side, not in any way related to each other? Food without head or tail, even worse; food…
To the delight of employees and to the dismay of some employers, there are few countries where employees enjoy as much protection against dismissal as they do in the Netherlands. The flipside of this is that employers are very careful…
Imagine an entire country working together to achieve a single goal: to create the space where entrepreneurs stand up, start up, and scale up! Welcome to the Netherlands! StartupDelta.org strategies are about linking up, changing the system, and making an impact: aimed…
There is a high percentage that needs to work, for financial reasons. However, when asked why they are looking for a job, many of the responses ACCESS hears have little to do with income to be earned, but rather fall…
Ballooning: the oldest and most romantic form of air travel. And in the Netherlands, an unexpected opportunity for adventure. Sky Balloon Flights is based in Tilburg in the province of North-Brabant. The company is run by Bram and his brother…
Have you just arrived? Welcome to the Netherlands. Life here may take some getting used to. You will notice many differences from what you are accustomed to, such as the language, culture and food. But also the way of banking…
The mobile lifestyle can make looking for a new job quite challenging. In this article, Diane Lemieux looks at ways of highlighting your expat skills and knowledge in your job application process to your advantage. In today’s job market, employers…
If you come to the Netherlands to work, you will most likely incur extraterritorial expenses. Extraterritorial expenses are expenses that occur because you are living outside your home country (for example: double housing costs, home leave tickets, costs of requesting…
The magazine The Economist sites a reason for this high level of part-time work in the Netherlands: few men had to leave their homes to fight in the two world wars in Europe, contrary to the US and Britain. In…
The 30 percent ruling is a tax facility for expats who come from abroad to work in the Netherlands. The ruling results in 30 percent of your salary being paid out on a tax free basis. This is meant as…
Sunny summer days and evenings ask for a certain type of wine. They are not the right moment for massive and concentrated reds, but lend themselves much more for light and fresh wines, to accompany summer foods and, of course,…
During the production of the cook book Smart Cooking 3 by Holland’s TV Chef Julius Jaspers, we were working in Asia. This book features the cuisine of China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. To me, as a wine advisor, this trip…
In 1972, a couple of young enthusiastic Americans came to Amsterdam, the city where anybody, anything and everything goes, and decided to open a store with American erotic magazines and book remainders bought for 10 cents a pound dry weight.…
If you have to see a specialist in the Netherlands, you have to take a rather roundabout route to get there – at least, if you’re not used to the Dutch system. We have contributed this article to prepare you…
One of the worst things about being a foreigner in a strange country is dealing with illness, particularly when you are confronted with a health system which differs from the one you are used to back home. Earlier this year…
“I decided that if I painted full-time, I could probably make a living off it, so I quit my job. Through the huge network I had in California I was able to arrange a lot of exhibits and I have…
Expats are considered privileged people who lead a life of luxury. Even more so, now that many of the practical challenges of living abroad have been removed, or at least, made smoother. Many organizations hire the services of relocation experts…
As part of the ever-expanding global community, schools across the world are taking a deeper look into an educational perspective that helps students connect what they learn in the classroom and extend it into a skill that is utilized both…
For the first time in its history, the legendary Volvo Ocean Race will be making a stop in The Hague. On June 18, 19 and 20, the harbor of Scheveningen will be home to the race, with a three-day festival…
What to many starts with ‘the most beautiful day of their lives’ can prove, after a while, to become a legally indecipherable mess. With this, the author means, a marriage entered into by two people of different nationalities. Even though…
As the author says: “I always make clear to my clients, either in mediation or in cases in which proceedings are to be started, that the children are the most vulnerable parties in a divorce and that they should not…
Ask anyone if they know of a big park in the Netherlands, and they are sure to come up with De Hoge Veluwe National Park. However, another park that is at least equally as deserving in fame is de National…
This year is the 40th edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival. A world-famous three-day event that attracts people from around the world. What better way to prove this than to stand in line – across the world – at…
The Dutch have a reputation for being an open and tolerant society. This includes a rather high pain tolerance, as anyone who’s visited the Dutch healthcare system will know. In the US & the UK I’ve encountered the phrase “This…
The relationship between health and community has never been so exemplified as it is in the very popular ACCESS Childbirth Preparation Courses. No, ‘expats’ don’t have babies differently than other expectant couples around the world; rather, they give birth far…
An American-Dutch painter, that’s what Albert Dolmans calls himself. This was confirmed when I visited his atelier in Rotterdam. His entire oeuvre seems to be divided in two: warm paintings with a lot of ochre and purple, as opposed to…
There’s a saying that goes: “The Dutch think that they are the only sane people in a totally insane world.” When it comes to health(care), it is no different. In this article the author takes a cultural look at how…
Elsewhere in this XPat Journal, you have read about what to expect when visiting a specialist and about mental health care for expats. In this article, we will go into the rules and regulations surrounding the (in)famous referral note, and…
Half a year ago, you and your family came to the Netherlands for a new job; a new challenge, with new opportunities. Or: you have been living in the Netherlands for a few years now, but you grew up in…
For a city this modest in size, Haarlem is rich in fascinating museums. We started out at the Frans Hals Museum www.franshalsmuseum.nl, where we thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition Emotions – Pain and Pleasure in Dutch Paintings of the Golden Age,…
In 1972, a couple of young enthusiastic Americans came to Amsterdam, the city where anybody, anything and everything goes, and decided to open a store with American erotic magazines and book remainders bought for 10 cents a pound dry weight.…
After its closure of eight years, an extensive € 127 million renovation, cost overruns of € 20 million, multiple delays, a bankrupt building contractor, temporary relocation to the Post CS building, a public outcry at the new design identity and…
Inevitably, international families are then confronted with the choices, dilemmas, and challenges which arise when they stay on in their expatriate assignment location, and the children are ready to move on – embark on their own. For those contemplating post-secondary…
First and foremost, if you are an American expatriate living in the Netherlands – or many other countries – you absolutely need to report your income to the United States government, via a ‘tax return’ (Form 1040), regardless of how…
Traveling alone had an unexpected side, too: “I had always thought that it would be just one crazy, massive party – but I didn’t really meet as many people my own age as I had thought I would. The people…
Where better to explore those ideas than at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE)? Set up in 1998 by Philips, its doors opened to other companies in 2003, and the campus is now a hive of activity for many established companies…
On March 20 (till May 17), 2015, Keukenhof will be opening its gates for the 66th time. When it closes eight weeks later, some 800,000 visitors from across the world will have visited the international flower exhibition in Lisse. More…
Tornante Trainingen finds traditional language lessons in a classroom to be too one-sided for students. That’s why they also teach Dutch through organised practical activities in and around Rotterdam. This is a powerful concept, as “Rotterdam is hot & happening…
Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam offers Dutch for non-Dutch courses, during which expats learn something about the Dutch culture, as well as how to speak the language. It also runs a monthly NT2-café where expats have no choice but to speak Dutch. Volksuniversiteit…
Millions of people are active on the social media. They have rich social lives and are connected – online – to millions of others. However, your online data is sometimes used for unintended purposes. In their prenuptial agreements, movie stars…
When marriage turns out to be too big a challenge, Edith van Ruitenbeek tells her clients that the next biggest challenge is making a fair and sustainable divorce covenant and… parenting plan. As a divorce lawyer and mediator she always…
The majority of parents feel that it is important that their children know the language and culture of both parents. Among other things, this is expressed in the type of education they choose for their children. Many of these parents…
Rotterdam International Secondary School continues to introduce new ideas, new developments and changes aimed at improving teaching and learning and at making sure that the students have the opportunity to maximize their potential. The accreditation processes of the CIS, NEASC…
When living outside your home country, you will undoubtedly encounter this question: is local or international education the best option for your child? There are various factors to consider, and what is best greatly depends on your family's individual situation:…
The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference convened at the World Forum Convention Center near Scheveningen towards the end of January. Model United Nations (MUN) involves students from around the world and brings together more than 3,500 students and…
With influential technology leaders such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg urging schools to rethink their approach towards programming in school, it is clear that a new attitude to computing is a hot topic in the world of education. In…
The English phrase 'Good things come to those who wait' seems very appropriate as, just before the Christmas holiday, the school heard from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) that its application for authorisation for the Middle Years Programme (Secondary) had…
1964 was a time of economic growth and booming international investments – and it marked a pivotal moment for the international expatriate community in and around Amsterdam, with the opening of the International School of Amsterdam (ISA). In 1999, the…
The BSN Language Centre has been part of The British School in the Netherlands for 30 years. It was first started by the British Council and became part of the British School in 1985. Over the past 30 years, many…
The International School Twente (IST) is the only international school in the Twente region, located in Enschede. It is a so-called Dutch International School (DIS) which means that the school is fully recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education and…
As mentioned in the article, When Parents Stay and Children Depart, there is a wealth of international schooling options in the Netherlands, both at primary and secondary level, as well as at university level. For the latter, we refer you…
In this global world, studying abroad is not only popular and possible, but often also a prerequisite for getting a job. And one of the best places to follow an international course is the Netherlands, with its affordable tuition and…
If you’re an expat living in the Netherlands, and your children go to a local, Dutch school, you might wonder who is in charge, or how any teacher manages to teach these kids anything. The kids are running around; outside,…
Restaurant Bij Erik In recent times, the world of Michelin-awarded Chefs has taken a bit of a beating in the greater The Hague area. Restaurants have closed, or moved away, and chefs have found a new venue. Yet, though several…
My two kids both went to Waldorf School in Amsterdam. In Dutch it’s called ‘Vrije School’, which translates to ‘Free School’. I don’t know why they call it ‘Free’ because it’s based on the philosophy of a rigid 19th-century German…
The IamExpat Fair The first IamExpat Fair will be held at Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek, a former gasworks factory that is now a major cultural venue for hosting events and festivals such as Unseen Photo Fair, Fringe Festival and the TNW Europe…
The city of The Hague has some world-class museums, but most certainly also some very fine ‘tables’. In this edition of The XPat Journal we bring two of each together. We invite you to pay a visit to one of…
Thanks to the economic crisis, a lot of houses are for sale, at often attractive prices. So once the decision is made to stay in the Netherlands, the step to buy a home here is no longer such a large…
Given the fact that one out of three marriages ends in divorce and other relationships are at an even higher risk of coming to an end sooner or later, it might be wise to keep this eventuality in mind when…
Chris Smit’s article, Nothing to Hide, mentions Geert Hofstede’s dimensions and how – on his dimension Feminine-Masculine – Dutch society scores high on the Feminine side. This does not mean that, in the Netherlands, testosterone levels are lower than in…
Before actually signing a rental agreement, make sure you are aware of the contract terms and what could possibly go wrong! Bill and Tamara, a lovely Australian couple with three kids and a dog, were living happily in The Hague…
If you have come to the Netherlands temporarily for work and/or to live here, the rules surrounding housing can be different from what you are used to back home. As there are many private people who rent out their property,…
When I think of Ghent – located nearby in Belgium, approximately 25 minutes west of Antwerp, yet only 22 kilometers from the border with the Dutch province of Zeeland – I imagine a rich cultural history, filled with colorful people,…
To learn about Dutch society, sometimes all you need to do is rent Dutch property. My first housing in the Netherlands was a brand new building, fully furnished, and a total accident. The place had been bought by a Dutch…
We’d all like to live in a luxury flat in a smart part of town with a reasonable rent – but most of us can’t, writes DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe. Of course we foreigners all want to live in the…
Many expats living in the Netherlands look at the Dutch, and probably think that they are a strange people. However, one thing about the Dutch really does seem to stand out. And that is the fact that in many Dutch…
In a number of the articles in this issue of The XPat Journal, the authors have focused on the challenges posed by defects in the property you have bought or rented. The matter of how to deal with these can…
It has always been relatively attractive to buy a house in the Netherlands. However, the rules are about to change. Henk van Seijen shares a few of these changes with the readers in this article. For instance: the maximum mortgage…
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