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 good causes. In the so-called World giving index, the Dutch rank #7 in the world, … Continued

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. “There is something very odd about the idea of being something else as well as … Continued

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 even why we eat is culturally determined. This is also true when it comes to … Continued

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 of Dutch companies in the raw. And the results are not what you might expect. … Continued

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 they can race down the hills… Kids will be squealing with delight as they hurtle … Continued

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 an apartment in Amsterdam. They were thrilled with the prospect of a cosmopolitan life with … Continued

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, because there always seems a way out of the most complex social controversies. Frustrated, because … Continued

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 loan on studying English Literature at the University of Sheffield. I absolutely loved my course, … Continued

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 school and the playground hierarchy. Luizenmoeder is bottom of the list of classroom jobs, which … Continued

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 2017 at the Grote Kerk was buzzing with activity and well-crowded this year. Numerous commercial … Continued

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 – from both ends – bridges can be built and internationals can better settle in … Continued

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 than everyone else in Europe. Three quarters of women and a quarter of men work … Continued