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Travel, living and working in The Netherlands (Holland) - Theme

The Netherlands (Holland)

Live, study, work and put things into perspective with Dutch people in the Netherlands

The Netherlands

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The Netherlands (Holland)

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Backpacking in the Netherlands

  • The Netherlands for short travel distances, lots of roads to cycle or hike, long beaches with relaxing beach bars everywhere, extensive festival summer, international backpacker scene in Amsterdam and The Hague, lots of culture, and a still quite open society.
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Travel in the Netherlands

  • Check the architecture in the many medieval cities, the many art museum and the extensive music scene
  • Cities spotting: Delft, Deventer, Haarlem, Leiden, Middelburg
  • Nature spotting: flower bulb fields in April, national park De Hoge Veluwe, the Frisian lakes and lake areas in South Holland
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Studying in the Netherlands

  • Studies: Almost all programs at universities and colleges offer international programs
  • Popular cities to study in: Delft, Groningen, Leiden, Utrecht
  • Universities: Amsterdam, Delft, Eindhoven, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, Wageningen
  • Characteristics: Many international students, intense student life with many (and some international) student associations in most student cities
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Internships in the Netherlands

  • Internship opportunities are available in all sectors of society from marketing to education and from research to engineering.
  • There are also a broad scala of opportunities for international students for practical internships and regular research internships.
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Volunteering in the Netherlands

  • Volunteer projects are available especially in the fields of nature management, the care sector and in the cultural sector.
  • Characteristics: The Netherlands has a strong volunteer culture where every village and town has a local extensive network of volunteer organizations.
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Working in the Netherlands

  • Temporary work can be found in the sectors: hospitality, retail, agriculture, fruit growing and tourism.
  • Characteristics: non-hierarchical and direct work culture (especially comparing with surrounding countries), varying work ethos per sector, much work is export and international-oriented..
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Working as a digital nomad in the Netherlands

  • Excellent digital infrastructure with widespread availability of high-speed internet and coworking spaces.
  • Favorite cities: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Utrecht.
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Living in the Netherlands

  • Language: To live and work in the Netherlands, you do not need to have speak Dutch, most people are able to speak English. Of course it is highly appreciated when you do and it does not hurt to take a course in Dutch.
  • Characteristics: Prepare yourself for a fairly direct culture where people rarely look at you to see if you might have long or sensitive toes.
  • The attitude of the Dutch is generally relaxed and efficient when it comes to the practicalities of life.
  • Prepare for an entrepreneurial atmosphere that is reflected in both business and social life.
     
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What are typical Dutch habits, food customs in the Netherlands and Dutch philosophies?

What are typical Dutch habits, food customs in the Netherlands and Dutch philosophies?

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Dutch habits

The Dutch have some unique customs and habits that may seem strange to foreigners.

  • Gezelligheid - Gezelligheid is an important concept in Dutch culture. It means cosiness: being together, having fun and relaxing. Gezelligheid kent geen tijd is a famous dutch expression. Gezellig he?
  • Oranje, oranjegevoel - Orange is the color of the Dutch. The Dutch wear orange on Kingsday and when the dutch football team is playing (high level only).
  • Zuinigheid - Fruitfullness, the dutch generally don't like to spend more than necessary and will watch de kleintjes (small coins).They pay close attention to their pennies and go dutch or send a tikkie (online share costs or pay back what someone has spent for you).
  • Complaining - The Dutch love to complain, and talk negative but that doesn't mean they are unhappy. It's more of a way to connect with each other. Most popular topic is the weather to complain about, it is often too cold, rainy or too hot.
  • Cycle - The Dutch cycle, in the rain, with children, doing groceries, everywhere. People sit at the back of the bicycle, with the legs on one side.
  • Directness - The Dutch are generally very direct in their communication. They say what they think and like honesty.
  • No small talk - The Dutch dislike unnecessary small talk and like to get directly to the point.
  • Kringverjaardag - It is a habit to celebrate ones birthday in a circle of chairs. One of my former collegues reminded me of this dutch habit. It goes like this, either it is a dutch party and you bring your own food and often a kring verjaardag. Th -ere is not much swapping of chairs and a lot of talking in the group, less individual talks perhaps with your neighbours sitting on the right and/or left side. 
  • Happy birthday - Is wished to everyone attending the kringverjaardag, not only meant for the celebrant.
  • Self-reliance - Dutch people are very self-reliant and like to solve problems themselves. Not to be dependent of another person.
  • Kingsday - It is celebrated the night before the 27th (birthday of the King) and the day itself. The Dutch wear orange and especially in Amsterdam and bigger cities it is celebrated on the streets. For the children in all kind of places there is the Vrijmarkt: second hand stuff is sold on the streets.
  • Broodje kaas - The Dutch often lunch with a cheese sandwich or other cold snacks. Hot lunches are less common. Pre-made sandwiches are made and put in a lunch box and that is what the Dutch have for lunch.
  • Beschuit met muisjes of hagelslag - Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) and muisjes (small anise seeds) are popular toppings for sandwiches. Round toast with muisjes is served when a baby is born in the specific colors of the baby's gender.
  • Drop is a salty licorice-like candy that many Dutch people like. Many foreigners do not like the  salty licorice, the sweet drop they like better.
  • Koffietijd - The Dutch love coffee and often drink it with cake or pastries or one cookie (not two or three) you can take out of the cookiejar and afterwards it closes.
  • Frikandel, kroket or bitterbal - A frikandel is a deep-fried meatloaf that is a popular snack or try a bitterbal: small fried veal, beef in a crunchy jacket.
  • Stamppot is a traditional stew of potatoes and vegetables, with kale (boerenkool), onion and carrot (hutspot), sourkraut (zuurkool), andijvie, spinach etc etc.
  • Birthday calendar or tiles- Many Dutch people have a birthday calendar hanging on the toilet so they never forget a birthday or a tile with Delfts blauw with a wisdom like sentence for example: Oost, west, thuis, best. East, west, home is the best.
  • Sinterklaas - Every year on december 5 children get gifts from Sinterklaas (kind of Santa claus) when they have been good children. The gifts are also given after Sinterklaas has entered the Netherlands and you put your shoe near the chimney, with a carrot for his horse and sing a song. The whole Zwarte pieten discussion is mentioned somewhere else.
  • Dutchies - As a slang term for cannabis joints or blunts, or a few different entities related to Dutch culture and travel. I am refering to this image, one of the Dutchies! Our mascotte.
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SPOTLIGHT

The Netherlands: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

The Netherlands: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Selection of blogs and contributions of WorldSupporters about the Netherlands

What are typical Dutch habits, food customs in the Netherlands and Dutch philosophies?

What are typical Dutch habits, food customs in the Netherlands and Dutch philosophies?

Image

Dutch habits

The Dutch have some unique customs and habits that may seem strange to foreigners.

  • Gezelligheid - Gezelligheid is an important concept in Dutch culture. It means cosiness: being together, having fun and relaxing. Gezelligheid kent geen tijd is a famous dutch expression. Gezellig he?
  • Oranje, oranjegevoel - Orange is the color of the Dutch. The Dutch wear orange on Kingsday and when the dutch football team is playing (high level only).
  • Zuinigheid - Fruitfullness, the dutch generally don't like to spend more than necessary and will watch de kleintjes (small coins).They pay close attention to their pennies and go dutch or send a tikkie (online share costs or pay back what someone has spent for you).
  • Complaining - The Dutch love to complain, and talk negative but that doesn't mean they are unhappy. It's more of a way to connect with each other. Most popular topic is the weather to complain about, it is often too cold, rainy or too hot.
  • Cycle - The Dutch cycle, in the rain, with children, doing groceries, everywhere. People sit at the back of the bicycle, with the legs on one side.
  • Directness - The Dutch are generally very direct in their communication. They say what they think and like honesty.
  • No small talk - The Dutch dislike unnecessary small talk and like to get directly to the point.
  • Kringverjaardag - It is a habit to celebrate ones birthday in a circle of chairs. One of my former collegues reminded me of this dutch habit. It goes like this, either it is a dutch party and you bring your own food and often a kring verjaardag. Th -ere is not much swapping of chairs and a lot of talking in the group, less individual talks perhaps with your neighbours sitting on the right and/or left side. 
  • Happy birthday - Is wished to everyone attending the kringverjaardag, not only meant for the celebrant.
  • Self-reliance - Dutch people are very self-reliant and like to solve problems themselves. Not to be dependent of another person.
  • Kingsday - It is celebrated the night before the 27th (birthday of the King) and the day itself. The Dutch wear orange and especially in Amsterdam and bigger cities it is celebrated on the streets. For the children in all kind of places there is the Vrijmarkt: second hand stuff is sold on the streets.
  • Broodje kaas - The Dutch often lunch with a cheese sandwich or other cold snacks. Hot lunches are less common. Pre-made sandwiches are made and put in a lunch box and that is what the Dutch have for lunch.
  • Beschuit met muisjes of hagelslag - Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) and muisjes (small anise seeds) are popular toppings for sandwiches. Round toast with muisjes is served when a baby is born in the specific colors of the baby's gender.
  • Drop is a salty licorice-like candy that many Dutch people like. Many foreigners do not like the  salty licorice, the sweet drop they like better.
  • Koffietijd - The Dutch love coffee and often drink it with cake or pastries or one cookie (not two or three) you can take out of the cookiejar and afterwards it closes.
  • Frikandel, kroket or bitterbal - A frikandel is a deep-fried meatloaf that is a popular snack or try a bitterbal: small fried veal, beef in a crunchy jacket.
  • Stamppot is a traditional stew of potatoes and vegetables, with kale (boerenkool), onion and carrot (hutspot), sourkraut (zuurkool), andijvie, spinach etc etc.
  • Birthday calendar or tiles- Many Dutch people have a birthday calendar hanging on the toilet so they never forget a birthday or a tile with Delfts blauw with a wisdom like sentence for example: Oost, west, thuis, best. East, west, home is the best.
  • Sinterklaas - Every year on december 5 children get gifts from Sinterklaas (kind of Santa claus) when they have been good children. The gifts are also given after Sinterklaas has entered the Netherlands and you put your shoe near the chimney, with a carrot for his horse and sing a song. The whole Zwarte pieten discussion is mentioned somewhere else.
  • Dutchies - As a slang term for cannabis joints or blunts, or a few different entities related to Dutch culture and travel. I am refering to this image, one of the Dutchies! Our mascotte.
World habits, food customs and country philosophies - Theme
Travel, living and working in The Netherlands (Holland) - Theme
Studying in the Netherlands - Theme
Dutch expressions

Dutch expressions

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What are typical dutch expressions? Expressions originate from various cultural, historical, and linguistic sources within a particular language community. 

Expressions come from history, occupation and trades, literal meaning, folklore, other foreign languages, wordplay, insults and stereotyping. Interesting. Let me think, obvious is that when you memorize these phrases and use it correctly, people will be impressed by your knowlegde of dutch language. Lesson one.

De aap komt uit de mouw - The ape is coming from your sleeve - meaning the truth comes out.

De mazzel! De ballen! - Literally meaning "the measles" and "the balls" - expression to say goodbye (not in a formal environment).

Je gooit er met je pet naar - You are throwing your cap at something - meaning not putting enough effort to succeed.

Ik schrik me een hoedje - I was scared to death - meaning my scare makes my hat shake the meaning is a little less harsh then using the word death in your sentence.

De knoop doorhakken - To cut through the knot - refers to the legend of Alexander the Great cutting through the intricate Gordian knot - meaning to make a decision.

Maak je borst maar nat - Make your chest wet - Prepare for something hard or difficult, this strange phrase comes from the practice of splashing water on one's chest to prepare to  dive into cold water.

 Je ziet beren op de weg- Meaning "people who only see bears on the road" - this refers to pessimists.

De pijp uitgaan (je gaat de pijp uit voordat je het doorhebt) - To exit the pipe - meaning to pass away (slang).

Steek die veer maar in je reet  - You can put the feathers in your butt - meaning that you give someone a compliment.

Helaas pindakaas- Too bad, peanut butter - meaning to imply when something unfortunate happens.

I left the bad things out, any additions? Do what The Dutchies do...

Learn about The Netherlands Game (in Dutch-English-Spanish)

Learn about The Netherlands Game (in Dutch-English-Spanish)

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Education Category: Geography
Ages: 0-4, 4-8, 8-12, 12-16, 16+

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This game is donated by Laura Filemon

Leer kinderen over Nederland

  • Vraag wat ze al weten ze al over Holland?
  • Waar ligt het?
  • Wat is het het klimaat?
  • Wat zijn onze gewoontes?

Leer vervolgens Nederlandse spelletjes

  • Zoek snoepjes in het water of aan een touw

  • Spijkerpoepen: Touw met spijker vastgebonden aan je middel. Probeer de touw in de opening van een fles te krijgen.

  • Stoelendans: er zijn stoelen in een cirkel. Wanneer de muziek stopt, moet je zitten. De persoon die geen stoel heeft is af.

  • Eier-race: lepel met aardappel of ei in je mond of in je hand, lopen of rennen over een door jou uitgezet parcour. Maka het lastig met springen en kruipen over en onder obstakels door.

  • Encostalados spel: maak een tour in een juttenzak

  • Lanzabolas (ballen gooien)

  • Flessenspel: Er is een fles water (zonder dop) bij elke team, elke speler op zijn beurt gooit de bal en probeert de fles van de andere team om te gooien. De speler die de bal vangt moet zijn fles weer recht op zetten. Dan is de volgende aan de beurt. Als jouw fles omvalt moet je eerst de bal halen voordat je de fles rechtop zet. Als jouw fles eerste leeg is heb je verloren.

  • Benodigdheden: Touw, Spijkers, Flessen, Stoelen, Muziek, Lepels, Aardappels (of eieren of wat anders), Juttenzakken, Ballen, Plastic bekers, Water, Bal, Snoepjes.

Aprender sobre Holanda

  • Cuento sobre Holanda: ¿Qué ya saben de Holanda?

  • Donde esta, la clima, las costumbres

  • Buscar dulces en el agua o a un cuerda

  • Cuerda con clavo en torno a su cintura. Prueba recibir el cuerda en el agujero de un botella.

  • Robar sillas / juego de sillas: hay sillas en un círcula. Cuando la música detiene, esta sentado. La persona que no tiene un silla, es terminado.

  • Carrera de huevos: cuchara con papa o huevo en su boca o mano, hacer un recorrido

  • Encostalados juego: hacer un recorrido en un saco

  • Lanzabolas

  • Juego de Botellas: hay una botella de agua en cada equipo, por turnos cada jugador tira la perlota y trata de botar la botella del otro equipo. El jugador que recibe la bola y después levantar su botella. Después pasa el siquiente turno.

  • Materiales: Cuerda, Clavos, Botellas, Sillas, Música, Cucharas, Papas (o otra), Sacos, Pelotas, Vasos plásticos, Agua, Balón, Dulces, Lana

 

Learn about The Netherlands

  • Story about Holland: What do they know about Holland?
  • What is the climate, customs

Dutch games

  • Find candy in water or on a rope
  • Rope with nail around his waist. Try to get the rope into the hole of a bottle.
  • Stealing Chairs / game chairs: chairs in a circle. When the music stops, you have to sit down. The person, who has no chair, is finished.
  • Eggrace: spoon with potato or egg in your mouth or hand, take a tour.
  • Sack game: take a tour in a sack
  • Throw balls (throw balls/cans)
  • Bottles Game: There is a water bottle (without cap) for each team, each player in turn throws the ball and tries to bottle the other team to throw. The player who catches the ball must put the bottle on his place. Then you give the next turn. If your bottle falls you have to get the ball before you put the bottle upright. If your first bottle is empty, you lose.
  • Materials: Rope, Nails, Bottles, Chairs, Music, Spoons, Potatoes (or eggs or other), Sacks, Balls, Plastic cups, Water, Ball, Candy, Fabric

 

 

 

 

Samenvatting Governance and Politics in the Netherlands

Samenvatting Governance and Politics in the Netherlands

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Hoofdstuk 1 De grondwet van Nederland

Het kikkerlandje

Nederland is een land in Europa dat een gebied bezit van 42.000 vierkante kilometers grenzend aan de Noordzee, Duitsland en België. Nederland staat voornamelijk bekend om haar worsteling met water en is daar succesvol in geworden. In veel andere landen wordt Nederland anders genoemd namelijk: ‘De Lage Landen’. Dit komt omdat het een samenstelling is van verschillende provinciën die onder of al dan net boven het zeeniveau liggen. Tegenwoordig zijn die provinciën anders en zijn het er twaalf: Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Noord Holland, Zuid Holland, Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, Zeeland, Noord Brabant, Flevoland en Limburg. Deze provinciën zijn net federaal ingedeeld maar hebben gedeeltelijke macht, echter de staat blijft boven de provinciën heersen.

 

De grenzen

Een leuk aspect aan Nederland is dat het niet één grens heeft maar juist vier namelijk een politieke, een geografische, een religieuze en een taalgrens. Dit is een opdeling vanuit de geschiedenis die niet geheel meer toepasbaar is op Nederland. Vroeger was het zo dat de grens vooral bestond rondom de Rijn/Maas delta. Dit was de scheiding tussen het zuiden en het noorden. Taalkundig gezien spraken ze in het zuiden een taal die meer gericht was op Frans en in het noorden meer het huidige Nederlands. De andere scheiding is een scheiding die je tegenwoordig nog wel tegenkomt namelijk de scheiding tussen het katholieke zuiden en het protestantse noorden. De laatste en belangrijkste grens is de politieke grens. De oorsprong hiervan ligt ver in de geschiedenis.

Rond de middeleeuwen was Nederland een federatie die voor het eerst werd samengevoegd door overheersers. De federatie werd gecontroleerd door Bourgondiërs en later door Habsburgers. Door een machtsoverdracht van Karel de Vijfde naar Philip de Tweede ontstond er negativiteit onder het volk. Men was niet meer zo loyaal naar de heerser, dit kwam mede omdat hij niet zoveel gaf om het Nederlandse volk vanwege zijn interesse in Spanje. Men wilde hierdoor meer onafhankelijkheid, wat uiteraard niet zomaar gebeurde. De Nederlandse bevolking had nog eens wens namelijk religieuze vrijheid en samen met de onafhankelijkheidsdrang ontstond er een strijd tussen Spanje en de opstandige regio’s in de Nederlanden wat werd aangewakkerd door het verschil in geloof. Spanje was Katholiek en Nederland protestants en calvinistisch. Verschillende invloedrijke gebeurtenissen vonden plaats onder andere de Beeldenstorm, waardoor Alva naar de Lage Landen werd gestuurd. Hij werd tot gouverneur benoemd, dit was een probleem omdat dit normaal door een Hollander gedaan werd en nu.....read more

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Samenvatting Security, safety and criminal justice in the Netherlands

Samenvatting Security, safety and criminal justice in the Netherlands

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Hoofdstuk 1 Veiligheid en strafrechtelijk systeem in Nederland

1.1. Veiligheid en strafrechtelijk systeem in Nederland
Veiligheid, beveiliging en strafrecht in Nederland zijn belangrijke onderwerpen op de Nederlandse politieke en publieke agenda. De afgelopen jaren zijn er veel nieuwe beveiligings- , veiligheids- en strafrechtsbeleiden ingevoerd. De organisaties die hiermee te maken hebben zijn de afgelopen jaren ook flink gegroeid. Ook de wettelijke bevoegdheid van deze organisaties is een stuk groter geworden. De omvang van veiligheid, beveiliging en strafrecht staat direct in verband met de kwaliteit van de samenleving. De organisatie hiervan is dus ook een cruciaal onderdeel van een moderne staat.

1.2 Definities en perspectief
Definities
In Nederland is er maar één woord om safety en security te beschrijven en dat is veiligheid. Een bekende dichotomie in Nederland is die tussen sociale onveiligheid (bedreiging voor gezondheid en eigendommen door opzettelijke strafbare feiten van derden) en fysieke onveiligheid(bedreiging van gezondheid en eigendommen door allerlei soorten ongevallen). Het is in Nederland gebruikelijk om sociale onveiligheid te beschrijven als een beveiligingsprobleem en fysieke onveiligheid als een veiligheidsprobleem.
 

Het concept beveiliging wordt in Nederland vooral gebruikt als men de bescherming tegen opzettelijke pogingen om iemand pijn te doen of schade te veroorzaken bedoeld. Onveiligheid wordt veroorzaakt door mensen die opzettelijk iemand pijn proberen te doen of schade proberen te veroorzaken.
Veiligheid wordt gebruikt om de bescherming tegen ongelukken, ondanks de veroorzaker van het ongeluk, te beschrijven. Onveiligheid wordt veroorzaakt door de kans op ongelukken waar mensen of goederen bij zijn betrokken.
Veiligheid in de zin van internationale veiligheid heeft een dubbele betekenis: bescherming tegen medeburgers en bescherming tegen de staat. Deze dubbele betekenis is geworteld in ons juridisch denken, net als de democratische rechtsstaat in de moderne staat. Dit leidt ons tot het sociale contract, wat zegt dat de wet beveiliging en veiligheid moet bieden door middel van individuele rechten.
Beveiliging is een gevoel van veiligheid, specifiek vrijheid zonder angst, gevaar, risico, voorzichtigheid, armoede en bezorgdheid. Veiligheid en beveiliging hangen nauw samen. Veiligheid betekend ook vrij zijn van gevaar of risico. Echter heeft het meer gevoelswaarde, wat dus meer te maken heeft met fysieke condities, zoals vrijheid van verwondingen, veiligheid van het lichaam en eigendommen.
Strafrecht wordt gedefinieerd als het proces waarbij de staat reageert op gedrag dat onacceptabel is. Strafrecht

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Back in Holland

Back in Holland

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Inmiddels ben ik alweer 2,5 week terug in Nederland. De tijd in Malawi is echt enorm snel gegaan en daar baal ik best van! Ik had graag iets langer willen blijven om nog meer van de cultuur en mensen daar te leren. Het land en de mensen heeft een erg grote indruk op mij gemaakt. Het is zo mooi om te zien hoe blij de straatarme mensen daar zijn met de kleinste dingetjes en hoe gelukkig de meeste mensen zijn ondanks alle narigheid die er heerst. Dit is echt iets waar wij Nederlanders veel van kunnen leren.

Ik kijk echt terug op een hele mooie tijd in the warm heart of Africa en heb gelukkig alle foto's en filmpjes nog om deze mooie ervaring met het thuisfront te kunnen delen en ze te laten zien wat ik daar allemaal heb gedaan.

Klik hier om al mijn ervaringen in Malawi te lezen en hoe wij daar een steentje hebben bijgedragen aan de liefdevolle mensen daar.

The Netherlands Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips
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Studying in the Netherlands - Theme
Emigration and moving abroad - Theme
Crossroad: region
Crossroads: activities
Crossroad: goals

SPOTLIGHT NL

Living Abroad: interviews and profiles of Dutch Worldsupporters abroad

Living Abroad: interviews and profiles of Dutch Worldsupporters abroad

 

 interviews and profiles of Dutch Worldsupporters living abroad

Series of blogs about Dutch people working and living abroad. Managing language schools in Bocas del Toro,

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"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #1: Ingrid Lommers - Spanish at Locations

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #1: Ingrid Lommers - Spanish at Locations

spanish by the sea

Who?

  • Ingrid (Ins) Lommers

Where?

  • Panama and Costa Rica

Which initiative?

  • Spanish at Locations

What?

  • Spanish Language courses, accommodation, travel & outdoor activities, volunteering

Something special?

  • Spanish courses at 5 locations: Enroll in spanish courses AND have the freedom to travel around. Five seamless schools allow you to choose your own adventure without losing academic continuity. Stay put in one place, pick your own path, or join the Travelling Spanish Classroom on a 4 week guided trip to experience true adventure-education.
  • Camping at “Gekui Pacuare River Camp”, Turrialba: 2, 3 or 4 day rafting trip on the Pacuare. It can also be part of a hiking trip. Once at the campsite, you will sleep on elevated platforms that will put you in direct contact with the sights and sounds of the tropical rain forest. Extra possibility: candlelight family style dinners!
  • Virtual Spanish Courses: Jumpstart or retain what you learned: length, location and topic of classes can be customized.

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And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

(by: Ingrid Lommers)

After deciding I had to be a business person, make money, buy and do everything I desired, I subsequently finished business school and took a job. I was only 20 years old and one day I looked out of the windows of the fancy office of the importer/exporter company of sports shoes where I was working at the time.  I stared at a pond with ducks floating and playing around and I was actually a bit of jealous of them. I thought “is this all, is this where I am going to be the rest of my life between 8 and 5 from Monday till Friday?”. So I decided to continue studying to prepare to do something other than selling shoes. I enrolled at the University of Amsterdam to study economical development with a specialization on Latin America. As a part of writing my thesis, I went for 10 months to Surinam and learned about development issues in third world countries.  Looking back, I think, that is when I developed my “fever for the tropics“.

In 1993, I got the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, to work on a project in development aid at the National University of Costa Rica. While my work gave me good experience in development, I lost my motivation to stay in that field. I found that I would be more satisfied to work on my own projects and be able to do something to create sustainable progress. As a result, I began to invest my time in various jobs in tourism, including becoming a raft and tour guide. The culture, language, nature and people of Costa Rica touched me deeply and I decided to stay longer.

While I worked as a raft and tour guide I met Fernando, native of Turrialba, Costa Rica and we started to work and live together. When our first daughter was born in 1997, I  began to study Spanish and work at different language schools in Costa Rica. In 1998 I had the opportunity to go to Bocas del Toro – Panama to set up a school for a company established in Costa Rica. In the beginning Bocas was not known by international tourists, but little by little, the school began to grow.

I had learned some limited Spanish while being a student in Salamanca in Spain,  where I developed a love for the language. Several years later I enrolled in a Spanish school in San Jose but at that time could not afford to continue my studies. As a result, I learned Spanish the hard way, while working at my various jobs. This experience is what gave birth to the dream of Spanish at Locations, making learning Spanish affordable.

Four years later, the birth of a school in Turrialba in Costa Rica fulfilled our dream to combine Spanish classes with river adventures on the Pacuare River. Fernando had been operating a river camp there for many years. His hobby, breeding horses, turned out to be useful when we started to organize our own horse ride trips in the surroundings of Turrialba. Three years later, we opened a third branch, this time in the highland town of Boquete, Panama. This school is also called “Spanish by the River” as the town of Boquete is located near Panama´s best white water. Six years later we started two additional schools, one in Panama City and the other in Puerto Viejo – Costa Rica. The creative skills and abilities of Fernando are on display at our campuses. Coincidentally, the ages of our three daughters match the ages of our first three schools. Our three daughters and our son have been our motivation to continually work hard, improve and enjoy the schools!

Although in recent years the relationship between Fernando and me has changed, we continue to be business partners and to share a common vision regarding Spanish at Locations. New people have joined us that don’t share our history but they are realizing their own dreams within this company. Without them it would definitely not be the same! Because of them, I was able to not only finish my Master Degree in Spanish as a foreign Language, but also to enjoy what I really like to do, teach Spanish. I am fortunate to be active in the beautiful surroundings of our schools and dedicate time to other important things in my life.

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #2: Juliette Kwee - Smokey Tours

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #2: Juliette Kwee - Smokey Tours

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Who?

  • Juliette Kwee

Where?

  • The Philippines, Manila

Which initiative?

  • Smokey Tours

What?

  • Smokey Tours offers Slum Tours, Bicycle Tours, Market Tours & several other tours for visiting travelers & local Filipinos.

Something special?

  • Slum tour: slums are a whole other world. A world which at first glance seems so different to what the majority of the visitors are used to. We see people working hard peeling garlic, scavenging for recyclable goods and making food out of leftovers from garbage bins. Life is tough, it's dirty but it's not a depressing place. People are smiling and getting on with life. Visit one of Manila's poorest areas where people try to live and work and call home. Understand the issues that the residents face, and discover resilience in its truest form.
  • Cemetery tour: discover why some people choose to live inside a cemetery and learn about the beliefs and superstitions of Filipino's.
  • Education & skills development: Smokey Tours educates impoverished people to become professional tour leaders.Tour leaders of Smokey Tours improve their English, learn tour leading and leadership skills. 

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And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

In January 2011, Juliette Kwee organized a photo tour for Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres. This ‘photo walk’ portrayed the way children live in the area of Tondo, specifically Smokey Mountain. 20 local photographers volunteered and donated their photographs. Juliette discovered the talents of the residents of Smokey Mountain: they tell stories about their neighbourhood with passion, pride and dignity.

The idea of a special tour was born. Juliette started recruiting and coaching potential tour leaders. To professionally develop the tours Juliette reached out to international likeminded organizations that were already offering slum tours in Brazil and India.

The Smokey Mountain tour became Smokey Tours’ signature tour (hence the name of the organization). Since the very beginning all the profit made with the Smokey Tours is donated to local NGO's. Smokey Tours now offers several different tours and keeps seeking improvement and growth opportunities.

Connecting Two Worlds (source Voluntourism.ph)

The Dutch psychologist Juliette Kwee, who has been living in the Philippines since 2008 and not new to volunteer activities, felt something stir within her during her first visit to Smokey Mountain, a poverty stricken area located in Tondo, Manila. Kwee could not help but notice the difference between Smokey Mountain and its neighboring area, Makati City. Kwee shares, “I went to Smokey Mountain and I was so touched by the community. But I also sometimes go to this posh park in Makati and I was shocked. It’s only half an hour from each other. I started thinking, ‘how can we connect this two worlds?’”

Kwee knew she has to use a tool that will appeal to Filipinos from all walks of life. She concluded: “What do Filipinos like? Filipinos like taking photos. We organized a photowalk and called some photographers to take photos of the children and to show the resiliency of the community.” The photos, which were put up in an exhibition, sent a powerful message that one could be happy without material things as long there is love, food, and the opportunity for education.

Kwee says that the special tour took shape when she worked with the Smokey Mountain residents and area officers. “I met some tanods at that time and I was amazed at how they could talk about where they’re from and what they’re doing with pride. “Why is there not a slum tour here?” she shares. Kwee sought the help of Chris Way, the co-founder of India-based Reality Tours & Travel, which won the Community Award at the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Ceremony in Madrid, Spain. “I want to train people who can take their own initiative. To be empowered and to take responsibility. People are smart enough to make their own decisions,” Kwee says.

Smokey Tours has expanded its list of activities. Aside from the slum tour, tourists can now explore Manila while cycling, go to cemeteries and other local spots, and experience Old Manila. As a testament to the organization’s excellence, “Smokey Tours” has been ranked number one on TripAdvisor.

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #3: Paulien & Karst - The Giggling Tree

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #3: Paulien & Karst - The Giggling Tree

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Who?

  • Paulien Leisink & Karst Draaisma

Where?

  • China, Yangshuo

Which initiative?

  • The Giggling Tree

What?

  • Guesthouse accomodation close to Yangshuo (20 min bicyle ride)

Something special?

  • Cluster of authentic farmhouses: Paulien and Karst transformed a cluster of old authentic farmhouses, surrounding a courtyard, into a guesthouse in the Chinese countryside. The houses have been built with adoben which keep the rooms relatively cool in the hot summers.
  • Cookingschool: An Australian cookingexpert has set up a great cookingstudio. After a visit to the local market  you will cook 5 dishes by yourself with great instructions from the Chinese staff.
  • Local charity: The Giggling Tree and guests support Chinese people on a local scale: a local primary school, an elderly home, Chinese individuals

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And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

Paulien and Karst travelled around the world for 2 years, working as volunteers in projects with orphans and handicapped children. They travelled from Eastern Europe to Afrika and Asia. China was the last big stop. From there they took the Trans Siberia Express, back to Holland. After 2 years, they wanted to travel again and started working as tourleaders, mostly in China.

Karst discovered a complex of old farmhouses while cycling around and saw the opportunity to start their own guesthouse, a longtime dream. It turned out that all the owners (27!!!) were willing to give the place out for rent. Negotiations could start. When all the owners were satisfied they pressed their thumb in red ink and the contract was signed.

The big metamorphosis could start: 80.000 rooftiles have been cleaned, removed, reput, walls have been broken down, rebuilt, rendered and painted, bathrooms were built, floors relayed, electricity has been put in and a watertank and a watersystem have been installed. These are just a few things that were necessary to turn this beautiful  authentic complex into a special guesthouse. Located on a splendid spot, about 5 km outside of Yangshuo in the middle of ricepaddies and Karstmountains.

Since 2012 they also opened a relaxgarden and since 2013 an outdoor swimmingpool is in use. In the Summer of 2013 Paulien and Karst made another dream come true by adopting their new son Raaf, from Ethiopia. Since September 2013 their oldest son Pelle is attending primary school in Guilin.

The Giggling Tree is managed by Dutch managers (other than Paulien and Karst) and their Chinese team. Periodically, new managers are welcomed at The Giggling Tree.

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #4: Miriam Levie - TEFL in Spain & Italy

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #4: Miriam Levie - TEFL in Spain & Italy

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Who?

  • Miriam Levie

Where?

  • Málaga, Spain

Which initiative?

  • TEFL-in-Spain, TEFL-in-Italy

What?

  • TEFL courses on location and online TEFL courses, Teacher Development & Spanish or Italian courses

Something special?

  • Trinity College London Certificate courses: The Trinity College London Certificate TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the highest TEFL qualification (same as the CELTA), validated by Trinity College London and recognised by the British Council and employers worldwide.
  • Teacher development courses: specialist course modules to improve your teaching skills and to be able to teach to various target groups
  • Career services: There is a big demand for English teachers in Spain and Italy. Compared to other European countries, the level of English is quite low, so Spanish and Italian people need to improve their English in order to find a good job in Italy or abroad.

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And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

Miriam, nowadays Director and Course Tutor, gained her first experience in teaching English as a foreign language when she came to Spain in January 2005 to study Spanish. Spanish people have a generally low level of foreign language skills and Miriam found out there was a big demand for English teachers. First, she started giving one-on-one classes and later Miriam was offered a job at a language school, followed by a position as an in-company English teacher. She enjoyed it so much that she realised teaching foreign languages was her true vocation. Miriam understands what students are going through, because she knows exactly what it is like to learn another language. After several years of teaching Miriam wanted to further develop her skills related to the theory and practice in the area of teaching English and decided to study again. She received a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics at the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid. In this programme she specialised in Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Training and decided to set up a high quality TEFL school with other experienced teacher trainers.

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #5: Roos Tieges & Ingrid van der Straaten - TCDF Thailand

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #5: Roos Tieges & Ingrid van der Straaten - TCDF Thailand

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Who?

  • Roos Tieges
  • Ingrid van der Straaten

Where?

  • Thailand

Which Initiative?

  • TCDF, Thai Child Development Foundation
  • Eco-Logic, the 'Resort for Charity'

What?

  • The Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF) supports local children in their development by making sure that customized medical care and education is also available to underprivileged children and children with disabilities or learning disorders.
  • Local Thai team members provide social support programs (medical care, education) together with daily life caregivers to underpriviledged children in their own village/community
  • Other projects where TCDF team and local+international volunteers work hands-on: emergenct funds, physiotherapy, nutrition programs, scholarships, occupational training center and perma culture farm, community learning center

Something special?

  • At TCDF they believe that the social outreach work can only be done well by working with local people who can develop a long-term bond of trust with the children and their caregivers through constant communication.
  • TCDF take care of children in their own community, without taking them out of their homes and never longer than needed
  • International and Thai volunteers open up the worlds of the children and the members of the forest community by sharing their (often unique!) skills and knowledge within the community learning center, yoga center and/ or on the organic farm.
  • TCDF try to limit damage to the environment. They are strict in handling garbage, reusing garbage, and recycling.
  • Eco-Logic, Resort for Charity with tourist accommodation, workshops, and tour packages, is on the same property of the Foundation. This sister company of TCDF is a Thai for profit company and is TCDF's main sponsor.

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

TCDF is founded by a charitable Thai/Dutch family and has supported children in need on a direct and day to day base in Thailand since 2004. Ingrid van der Straaten has been TCDF’s full time volunteer and ambassador since the very beginning when she, and Rosalie decided to make a difference and dedicate their lives to this initiative! The other TCDF's directing founder, Rosalie Tieges, lives with her Thai family within walking distance of the Foundation; other Dutch board members live in Holland.The TCDF Community is a global network of people that believe in acting local and contributing to make a difference. The Thai board members are all people from the village including the village headman and active parents of children in the social programs.

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Travel, living and working in The Netherlands (Holland) - Theme
"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #6: Frank Weijand - Merazonia

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #6: Frank Weijand - Merazonia

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Who?

  • Frank Weijand

Where?

  • Ecuador, Mera, Amazon rainforest

Which Initiative?

  • Merazonia

What?

  • Wildlife conservation organization
  • Merazonia combines passion for nature with a professional approach on animal care and release, along with rainforest conservation and wildlife monitoring.

Something special?

  • Merazonia was truly built by volunteers for volunteers (and animals of course). Volunteers help the local team in the day to day care of the wildlife.
  • Donations are vital for the animal care and release projects of Merazonia. For the wellbeing of the animals they do not receive tourists in the reserve, nor do they get any governmental funding.
  • The World Wildlife Fund has called the area from Baños to Mera, “A Gift to the Earth” because of its beauty and biological importance to the region. 

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

  • All founding members of Merazonia have a background in volunteering and worked as volunteers at several wildlife centres throughout the continent, before joining forces. The first work started in the fall of 2004, with every partner investing his own money in the project. Frank and his team are proud to have built this centre with their own hands, along with the many volunteers that joined them. Volunteers joined from day one in the heavy physical labor, carrying massive amounts of rocks and sand, and dragging beams through the forest. The only help they had was from a loyal workhorse Monty. Little by little the centre started to take shape. Supporting Merazonia has direct effect: with the help of volunteers and donors they implement successful and groundbreaking rehabilitation programs.
"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #7: Tessa de Goede de Ordoñez - Tess Unlimited

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #7: Tessa de Goede de Ordoñez - Tess Unlimited

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Who?

  • Tessa de Goede de Ordoñez

Where?

  • Guatemala

Which Initiative?

  • Tess Unlimited

What?

  • Surgery of babies and children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, in close partnership with local hospitals, health posts and midwives throughout Guatemala
  • Other projects throughout Guatemala where Tess' team and local+international volunteers work hands-on: milk project, orthodontic care, psychological guidance, speech therapy

Something special?

  • Parents who have a child with a cleft lip or an clet palate have to try to overcome fear and their shame. Group therapy sessions, between parents of different children, also help them become more stable with their situation. Tess Unlimited provides psychological guidance for both parents and children, through experienced Guatemalan and international volunteers 
  • Campamento Sonrisas is a 10-day summer camp (yearly in November) organized especially for young adults born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. During this week they have different trips and activities to create an environment where they can share experiences, make friendships, develop social skills and have some fun. Each year Tessa and her team are looking for specialized volunteers like psychologists, speech pathologists, drama teachers (workshops) and creative volunteers

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

In 2008, Tessa first discovered the beauty of South America. Not only because of its spectacular nature, but also because of the work she was doing as a volunteer. Tess began by caring for handicapped children in Peru and ended up as an English teacher in Ecuador. Eventually, she lost her heart to Guatemala. Tess perfected her Spanish and started working in a local public school and in the hospital with babies born with cleft lip and palate. This paved the way for other projects and ideas and led to the foundation of Tess Unlimited. Tessa has lived in Guatemala ever since, and she is fortunate to be able to work with a fantastic local/international team, supported by the Tess foundation based in The Netherlands.

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Travel, living and working in The Netherlands (Holland) - Theme
"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #8: Frans Betgem - Green Trails

"The Dutch" Working & Living Abroad #8: Frans Betgem - Green Trails

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Who?

  • Frans Betgem

Where?

  • Thailand

Which Initiative?

  • Green Trails

What?

  • Green Trails: 1-2-3-+4 day(s) trekking tours, trails and exploration tours with an emphasis on and respect for local culture
  • Chiang Mai a la Carte: "umbrella" website about Chiang Mai with a focus on festivals, traditions, architecture, culture and meaningful encounters
  • Tong Bai Elephant Tour: elephant friendly day tour about the issue of the involvement of captive elephants in tourism
  • Chiang Mai on Three Wheels: Chiang Mai tours by samlor (bicycle taxi)

Something special?

  • Chiang Mai on Three Wheels, a social tourism enterprise, aims to preserve the samlor, a Chiang Mai heritage, as a means of transportation in the future. With these samlor tours they try to improve the livelihood of the taxi drivers by offering them jobs and (extra) education. In the old days, before the age of the automobile, there were hundreds of samlors in Chiang Mai. Nowadays there are less than 70.
  • Family Tours: these tours include trekking but also interactive and educational elements, with several trekking itineraries in the Chiang Dao area. This area is very suitable for family tours; there are lots of villages and lots of children.

And last but not least...a little insight in 'Why'

Frans Betgem is a Dutch national who has been living in Chiang Mai for more than 20 years. Frans' travels brought him to Southeast Asia in 1987. In 1990 he started working for Baobab Travel as a tourleader in Thailand. Frans worked for this company in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia from 1990 until 1998. In 2012 he started his own business in Chiang Mai, Tiger Trail, nowadays re-branded as Green Trails. Green Trails commit to offer the best and most innovative cultural, outdoor and trekking tours in North Thailand. Green Trails believes in sustainable and responsible travel and always tries to create meaningful experiences, both for visitors and for the host communities. 

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Travel, living and working in The Netherlands (Holland) - Theme
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EXPLAINED

FAQ - Health Insurance when studying in The Netherlands

FAQ - Health Insurance when studying in The Netherlands

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When do you need to apply for a basic health insurance when studying in The Netherlands?

  • The Dutch Health Insurance is obligatory for residents of The Netherlands. Students who are temporarily visiting are an exemption, but the moment you're working or getting paid for an internship or voluntary work this might change.
  • If you're an International student and you are just here to study you usually don't need a basic health insurance.
  • The moment you take on a (part time) job you need to get a health insurance however. You can choose any insurer.
  • When you're doing your internship in The Netherlands, you only need to get a health insurance when you're getting paid more than the minimum wage (so it's usually not the case).
  • If you're an independent worker (zzp'er/freelancer) the rules are less clear, and you'll be asked to check with the SVB to do a WLZ check to know if you are obligated to get the basic health insurance.

Can I apply for care allowance (zorgtoeslag) as an International Student?

  • If you are required to get the basic Dutch Health Insurance (basisverzekering) you can also apply for the care allowance.
  • Usually this will cover most of the costs of your monthly insurance payment.

When to apply for private health insurance for your time in The Netherlands.?

  • When you are here for a temporary stay and not getting paid for a part time job, there are still situations when you would like to get a insurance.
  • This can be the case when your own health insurer doesn't cover (enough of) the costs in The Netherlands.
  • You can then apply for a Student Insurance, such as the OOM Studying in The Netherlands insurance.
  • This insurance is not a basic health insurance, so you can't apply for the care allowance. Usually the prices of these insurances are between 20 and 30 euros a month.

Where can I find more information about this?

  • 2826 reads
FAQ - What to arrange when you're studying in The Netherlands

FAQ - What to arrange when you're studying in The Netherlands

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Do you need a Study Visa to study in The Netherlands?

  • When you're from a EU country (or Switzerland) you won't need a study visa.
  • Also when you have a residency permit to study in another EU country and are coming to The Netherlands to study for maximum 360 days, you usually won't need a study visa.
  • When you're studying in The Netherlands you can also go to other EU countries for 360 days when it's part of your education.
  • If you're coming from other countries you'll need a Study Visa for your time in The Netherlands

What is the role of the education institute in applying for a visa

  • The University will usually apply for a residency permit for you.
  • You'll need to make sure you have all the needed documents translated.

When do you need to register at the municipality?

  • When you are living in The Netherlands for more than 4 months, you'll need to register at the local municipality
  • When you register you'll receive a BSN number. This you'll need when you're working or doing an internship.
  • You can contact the local municipality of an appointment to register.

How to apply for a Dutch bank account

  • When you're staying for a couple of months or more in The Netherlands it will probably be easy to get a Dutch bank account for the time being.
  • Especially as debit cards are still used mostlt throughout the country, and credit cards are still not used for daily expenses.
  • Most banks will ask for a BSN number, proof of your local address (for example a rental agreement), proof of enrollment at your university and an ID (passport).
  • Some will ask for a small fee per month, others are free of charge.
  • You can open a bank account at any bank. The largest banks are ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank. 
  • You can also open a bank account at online banks, such as Bunq and N26. This can sometimes be the easier option, as for example Bunq doesn't require a BSN number for the first 3 months.

What is a DigiD and how do you apply for it?

  • A DigiD is an online system with which you can take care of your administration in The Netherlands, for example for your taxes, DUO or care allowance. 
  • Your DigiD is connected with your BSN number.
  • You can apply for a DigiD online. The codes will be send to your home address within a couple of days.

Read more:

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