The Netherlands
Useful websites for international students living in the Netherlands
It can be difficult being a foreigner in a country you don’t know very well. Getting used to a different environment, culture, language, and rules is always challenging. Luckily, there are many internationals living here in the Netherlands and Dutch people are quite used to communicating in English. Therefore, a language barrier shouldn’t be a huge problem when asking for help. Having said that, there are ways to make your stay here even less stressful, with the help of some useful websites.
1. 9292
9292 provides travel information for public transport in the Netherlands. Not only can you customize your trip through this website, you will also be informed right away about any changes in your route. You can also check for information about important locations nearby.
In the top right corner, you have the option to change the language to English.
2. DUO
Duo is the government’s information site for students. In the international visitor section (which is in English) you can find advice on the following topics:
Funding for study, changing your details (e.g. change of address), stopping your studies, student travel products, student debt, studying in the Netherlands, Diploma and working
3. DutchReview
DutchReview is an online magazine about “anything involving Dutchness”. It is especially useful for those wanting to keep up to date with the Dutch news, without speaking the language. While being factual and relevant, they also write in an entertaining way: making jokes, using gifs and memes, and writing in an easy to understand manner.
5. Webshops
If you don’t speak any Dutch, it might be difficult for you to orient yourself on these webshops. To buy or sell things on these platforms, I suggest asking for help from a Dutch speaking friend.
Bol.com
https://www.bol.com/nl/index.html
Bol.com is the leading webshop in the Netherlands for books, toys and electronics. I’ve been told it has a good warranty system and the quality of the items rarely disappoints.
Markplaats
Markplaats is a second-hand online store for all kinds of things. It is cheaper than bol.com but it can be quite difficult to sell your things for a good price, as you have to bargain with customers who are not often willing to settle for a high price.
6. TicketSwap
If you can’t attend an event you have already bought your ticket to you can sell it here. In case tickets are sold out for an event you wanted to go to, you can always check here to see if there is anyone selling theirs. If you like to live life on the edge, you can wait until just a few days before the event and then try to buy your ticket from the website, for a reduced price (does not always work).
7. Learn Dutch
This website has lots of useful (free) videos to help you learn Dutch. It is not as effective as participating in an actual dutch language course, but it gets you started.
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Great tips! Psychology Supporter contributed on 13-02-2018 14:16
Hi Ilona,
Great input for international students, very useful! Thanks for sharing. :)
:) Ilona contributed on 13-02-2018 19:58
Thank you!
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