They also offer an international-based curriculum, like many other Dutch universities. No-one works on Friday afternoon because they have all gone on a weekend break to Istanbul. Yes the Netherlands is a great place to live (IMHO). 7. This means ice skating on frozen lakes, enjoying the tulips in the spring, boating along the canals during the long days of summer and enjoying the changing colors of the leaves during the fall. (Okay, okay, I’ll quit bigging up the Netherlands now). The Dutch people are friendly. However, perhaps the most important thing is to ensure that you’re going to enjoy living in the Netherlands for a semester or even an entire academic year, as well as deciding if it is going to be a good setting for employment or an internship. The Cheapest Place to Live in Holland (the Netherlands) First let's compare the Netherlands to some of it's European neighbours. Living in The Netherlands is totally different from visiting, and I’ve put together a few insights as to what life here is really like: 1. De Jordaan used to … March 2008 cost of living data shows Amsterdam as one of the more expensive cities to live in. In Amsterdam and most Dutch cities you’ll find a lot of beautiful old Herenhuizen in all shapes and sizes. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to DutchNews.nl in recent days! The best weather is generally between May and September when there’s a greater chance of seeing the sun. You’ll find that the Dutch people tend to work fewer hours than the European average, placing much more of a value on family time or leisure activities. Skip the cheese at the grocery store and find a real cheese shop. This directness can easily come into play when working on a project or asking for an opinion or for advice. It’s also not a bit strange to see a business person cycling to work in a shirt and tie. If you’re flying in or out of the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, commonly referred to as simply Schiphol, is a well-connected way to arrive or depart, as well as venture out to see other European countries. By West-European standards the prices are reasonable. In general, the … Alexander Spatari/Getty Images. Being in the same house where Ann Frank hid from the Nazis during World War II gives you a sense of history you can’t have otherwise. Perhaps this is why the Netherlands is also listed as one of the top ten happiest countries in the world! Finding a nice place to live is always difficult. Additionally, over 50 percent of the university’s students and 40 percent of its faculty members are from over 100 different countries. The Netherlands is the third best place in the world to live according to the United Nations, with Norway taking the title by a fraction in the annual Human Development Index (HDI).. There also doesn’t seem to be a focus placed on social hierarchy, and it’s common to see people of all financial and ethnic backgrounds socializing in the same bar. All communication with the municipality will be via the post. The Dutch public transportation system is well-structured and offers fast, reliable ways to get from one end of the city to the other. Spending your retirement days in the “Land of Tulips and Windmills” will be great and to see why to continue reading our list of best places to retire in the Netherlands. Additionally, if you do find a position while studying in the Netherlands, you will not need a work permit, as long as your home country is a part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or if you reside in Switzerland. The Netherlands is also a super convenient place to live because it is pretty much in the middle of everything you might want to visit in Europe. ‘We need answers’: why are people living near Dutch goat farms getting sick? The World Risk Report, which is published each year, looks at the risks of natural disasters in this way. The best place to enjoy a Bossche Bol is at confectioners Jan De Groot. A Dutch person will not hesitate to give you a truthful answer, even if it’s something that you might have the inclination to sugar-coat. The Netherlands is home to a plethora of world-class international universities that offer a large number of classes completely taught in the English language, which is why it is such a popular locale for incoming exchange students. However, don’t use this as an excuse not to learn the Dutch language. If you’re interested in an internship, many universities will have a board where you can find these postings, or you may even be able to speak with someone in your department about available opportunities. However, knowing that you’re in a safe, welcoming place can do wonders to set your mind at ease. Pretty much everyone speaks English fairly well, and Dutch is … Check out our ultimate resource with all the information you need before moving! Plus, even your minimal efforts will be appreciated by the locals, and speaking the language will make you feel like less of a visitor and more at home. They have mysterious extra holidays called ATV days. They have mysterious extra holidays called ATV days. Additionally, no open containers are allowed on the streets, unless there’s a festival, and it isn’t legal to buy or sell alcohol where marijuana is sold. 6. 2. Every year Elsevier magazine produces a list of the top 50 places to live in the Netherlands, based on the local council's performance, the facilities it offers, jobs, recreational opportunities, the 'harmonious living climate', tranquility, accessibility and nature. With its beautiful architecture, canals, parks and overwhelming amount of cultural and social events it is a very sought-after city to live in. Trash must be placed in a specific spot at a set time, or the resident could face fines, especially if it is actually in or too close to the street. They will tell you straight that they don’t like your new coat or your boyfriend. For the tenth year in a row, the Atlas has given top spot to Amsterdam. In fact, research has made plausible the contention that the autochthonous inhabitants of the region were a mixture of pre-Germanic and Germanic population groups who in the course of time had converged on the main deltaic region of western Europe. They might own a vacation house in Italy or Estonia. With all that history, there is also a lot of historical buildings to explore. So, whether you have your eye on bustling Rotterdam and its vibrant nightlife scene, or the historic beauty of Utrecht and its lovely canals, you’ll find that all of the cities in the Netherlands have a common denominator, and that is the unique, appealing Dutch lifestyle. The Dutch welcome people of all races and cultural backgrounds, which is yet another reason that international young people and even tourists feel right at home in this friendly country. The Netherlands is becoming one of the most popular countries on the planet for expats, drawing in a record number of international students and young professionals each year. You’ll also find that tolerance is at the center of the country’s impressive sense of balance. Why move to the northern Netherlands The northern Netherlands provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe offer a Dutch experience with a unique flavour and at a gentler pace. Amsterdam has so many amazing things to do, see, eat, and live by that it’s no wonder why so many expats choose to call it home. If you are looking for a job in the Netherlands, agencies like Undutchables Recruitment Agency can help you to further your career. The Netherlands brings the symbol of peace with the beauty of the canal, the fairy villages, the windmills … but also civilized with the inventions which go ahead of its time. The Dutch postal service also deserves mention. When it comes to drinking, you must be 18 years old. 4. They get compensation for working public holidays. Fortunately, the Netherlands offers many incentives for international businesses to move to or initially set up their companies in this opportunistic country. However, there are several laws imposed. And due to the business incentives that are offered to its residents, many young people are moving to the Netherlands to begin their careers or to take up internships in their intended fields of study. According to the Natixis Global Retirement Index, the Netherlands is ranked the 13th best country in which to retire.The index considers four aspects: health, material wellbeing, finances and quality of life and environment. But here are seven reasons to stay in the Netherlands. ... places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me! Interested in history? Only about 0.5% of Dutch employees regularly work very long hours in comparison to the OECD average of 13%. The Dutch lifestyle is so appealing that, mixed with its safety, its proximity to other European cities, its healthy way of life and its welcoming attitude toward foreigners, you’ll quickly find that you’re going to love your new home-away-from-home. Let’s take a look at a dozen reasons why the Netherlands is an ideal choice for expats and international students! Your contributions make this possible. You can easily reach any other country via Schiphol Airport, you can take a 4 hour train ride to Paris, a 1 hour flight to London, or just drive across the border to Germany or Belgium. Learning a few basic phrases in Dutch before you even relocate, might prove to be helpful. As that the Netherlands isn’t considered a very large country, it’s easy to travel from one city to the next, allowing you the opportunity to experience the music festivals in Groningen, the brewery tours in Enschede or the film festivals in Rotterdam. Holidays While most civilized countries (looking at you, America) offer 20 days of holiday a year, the Dutch are serious about taking it. Or head off to Thailand for a few weeks. The Netherlands seems to have quite a list of things that outrank most other countries, and their work hours are also something to be admired. When you’re acclimating to a brand new city, a bit of directness can actually go a long way. A big part of studying or working abroad is the sense of adventure, so living in a location that is so close to a number of capital cities and exciting activities is just another reason to appreciate the Dutch lifestyle. This number includes over 10,000 more students than in 2017, which means that the international appeal for students to select the Netherlands for their exchange is continuously on the rise. Fortunately, the Dutch people are open, welcoming and don’t hesitate to engage when they pass you on the street. So they stopped enforcing them. Per thousand inhabitants, Amsterdam has one bar and two restaurants, with eight plays… In fact, you’ll even see residents cycling in the rain, some with a seat on the back and a child in tow. People new to the area may find that they can easily strike up a conversation with a complete stranger on the bus, or realize that they’re only a few words away from finding the best restaurant in Tilburg. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. If you are from a country not within these regions, you will need a residence permit and a work permit. Many international students also opt to work a part-time job or to find an internship. No Overtime (unless you work for an international law firm) Your boss is going to leave at 5pm and you’re expected to do so as well. DutchNews.nl has been free for 14 years, but without the financial backing of our readers, we would not be able to provide you with fair and accurate news and features about all things Dutch. Just don’t expect it to be sugar coated. Their website offers a lot of information on how to find a job in the Netherlands. They have lots of weekends on the Wadden Islands. They are also terribly proud of this Dutch trait, and not afraid to tell you that either. The Dutch know their way around dairy. You’ll need to think about what kind of budget you’ll have and if you’ll need to find housing with a roommate, or are hoping to have your own private room. Tolerance Did you know marijuana is not actually legal in the Netherlands? 5. A trip from Amsterdam to Berlin, for instance, can be booked for as little as €8 - €39, if booked at the right time! It of course is very subjective as well though, which goes without saying. This can often be difficult in some countries, but the good news is that the Netherlands is not one of them. You will most definitely hear it spoken in the university areas and even in the workplace. This is extremely advantageous for international businesses in the Netherlands, meaning that the more companies that are based in the country, the more positions will become available to international students. Many locals rely on weather apps to give them an insight as to what to expect from the day, but sometimes they can be just as unreliable as the weather. One of the best things to experience when you’re in an unfamiliar environment is friendly people. Here is the 2013 top 10 1 Rozendaal, Gelderland 2 Naarden, Noord-Holland 3 Haren, Groningen (despite the… Honesty Some call it rudeness, but the Dutch don’t pull any punches. The airport is a hub for Jet Airways, as well as several other carriers offering low rates for short flights throughout the continent. The Dutch simply decided that rules against it were dumb. The Netherlands was nominated as the sixth best place in the world to live, according to a United Nations research. Try vla (it’s like delicious pudding and the vanilla version is like English custard) and all the varieties of yogurt. In fact, for the 2018 academic year, over 122,000 international students from 164 different countries are currently enrolled in institutions of higher learning throughout the Netherlands. If you have not yet made a donation, but would like to, DutchNews podcast – The This Debate Should Have Been An Email Edition – Week 3, Inburgering with DutchNews.nl: Catch up during the curfew with 19 lessons, DutchNews.nl destinations: lockdown in a lock keeper's cottage, The American Netherlander: 25 years of expat tales, DutchNews podcast special: The On Your Bike, Rutte Edition, DutchNews podcast – The Ham Sandwich Virus Edition – Week 2, Geert Wilders’ questionable American patron. The nice thing about the weather in the Netherlands is that the Dutch people usually experience all four seasons. While most civilized countries (looking at you, America) offer 20 days of holiday a year, the Dutch are serious about taking it. The wonderful part about the location of the Netherlands is its proximity to so many other fascinating European cities. Your Ultimate Guide to Rotterdam Neighborhoods, The Complete Guide to Utrecht’s Neighborhoods. For various socio-economic reasons, the Netherlands is regularly listed among the best places to live in the world and the U.N. recently named it the 6th happiest nation on earth. A small country, roughly the size of Maryland, the Netherlands nevertheless packs in a huge variety of places to go and sites to visit. While some may see the laws as a bit hazy, it is technically illegal to sell or use marijuana, but some coffee shops have been granted permits. Okay. See seven holidays in three months. In order to choose where to live, you always have to consider what your needs are, where you spend more time and what is a priority for you. Netherlands - Netherlands - People: Popular belief holds that the Dutch are a mixture of Frisians, Saxons, and Franks. To counteract this, the average pay is somewhat higher, which also leads to a higher degree of standard of living. Since the Netherlands is such a popular destination for exchange students and young professionals, be sure to begin your search at least three months before your relocation. The Netherlands offers a lot of historic architecture in most cities and villages. Hence you may be planning to spend your golden age in this European country. This number increases to 70 percent when only adding the courses in Master’s degree programs. It’s really no surprise in a country with a great economy, great childcare, great healthcare, great education system, excellent English and a life revolving around biking. In fact, taking out private health insurance is a requirement for anyone living and working in the Netherlands. 1. All modes of transportation utilize the OV-chipkaart as a method of payment. And while you may have heard stories about the coffeeshops in Amsterdam, there are also cannabis regulations as well, and no "hard" drugs may be sold there. Part of the appeal of wanting to live in the Netherlands is the history and the chance to visit a new country via a short plane trip or a few hours on a train. It seems that almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. Some people may also have the misconception that drugs and alcohol are easily and always legally obtainable in the Netherlands. Cycling is definitely popular all throughout Europe, but in the Netherlands, it indeed is a huge part of the Dutch lifestyle. With more than 6,800 houses and buildings protected as monuments and dating from the 16th to the 20th century, Amsterdam boasts the largest historical inner city in Europe.You might see the Triple X (XXX) Coat of Arms throughout the city. They get compensation for working public holidays. It’s a wonderful time to visit some of the country’s beautiful natural spaces, such as hiking through Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, relaxing on the beach at Zandvoort or enjoying Utrecht’s Oudegracht Canal. Depending on your situation (retired, working and in which area, studying etc, you can find a place which suits you. Your financial support has helped us to expand our coverage of the coronavirus crisis into the evenings and weekends and make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments. This article was first published on website Netherlands by Numbers. Take a boat tour of the medieval Binnendieze and pass beneath centuries-old buildings, whilst … But here are seven reasons to stay in the Netherlands. If you don’t take a few weeks off every year, you’re not doing it right. Additionally, workers also receive more time off, with an average of 20 vacation days every year. You’ll hear it on the streets, on the bus and in the grocery store. They help both starters and executive candidates, fluent in languages other than Dutch. And try karnemelk if you’re brave, very brave. 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