Hi Anna,

Not sure if I'll still be here when you eventually arrive in Holland, but thought I would share some of my experiences with you which you may (or may not) find useful...

The most important thing is to get going with those Dutch lessons! In the current climate, if you don't speak fluent Dutch, there is almost no chance of getting a job! Hopefully that will improve as this financial crisis fades though...

If you're eligible for the Dutch passport, definitely get one. Otherwise the working holiday visa is very easy to get and costs 20 euros or something. You don't need to be in Australia to apply for this - I did it from the UK. However, it would be worth the trip to Edinburgh (if you spend time in the UK of course) as the waiting time for an appointment in London is about 6 weeks... Once you arrive you will need to register at the local stadhuis so you can get a BSN (ta file number). Without that number, you can't get paid if you get a job.

The Hague and Rotterdam are both great areas to head towards - great international communities.

On a downer, aside from any existing family you may have in Holland, it's REALLY hard to make Dutch friends. Don't expect the 'more the merrier' attitude that we have in Australia... But, the country's great, and all the best! If you need any advice/help, don't hesitate to contact me. I might still be here when you arrive... :D

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I totally agree with Nerissa. Well, put Nerissa! - Young NYer going on 4 years in Amsterdam. VERY good advice.

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Hi Anna,

I'm a Dutch girl (repat). Lived in several European countries and Russia for studies, internships and work. Moved back to NL mid 2007. I had to deal with quite some official stuff too, insurances, registration etc. If you have any questions or if I can be of any help, just let me know. I've lived in The Hague and I'm now currently living in Utrecht.

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Wow guys thanks for all the information!
I'm going to start my dutch lessons asap now I think...

Can I ask... How did you guys get up your fluency? Did you find it hard to get a job (ignoring the obvious GFC) & how was it making friends?
Any culture shock?

Either way I'm going to give it a go for a while - my family is from Den Hague so that's where I'd like to be based, but do you have any advice?

I've going to have a degree in international relations & experience in community relations/ PR/ HR work... what do you guys reckon?

Make sure you email me if you want a chat in English!
Bedankt!

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Oh and here's a quick question...
How did you go about getting a/c?
Is it hard to rent a flat?

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Hi Anna
how are you ? I am an Australian Citizen with 2 daughters, 4 and 6 yrs. I am IT Porfession with around 9 yrs .
My Mrs from Bratislava. We have been living here for almost 6 yrs but finding it hard to carry on living here. As it is an island and far away from friends and family :) We have lived in Berlin for almost 3 yrs
Not moving back to berlin as they are hardcore german spekers and also very very dicfficult market.
We personally think that Netherlands is the place that we can live in . I have few question to ask in this regards

1) We need to settle down in Netherlands in a city which is more multicultural , so that my daughters do not feel seperated out , as they are darker

2) The city should be english speaking ( although i know that most of the Dutch speak english ) and should have IT JOBS ( especially in Microsoft Technologies )

3) That city should have english speaking schools so that my daughter do not feel left out

I would be very thankful if you help me answer these

thanks
tinoo

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