Netherlands Expat Forum

LadyEnoki
Joined 2014
Posts: 1

10 years ago

Don't know how to reach my goal

10 years ago

Hello there

I'm writing because I am a bit discouraged and distraught. One of my only long term goals is to move to the Netherlands, preferably Amsterdam. I am a 27 year old Russian girl with only a US passport. I speak a few languages and have a bachelors degree. My profession is graphic design and I know that it's hard even for the Dutch to get jobs in this field so I have no real useful skills. I have no EU connections so I have no one to sponsor me. I read that with 5,000$ you can start a business and get residency this way. But short of getting a Dutch bf or going back to school, I'm just discouraged. I fell in love with the city and I'm a big bicycle advocate here in my city, riding my Dutch bikes everywhere with the Amsterdam flag trying my hand at urbanism and planning. My heart ultimately is back in Amsterdam. As well-travelled and multilingual as I am, I'm not kidding myself either that moving there won't be very difficult and im not afraid of assimilation troubles. I don't really fit in here either! My family immigrated here from Russia so it's not foreign to me. I don't speak Dutch beyond a few words but I know it won't be a problem for me once I'm immersed to just absorb it. I just need some help because I'm lost. If one has a goal, it's foolish to not try to work towards that goal but I am just going in circles. I really don't want to go back to school because I don't have the money for that. I would be open to maybe urban planning but I don't know what the demand is for that there.

Any help or advice would be welcome. Thank you for your time.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Netherlands Guide

Expats from all over the Netherlands share their advice on what it's like to live there and what it takes to make the move a success.

Netherlands Forum
Join our Netherlands forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Netherlands.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Netherlands.

Best Places to Live in Netherlands

If you're dreaming about living in The Netherlands, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in The Netherlands in 2023.

Healthcare in Netherlands

9 important things for expats to know about healthcare in the Netherlands. Include information about health insurance requirements for residency, prescription medications, emergency medical care, ambulance service and more.

Cost of Living in Netherlands

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Netherlands.

Moving to Netherlands Guide

Expats who moved to the Netherlands talk about deciding whether to live in urban or suburban neighborhoods, adjusting to Dutch culture, finding an apartment and more.

Real Estate in Netherlands

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Netherlands.

Pros & Cons of Living in Netherlands

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Netherlands.

Retiring in Netherlands

Advice for people retiring in Netherlands.

10 Tips for Living in Netherlands

If you've recently arrived in The Netherlands, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in The Netherlands.

Additional Information:

Visit our Netherlands Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Netherlands by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Netherlands.