Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Amsterdam, Netherlands
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Amsterdam
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No, I signed up for the Integration course, expect to start it in a few weeks.
GeoBlueGet Quote
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
GeoBlueGeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote
If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?
No, dont speak Dutch. I am planning and trying to learn. I wish I did that before I moved here though! Bring a translation book from home!!!!
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
No.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
It was BIG! The street names are so long, everything looks different, people talked different, it wasnt the "dream" i thought... It took a few days to get over and really enjoy the uniqueness.
Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?
no. I was just overwhelmed at first and now i am going through the cultural adjustment.
What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.
n/a
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
people are really nice, they speak english, they are really open and fun.
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
customer service is not like the US! Learning the language is challenging.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Amsterdam
- Tips for Expats Driving in Amsterdam
- Cost of Living in Amsterdam
- Health Care in Amsterdam
- Discovering the Best of Amsterdam
- 5 Tips for Living in Amsterdam
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Netherlands
- Best Places to Live in Netherlands
- Real Estate in Netherlands
- Pros & Cons of Living in Netherlands
- Pros and Cons of Living in The Netherlands
- What It's Like Living in Amsterdam
- Pros and Cons of Living in Netherlands 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Netherlands
