What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Netherlands. They wrote...
"The rainy weather was distressing to me. Getting to know Dutch people can be difficult depending upon where you live. The Dutch don't like to "think outside the box". The most common phrase I heard was "That's not possible". It drove me crazy," said a member in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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"As I said before, the Dutch are friendly on the surface, as in they will say hello and expect a hello back, and they might even want to know where you're from and what you're doing here. But they are not so willing to invite you along to activities or introduce you to their friends. I think most people live in one town their whole lives, so they don't understand what it's like being somewhere new without knowing anyone. Because they don't recognize how difficult it is, they don't think to include you in their social circles," remarked another expat who made the move to Hengelo, Netherlands.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to The Netherlands?
- Where should I setup a bank account in The Netherlands?
- Will I be able to find a job in The Netherlands?
- What is life like in The Netherlands?
- What do expats in The Netherlands appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in The Netherlands?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in The Netherlands accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in The Netherlands like?
- What are healthcare services like in The Netherlands?
- What are medical services in The Netherlands like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in The Netherlands?
- What are emergency services like in The Netherlands?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in The Netherlands?
- How are local medical facilities in The Netherlands?
- As a foreigner living in The Netherlands, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in The Netherlands, newcomers to The Netherlands would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.