Language & Culture

Podcasts are a great on-the-go way to learn languages. With the podcast “Laura Speaks Dutch” you will also learn about Dutch culture. Can be found here.

Certain roles will require that you are able to speak Dutch, such as dentists, doctors and roles that require constant interaction therefore learning Dutch is not always required, but can be helpful.

We do recommend learning the language once you arrive in the Netherlands as it makes it much easier to network, make friends and later on become a dutch citizen.

Regarding learning Dutch we have gathered information in a PDF about courses and the levels you can achieve. This information can be found here.

The difficulty level differs per person and depends on your native level. For English speakers Dutch is relatively easy to learn as many words (like colours & fruits) are very similar to English.

Regarding learning Dutch we have gathered information in a PDF about courses and the levels you can achieve. This information can be found here.

You can use your credit card in many occasions, but we do recommend acquiring a debit card. Not every restaurant offers a credit card payment option and smaller supermarkets generally only accept cash or debit cards.

The Netherlands has a maritime (oceanic) climate, which makes for mild winters and generally cool summers. There is no dry season and it rain is common troughout the year.

If you are used to a warmer climate it is advisable to bring a good winter coat for the autumn and winter seasons. The summers can vary between 25º – 40º Celcius.

When introducing yourself in formal situations always state both first and last name and shake hands with everyone in the room. In informal situations stating your first name is enough.

In Dutch culture you greet women in your immediate circle of friends or family with three kisses on the cheek (right-left-right). This doesn’t apply to expats, so shakings hands is fine as an alternative.

The Netherlands is often referred to as ‘Holland’ in other countries. The official name of the country is ‘The Kingdom of the Netherlands’. Holland actually only refers to the two provinces of North-Holland and South-Holland.

The Dutch are known for their directness and direct eye-contact during a conversation. You might notice a Dutch person would openly criticise or disagree with someone’s point of view. This doens’t mean he or she has ill intent, it is just the way Dutch people are used to conversing with each other.

In the Netherlands you will find a lot of religious buildings such as churches and mosques. Despite being quite secular, only a small percent of Dutch people attend services regularly.

The costs of this card is € 64,90 as of 2023. If you like to visit museums this is a great and cheap way
to do so. With the Netherlands Museum Pass you can visit the latest exhibitions 365 days a year.
Find more information on the website: https://www.museum.nl/en/museumpass