Newcomer’s Guide
Useful information for adjusting to your new life and getting settled in Utrecht Index
1. Welcome to Utrecht Region 3
2. Utrecht Region at a glance 6
3. Housing – finding a place to call home 10
4. Formalities 16
5. Financial matters 20
6. How do I get around 24
7. Your health 34
8. Childcare & Dutch educational system 38
9. University level studying in Utrecht 44
10. Learning the Dutch Language 47
11. Finding a job 53
12. Finding your Dutch way 55
This guide has been published by the International Talent 13. Explore Utrecht Region and beyond 59 Community (ITC) Utrecht Region and Utrecht Marketing.
14. Get connected 66 2nd edition, September 2018 www.utrechtregion.com 15. Essential Contacts And Resources 71
Created with the help of: Danielle Ziermans & Tessa Wapstra, 16. Partners 74 Economic Board Utrecht (content), Ardi Eleveld, Utrecht Marketing (content), Today (design), Paul Smith (copywriter), Jo Hayman (editor), Juri Hiensch, Marisa Broekhuizen, Kostas Brejaart & Ramon Mosterd (photography). Many thanks to all of ITC's partners and stakeholders who have devoted their valuable time and energy to make this edition more informative than the first. 1. Welcome to Utrecht Region
Arriving in a new country can be both Nesrine Lee: “Hummus comes in more exhilarating and an overwhelming flavours here than in Lebanon.” challenge, and you will likely have a number of questions that need to be Paul & Vanessa Smith: “It was Utrecht's answered right away. This Newcomer's child-friendliness that had a magnetic appeal Guide features essential information to for us. That we felt safe leaving our door help new residents like yourself settle open nearly the whole summer says a lot into our beautiful region with as much about the safety we feel living here. Children ease and confidence as possible. have so many options to play, learn and grow." Utrecht Region offers the best of all worlds. The region has a long and Chitra Natjaran: “My husband was offered rich cultural history, reflected in its a job here. We arrived on a very cold architecture and overall ambiance. and dark winter day, with no one outside. Take a stroll along the lively canals in one My immediate reaction was where have of our beautiful cities and you’ll discover we landed? Who would have thought countless monuments and world heritage at that time we would voluntarily stay sites. If you prefer nature, grab a bike here for 10 years?” and you can soon be cycling along rivers and through woods, surprised Amanda Laguna: “Living in the Utrecht by the impressive number of citadels, Region is wonderful. You should be able forts, castles you are likely to pass. to become Dutch, embrace and be proud. So be prepared for Sinterklaas, bread for Don’t just take our word for it. Here is lunch, the rain, biking, making appointments, what those who discovered the Utrecht questions about money and train delays.” Region before you have to say: Vishwaraj Jadeja: “I love being able to bike around the center and in the countryside without the risk of hitting a car. Cars actually stop when I am riding my bike. On my racing bike, I never have to worry about being hit. The respect for bikers is huge. It is special.”
2 3 About us Catherine Berthiaume: “Finding a place The Newcomer’s Guide Utrecht Region training, survival Dutch and a Q & A about of my own and feeling at home was is a product of a close cooperation housing options in the region (check if difficult at the beginning. Fortunately, I between Utrecht Marketing and the your employer offers this programme). gradually built up my own group International Talent Community. The 6. Welcome programme - To make of friends and that helped me a lot in Newcomers Guide was produced with newcomers feel at home we annually finding my place here in the Utrecht the input and suggestions of many organise a Royal Welcome Event Region.” internationals and partners who we on King’s Day. Get acquainted with this would like to thank for their contribution. Dutch tradition and other newcomers Bright O Richards: “Crime rates are low at the same time. in the Utrecht Region and you can clearly Utrecht Marketing and the International 7. MAG - This is your guide to finding all see Utrecht is a city full of students. Talent Community aim to help newcomers the cultural events happening in Utrecht So it’s a young city and it stays young and feel at home in our friendly, welcoming Region. Find more information: fresh. I love that! I also like the cultural and connected region. To do so, we have www.magutrecht.com. sector of Utrecht with Tivoli and the set up several services, campaigns and Schouwburg, the city theatre which has programmes that also might be of interest a wonderful program.” to you.
Nadja Linthorst: “I thoroughly enjoy 1. Utrechtregion.com - For more running in the vicinity of Rhijnauwen, information about living, working and with all its greenery, and yet close studying in Utrecht Region you can go to to the city of Utrecht. Running along talent.utrechtregion.com. the canal is also highly recommendable. 2. Talent Event Utrecht Region – Expand You definitely discover lots of Utrecht your network and find your dream job at by bicycling, running or just strolling the Talent Event Utrecht Region. around.” 3. Expat Center Utrecht Region – Here you can arrange formalities such as We invite you to discover Utrecht Region registration but also ask questions at just like Nesrine, Paul & Vanessa, Chitra, the information desk. Amanda, Vishwaraj, Catherine, Bright 4. Socialisation programme – Meet up and Nadja did. with other internationals during one of our social events, see when the next one is happening at talent.utrechtregion.com. 5. Introduction programme – A quick way to get started here, consists of an introductory course, cultural awareness
4 5
2. Utrecht Region Utrecht: Capital city of the province of Utrecht Population: 347.000 at a glance Utrecht is the youngest, fastest growing and most highly educated city in the Netherlands. On top of that, Utrecht is Utrecht Region considered one of the happiest cities Utrecht Region is conveniently located in the centre of the Netherlands, only 30 in the world, according to the United minutes from Amsterdam by train. The Utrecht Railway station is the largest of the Nations. Utrecht has a welcoming Netherlands, processing as many passengers as Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. character with an increasing number of internationals calling Utrecht Fun Facts about the Region: home. As well as a significant amount • Utrecht Region: 1,2 million inhabitants of international students, Utrecht • More than 1.000 foreign companies University is the largest university of • Utrecht is the 2nd most bike friendly city on the planet the Netherlands. With many squares, • The 'Miffy' (Nijntje, to the locals) rabbit cartoon character for children was created restaurants of all kinds, cinemas and by Dutchman Dick Bruna who was born in the city of Utrecht. See if you can spot theatres, the city of Utrecht has much the Nijntje crossing signal downtown! to offer.
Living in the Utrecht Region; a few cities highlighted
Amersfoort Population: 155.000 Founded more than 800 years ago, Amersfoort is now a modern and very liveable city around a beautiful historic city centre. Amersfoort has been awarded ‘Best Dutch large city to live and work in’ for three consecutive years. Amersfoort’s population is a good mix of singles, couples and families with kids.
6 7 Zeist Population: 63.000 Zeist is nestled in the woody area of Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Zeist municipality is predominately green, with its share of lakes, canals and other waters, both in the village and outside. Utrecht
Nieuwegein Population: 62.000 Region: Nieuwegein is close to both the city of Utrecht and the countryside, offering affordable housing in an economically strong area. The municipality came into its own in the 70s, as it rapidly began to develop to meet the increasing demand for family housing near Utrecht. Because of this, Nieuwegein is at its core a very young and thriving city. 1,2
Stichtse Vecht (Breukelen, miLlion Maarssen, Loenen) Population: 65.000 The Stichtse Vecht municipality lies between the cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht, where you can find inhabitants picturesque villages, copious lakes, two castles and the prestigious Nyenrode Business University. Visit talent.utrechtregion.com for more information.
8 9 3. Housing – Finding a place
Also make sure to ask the rental agency Useful websites include: to call home if they charge a mediation fee. Many SSH student housing: www.sshxl.nl/en agencies already receive a fee from the Holland2Stay: owner for listing the home, so they should www.holland2stay.com/utrecht Whether you are looking for an outdoor lifestyle, not receive an additional fee from the Room rentals: www.kamernet.nl a place in the heart of a historic city or a family home tenant in the process. Tenancy rights with room for the kids to run around, you’ll find it Useful websites include: In the Netherlands, an independent here. Your options range from suburban homes to rural www.pararius.nl organisation deals with problems www.funda.nl between tenants and landlords: the Rent living, apartments, flats and townhouses. www.rooftrack.nl/en Rooftrack is an Tribunal (huurcommissie). Further initiative from WoningNet and offers a information (in Dutch) can be found at wide range of available properties in the www.huurcommissie.nl; because this site Renting non-subsidised rental market. Rooftrack’s is not offered in English, we encourage If you’re planning a short-term stay through an international agency), or have website displays rental properties in the you to view the url in a Chrome browser in Utrecht Region (less than 3 years, a professional consultant who can cities of Amsterdam, Almere, Haarlem which will automatically translate it for according to our experts at Expat translate the Dutch rental contract and Utrecht. you into the language of your choice, or if Mortgages), renting may be your for you, make sure you or your you’re on another browser, you can either best option. representative, pay special attention Student Housing copy/paste the url into www.translate. to the following major points: Utrecht Region is home to some of the google.com or download the Google It’s always good to familiarise yourself Netherlands’ most prestigious Translate plugin if available. with tenancy rights, (as tenants in the • The correct rental price is listed, and universities, renowned knowledge Netherlands have many) and contract itemisation of what the price covers, institutions and more than 70.000 Buying details before signing your first rental including service charges, energy bills, students. It’s also very popular with The housing market in the Netherlands contract. To avoid being scammed, make and local taxes such as property, trash international students, although finding has seen many changes, going from a sure you have a trusted professional disposal and sewage taxes. a place to stay during your studies has seller’s market to a buyer’s market and (e.g., real estate agent or experienced • Deposit: 1-2 month’s rent is normal, become increasingly difficult over the back again within the space of 25 years. consultant) look over your contract to although 3 month’s rent is not years, as working tenants systemati- Buying a property is an expensive invest- spot any non-standard demands unheard of. cally outcompete students for housing. ment and it is advisable to hire profes- or clauses that may not represent • Duration of the contract. Most are fixed Because of these difficulties, it’s impor- sionals (e.g. mortgage advisors and/or your best interests. for one year with a notice period of tant to start your home search early in real estate consultants/agents) to help one month from either party, after the order to find available affordable housing. you with the process of buying a prop- If you are able to obtain an English rental first year has passed. If you are in an program, your university erty in the Netherlands. Other means of contract (which is uncommon for most • Who’s responsible for maintenance might be able to arrange accommodation finding homes without necessarily incur- Dutch landlords, unless they are listing and repairs. for you, although they are limited in the ring a service fee include searching public numbers of students they can help. adverts, online property search websites
10 11 such as www.funda.nl and registering an attractive option. A financial advisor with the websites of any new build can work out what mortgage is best for developments you discover. Be aware, you and what it will cost you. Additionally however, that these will most likely be there are the so-called buyer’s costs exclusively in Dutch, so have (kosten koper), incurred for services www.translate.google.com on hand. provided by the real estate agent(s), and Know that many websites require you real estate transfer costs (6%). It’s always to subscribe for a fee before they will let advisable to seek expert advice on you view their properties or book financial and legal aspects if you want a physical viewing. to buy a property.
If you plan on staying in the Netherlands Utilities for a longer period of time, buying When you move into your new home, a house might be an attractive option. read the water, gas and electricity meters You do not have to be a native to be and notify your suppliers. Your estate eligible for a mortgage. Financial advisers agent will usually be able to help you with are eager to inform you about the various transferring the water, gas and electricity options and advantages. Furthermore, contracts of your new home to your independent mortgage advisors name. If you do not have an agent cooperate with different banks and make to help you set up your utilities, The sure you can get the product and service Dutch Review has published an excellent that will best fit your situation; an added article to explain the basics: https:// bonus: their service fee is tax deduct- dutchreview.com/expat/moving/a-simple- ible. A very common beginner’s mistake guide-to-sorting-utilities-in-the-nether- that expats looking to purchase a home lands/. make is the initiation of a property search before fully investigating their finance Waste and recycling options. We strongly advise expats Want to know more about where and to reverse this process, determining their when to dispose of your trash and actual available budget before they start compostables? Go to www.mijnafval looking for a property. wijzer.nl Enter your postal code (post- code) and house number (huisnummer) Financial advice on the initially all Dutch menu. Your street The Dutch tax authorities provide address should appear automatically. an annual tax benefit for homeowners, Then click “Ga door” (continue) taking which makes the purchase of a home you to the main site, where if you prefer,
12 13 select the British flag in the upper right- Independent Expat Finance works at building long-term business the process as quick and easy as possible hand corner of the page to proceed in Independent Expat Finance custom- relationships with its clients. for its clients. One can expect high quality English. Alternatively, you can download ised financial services on mortgages, service, available 7 days a week, 12 hours the app, which is also available in English. consumer loans and (health) insurance SJV Vastgoed a day by phone. Also available for Recycling facilities (glass, paper, plastics) for expats in the Netherlands, and Dutch SJV Vastgoed’s strong client relationships viewings during weekends. can usually be found within 500 meters expats abroad. Independent Expat and trusted partners vouch for the quality of your home. Finance will work on your behalf to find of its services and commitment to finding Utrecht City Apartments you a suitable mortgage with the best the right home, both in the rental and Utrecht City Apartments offers you Internet service interest rate available. They save you sales market, for its clients. With lengthy self-sufficient short and long stay Depending on the provider, it may take money and get you the best terms and experience in the housing market and accommodations: All apartments and weeks to arrange your internet service, lenders’ policies that suit your situation, knowledge of the rules and regulations studios boast a kitchen and bathroom. so ask around on the many social media wishes, and budget. The only fee they of the Dutch housing market, SJV Free Wi-Fi, towels and bed linen are groups related to Utrecht Region charge is when they broker your mort- Vastgoed will guide you through the also included. to see what the best and most time- gage deal. entire process, protecting your interests efficient providers are, then try to set up and answering any housing related a contract the moment you have made Rabobank question you may have. the purchase or rental of your new home In addition to helping you create your official. Internet providers include: UPC, own Dutch bank account, Rabobank SSH Student Housing Ziggo, KPN, Tele2 and many more. advisors can help you navigate the Helps international students and staff find purchase of your home, including setting short and longstay fully-furnished Trusted housing market up a mortgage plan. Make an appoint- accommodations in Utrecht. Institutions focused service providers ment for a free orientation meeting. whose students and employees are in Utrecht Region Contact [email protected] or eligible to use SSH include: Utrecht call (030) 287 87 87. University, HU University of Applied Mortgage Providers Sciences Utrecht, HKU University of the Expat Mortgages Finding a home Arts Utrecht, TIAS School for Business An initial meeting with one of Expat Interhouse and Society, SSC, and Aiesec Mortgages’ advisors is free of charge and Interhouse Huur- en it will give you an accurate assessment Verhuurprofessionals® is a renowned VGW of the price range that fits your budget rental property estate agent with VGW Housing is an experienced home and the related monthly payments. This self-supporting offices on a franchise mediator. VGW Housing is specialised way you can act quickly when finding the basis in a number of cities, including in renting out well-maintained studios, perfect house and start negotiating about Utrecht. They manage a sizeable portfolio apartments and houses that are often price and terms right away. to help clients find their future home. fully furnished as well. They offer different Interhouse has at its disposal an exten- price ranges of accommodations in all sive network of supply and demand and areas of Utrecht. VGW’s aim is to make
14 15 4. Formalities
Registering yourself and your • A proof of de-registration when family with the municipality you come from Aruba, Curaçao, If you are planning on living here for Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba or Sint more than 4 months within a 6 month Eustatius. period, you and your family are required • A rental contract or contract of sale to register in person at the municipality of • of your home, or your proprietor’s your residence, obtaining a citizen service permission, for which you need number (BSN - Burgerservicenummer) to complete the form 'verklaring within 5 days of your arrival. Your BSN is bewoning adres' (pdf in Dutch). a key to many activities, such as signing • Original documents from abroad (not utilities service contracts, getting ongoing older than 1 year) of yourself and your mobile phone service, opening a bank children, such as birth and marriage account, signing up for health insurance, certificates, or a deed of divorce. doing taxes and more. You can easily make an appointment to get registered Only English, German and French deeds by phone or online, at which time the will be accepted without translation by municipality will tell you what exactly a sworn translator. Foreign documents you need to bring in order to complete have to meet the rules for legislation registration. Find your local municipality foreign documents. Rules vary depending (Gemeente) contact details in the back on the country where the documents of this booklet. were issued. Up to 4 weeks later, your registration will be listed in the Basic What documents do you need at your Registration of Persons (BRP). If you registration appointment with the city? also apply for a residence permit, your • A valid proof of identity of every registration will become definitive if person to be registered. the municipality is informed by the • A valid travel document or other legal Immigration and Naturalisation Service documents with your personal details (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, and nationality. IND) that you are allowed to live in the Netherlands. When you register, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN - burgerservicenummer) during your appointment.
16 17 DigiD Here in the Netherlands, you’ll find with the Immigration and Naturalisation 2. Information desk – businesses and organisations take your Office (IND), you can use the ECU ACCESS is ready to help you! Address: identity protection seriously. One tool through your employer to swiftly arrange Although the one-stop shop (residence Stadsplateau 1 (City Hall next used towards this aim is the DigiD. It’s a the government formalities of obtaining permit and registration) is only to Utrecht centralstation) digital signature identity verification that a residence permit and registering with available to those who qualify, the many governmental orgaisations and the City. When registered, you can finish information desk is there for anyone who E-mail: businesses use to provide access payroll registration at your company, has a question about working, living or [email protected] to their online services, tax filing being open a bank account, sign up for health studying in Utrecht Region. You can drop https://www.utrecht.nl/city-of one example. You can get your DigiD insurance, register for an internet plan in at the Expat Center Information desk -utrecht/living/expat-center/ after you have received your BSN by and more, sooner than previously on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am going to www.digid.nl/en/; with this, you possible, saving time so you can start to 5pm for questions on practical matters Walk-in hours Expat Center can quickly sign in and access personal settling in. This service is available only or more information on professional Information Desk: Tuesday and data or submit forms digitally. by appointment (made by your employer) services in English. You’ll find it staffed Thursday. City Hall and thus the and is not available to the general public. by people just like you: internationals Expat Center Utrecht is closed Expat Center Utrecht: A helpful creating a new life in Utrecht Region, on public holidays. Governmental simplifier of your new life. only they’ve been here long enough services for formalities (IND Moving to a new country involves to confidently fill you in on all the and Utrecht Civil Services/ a lot of moving parts! The Expat Center important details of life here. Or point Burgerzaken) can be provided by Utrecht (ECU) is a useful resource for you to who and what can. The appointment only; can be made international people, here to assist you Information Desk is staffed with online. in navigating and smoothing out the volunteers of ACCESS, a not-for-profit process. The Expat Center Utrecht organisation supporting the international offers two services: community in the Netherlands.
1. Government formalities for those who qualify – a one-stop shop for residence permit and municipal registration. If you’re an expat located in the municipality of Utrecht and working for an employer that is registered as a ‘erkend referent’ (recognised sponsor)
18 19 5. Financial matters
Banking in The Netherlands As your new job may be filled with It should be noted that many stores are identity and there are no requirements Filing a tax return in the Netherlands challenges, it is important to make so-called “PIN only” (debit card) and do to be physically present at any bank is necessary if you: sure your stay in the Netherlands not accept cash. location in order to complete your is as comfortable as possible. Banks strive application process. The company calls • Have received an aangiftebrief to help and assist you with your financial it “the fully mobile experience.” For more (declaration letter) from the Dutch needs, from the moment your career information: www.bunq.com Tax authorities. placement begins in the Netherlands. To open a bank account, the • Have other sources of income (for following documents are required What you need to know about example, other salaries, you own a How to open a bank account credit cards business here or elsewhere, savings, Once you’re registered in the Netherlands Proper identification such It’s important to note that credit cards are investments, etc.). Find more informa- and have obtained your BSN, you’re as your passport, identity card not widely used in the Netherlands. They tion at the Tax and Customs Adminis- ready for the next step: opening a bank or residence permit. are generally not accepted in grocery tration website (belastingdienst): account. You’ll find that, perhaps unlike Your residential address in the stores, and are mainly used for larger www.belastingdienst.nl Information where you’ve come from, there are Netherlands, confirmed by purchases, along with restaurants, airports is also available in English and German. many banks that operate largely online, a rental agreement or house and clothing stores and offer require the alongside your standard branch-based ownership document. input of a pin number for validation. One First Time Tax Filers banks. Each have a range of options to You may also need evidence interim solution until you get a local bank Most tax returns are filed digitally; many meet your financial needs and are equally of income, such as statement account is getting cash from geldau- of the fields have already been filled supportive, although not all banks offer of initial employment tomaat (ATM) machines, for which you’ll in for you, and you simply verify that the the same level of service in English, particulars or three only get charged your bank’s fees, with information they have on file is correct. so it is important to do your research. consecutive payslips. none coming from the bank related to the However, for first-timers, the digital ATM you’re using. option is not available. If you lived part To open an account, you can either begin For some, you’ll find this fee is trivial. of the previous tax year in the the process online or, if it’s a branch- Netherlands, you are required to fill your based bank, make an appointment with Filing Your Taxes tax return (specifically, the M form, aka one of their advisors. After you have The bank will be able to make all the in the Netherlands M biljet) in by hand; the size of the applied to open an account, you will necessary arrangements as soon Everyone in the Netherlands is taxed M-biljet can be daunting for first-time receive your debit card, PIN and identifier as you meet and upon presentation on their income, wealth and assets. tax payers in the Netherlands and the by post. of the required documents. The amount of tax you pay depends on language can be extremely confusing your level of income. Your employer will for even the most advanced Dutch Getting started Exceptions: currently, one new bank automatically deduct a percentage of your speaker. It is important to know that the A current Dutch account is the basis provider, BUNQ, allows you to create monthly salary to this end. In February of explanatory notes for the M form, issued of your banking. You can make and a bank account without paperwork and the next year you will receive your annual by the Dutch Tax authorities, are only receive payments and use a debit card without actually meeting anyone salary statement at your home address or available in Dutch. However, explanatory for your most important banking matters. in person; instead, a video conference digitally. This document is important when notes for the C form (which is similar on your phone is sufficient to verify your filing taxes with the Dutch Tax authorities. to the M form, but used specifically for
20 21 those Dutch citizens living outside of a tax-free allowance of up to a maximum the Netherlands or those residents who of 30% of your gross salary as a do not wish to submit their tax forms reimbursement for the extra costs using the digital process) are provided involved in living abroad. in English and can be an excellent guide for filling in the M form; the pdf guide for It’s one of the many ways we appreciate 2017 can be downloaded at the Dutch and support the unique contributions Tax Authorities’ website and is titled: expats make to our country. Explanatory Notes Tax Return Form C 2017. Visit www.belastingdienst.nl and More information can also be found select "English Site" under "Languages" at the Dutch Tax office website: in the grey menu at the bottom of www.belastingdienst.nl the page. To receive free one-on-one assistance with your M form, call the tax Our trusted Tax and Financial information line for non-resident issues Service Providers (disregard the name, as this designates Expatax – A full service tax and the department responsible for assistance accounting firm in the Netherlands that in English) and make an appointment to specialises in internationals. Expatax fill in your M-biljet with an employee. To is a one-stop shop for accounting, tax, contact them, (055) 5 385 385. payroll and company formation services in the Netherlands, since 2001. All 30% tax ruling services are combined in one company, Moving to a new country can meaning that they can advise you from be a taxing experience, but one delightful different angles. Their knowledge base is way to reduce the amount you pay constantly growing, so whether you are is the 30% Tax Ruling. What’s this, you an employee, freelancer, employer or ask? If you qualify, 30% of your gross multinational, Expatax keeps you income is entirely tax free, for up to 8 compliant with Dutch tax laws and years! Note that this length is currently maximises your tax benefits. under discussion. What this means is that the highest effective tax rate (52%) is reduced to 36.4%. Are you a highly skilled migrant or scientific researcher? If the necessary conditions are met, your employer may, but is not obliged to do so, grant you
22 23 6. How do
up your bike sufficiently secured. Most so always be alert. I get people combine both the standard rear • Always bike on the right side of the wheel lock and another lock to secure road, using the bike lane if possible. the front wheel or, preferably, to a fixed Don’t cycle on footpaths. around? object. A small but useful tip: rotate the • To keep everybody happy and safe, rear wheel so that the inflation stem always signal where you’re turning is just next to where you’re locking by pointing the direction, or down your rear wheel, as it discourages if you’re slowing stopping in an opportunistic thieves because of likely unexpected place. destruction of the stem when they • Keep an eye on other traffic: scoot- attempt to break the lock, flattening ers, taxis, buses, large delivery vans the tire and making street sale that might have trouble seeing you if or transportation of your bike you’re biking in their blind spot and of Biking more challenging. course be aware of other cyclists and The Dutch biking philosophy can www.marktplaats.nl (in Dutch). Another scooterists who are legally allowed use be summed up in two words: calm & possible option is Swapfiets. You pay While it may look to you like bikes can of the same lanes, as of this moment. assertive. Embody these two qualities a monthly fee and you receive a brand be and are parked anywhere, be aware • Stop in front of a pedestrian crossing and you'll have a fine time out there. new bike; when your bike breaks or gets that there are certain spots where it’s (or crosswalk). stolen, just contact Swapfiets and they will prohibited; parking in those zones may • Stop at red traffic lights. If you’ve already arrived here, you won’t come to you within 12 hours to either fix result in your bicycle being taken by city • Give way to traffic coming from be surprised to hear that there are more it or bring you a new one. Find the options officials. Don’t worry, you can pay the fine the right. bicycles than people, by a large margin! available in your area here: and retrieve your bike from the municipal • Light at night: it’s required by law With hundreds of kilometers of separated www.swapfiets.nl/en bike depot. to use front and back lights on your bike paths, you’ll find it enjoyable and Utrecht: www.utrecht.nl/city-of-utrecht/ bicycle after dark. much easier to get around on two wheels Renting a bike living/mobility/cycling/bicycle-gone • In the Netherlands, no helmets are in Utrecht Region. We are proud to have If you are not ready to commit to a Amersfoort: www.amersfoort.nl/parker- required. However, if you have not the world’s biggest bike parking garage purchase, there are many opportunities en-verkeer-en-vervoer/to/fiets-verwij- ridden a bike in a number of years, at the central train station in Utrecht - to rent, mostly for daily excursions. The derd.htm (in Dutch only) it might be wise to invest in one while 12,500 spots. local Tourist Information Center (aka you are re-familiarising your body with VVV) is an excellent place to rent bikes, You’ll find that most places that sell bikes biking. Purchasing a bike and is located next to the Dom Tower. commonly fix them too. They’re called • Lock it right: Always lock your bike When you’re ready to join the action, you Your options are plentiful in the region, fietsenwinkels. No appointment needed, to something secure and immovable have many choices to buy a bicycle, both so don’t hesitate to search online for the and for minor repairs, same day service if possible. Don’t rely solely on the online and in person. While new bikes are nearest providers using the Dutch term is generally possible. lock that immobilises your back wheel. readily available, you can do as the locals “fiets huren
24 25 22MiLLION bICyclES 17miLLIon- inHabitants
26 27 Public transport • An official bike rack is a wonderful invest- While you could easily purchase daily and ment to make; it helps you weekly passes, the most efficient way to transport heavy groceries when you get around throughout the Netherlands underestimate your grocery list or is the OV Chipcard. Given the wide range when you need to supply a party with a of companies that accept it, will to cities crate or two of beer. and towns across the country with ease; • A final warning to help prepare you for you no longer need to think about strip your biking adventure here in the Neth- tickets or metro tickets to get to and erlands: people can and will pass you on from your destination. The OV Chipkaart all sides; do not be alarmed and try not is offered in two forms: to swerve in surprise, as most locals have been riding since early childhood and are 1) An anonymous card (one that is not Amsterdam extremely adept at navigating even the tied to a specific person, useful if you smallest spaces. plan to share it with others and valid for 5 years) can be purchased train stations, The Hague Bike lessons for adults tobacconists or a variety of supermarkets Given not everyone is born on two wheels as in your area. For an overview of these the Dutch seem to have been, you may be locations, visit www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ feeling a little shaky about biking, service-and-contact/service-points-finder. or perhaps have never learned how htm or to bike. You’re in luck! ‘Harten voor sport’ 2) For maximum value, a personalised Rotterdam offers English cycling lessons for adults card, available online at www.ov-chip- in Utrecht called The Bikemasters. Over the kaart.nl, which you can subscribe course of 10 lessons, bike provided, you’ll be annually discount offerings with your confidently biking alongside favoured transit companies you can set the natives in no time. up automatic top-ups of your balance to keep you over the €10-20 minimum Location: Communitycentre upon check-in at train stations. Important De Nieuwe Jutter note: as indicated above, to check in at Address: Amerhof 66, Utrecht any train station, the minimum balance on Contact: www.defietsmeesters.nl the card is €10-20 depending on whether (in Dutch) you’ve subsribed to a discount offering or not; if you use an anonymous OV Need other options for biking lessons? View Chipkaart or don’t choose the automatic an overview of which teacher is closest to top-up option on your personalised card you at www.fietsdocenten.fietsersbond.nl. expect to recharge your pass regularly.
28 29 Note that manually topping up is easily pick-up points indicated on the website can be purchased from the driver when paper ticket only works on U-OV buses, done, both at stations and various grocery and you’re ready to travel! It eliminates you step onto the bus or tram. After 18:00 so any buses from other providers (e.g. stores such as Albert Heijn, at the the worries about having enough balance on Thursdays and Fridays and throughout Syntus) will not accept entry. P+R lots are signature yellow kiosks. on the card, as you never need to ‘charge the entire weekend, the single U-OV located around the outskirts of the city it’: The payment takes place automatically. ticket can also be used as a return ticket. centre as well as surrounding towns in Pro tip: Always be sure to check A dedicated help desk is at your service Single or multi-day purchase options are Utrecht Region, providing multiple places in and out of the bus, tram or train at to answer your questions. For you can also available: 1 day (€4), 2 days (€7) or to access the inner city quickly and each part of your journey, as failure rent a Utrecht Region Pass for a month 5 days (€9,50), all available for purchase cheaply. For more information about P+R to check out will result in a substantial (reservation & rental costs) plus the regular as a paper ticket. Note that as of the date in and around Utrecht city, see: deduction of your card balance, more than public transport costs for the kilometers of publishing this guide, they are in the www.parkeren-utrecht.nl/pr (in Dutch). your trip likely costs; this measure is taken you use. Each additional month you add process of converting most buses For more information about bus stops at check-in to ensure that people actually to your pass will cost you €2,50. The costs to “Pin only” (debit chip card) rather than and timetables see: www.u-ov.info/reizen/ check out. But don’t worry, if you forget, to travel are the same as traveling with cash. These need to be Maestro network. reisplanner (in Dutch) you can get the balance corrected at the the OV-Chipkaart. As an extra service, the transit stores at major train stops such Utrecht Region Pass provides an easier Alternatively, if you have an OV Chipkaart Public Transit in Amersfoort as Utrecht Central. Additionally, you can way to get from point A to B, coupled with or a Utrecht Region Pass, both are Syntus is the company responsible for go to www.uitcheckgemist.nl Note that extra insights about the area to discover welcome on U-OV buses. Note that the public transit within Amersfoort. Syntus when correcting this online, it may take and explore. Get inspired at www.visitutre- OV Chipkaart and Utrecht Region Pass offers its passengers various ways two weeks to be reflected in your balance. chtregion.com. This portal provides are unrelated entities, although both to purchase a ticket: an overview of all the different locations serve as credit for fares on a wide range Utrecht Region Pass: access worth visiting and some that are connected of domestic transit systems. • At the Syntus webshop. to public transport and as well to the pass within Utrecht Region. • Using your personal or anonymous as valued destinations For transport around Amersfoort OV-Chipkaart in the Province U-OV: Utrecht’s regional municipality, Syntus is the primary transit • At the Syntus Service Desk in the If you have a credit card, you could bus and tram system provider, which, like U-OV, also accepts Amersfoort bus station. consider getting a Utrecht Region Pass Buses and trams are operated by U-OV Utrecht Region Passes. • Via the Syntus app. You can use this instead of the OV-Chipkaart. The Utrecht (Qbuzz), which runs around 30 bus lines and never be without a ticket again. Region Pass is a "pay-as-you-go" public throughout the region. Between IJsselstein, For those who live outside of the city, Click here for more information. card with national coverage conveniently Nieuwegein and Utrecht there is a fast it can be beneficial to use the Park and www.syntusutrecht.nl/en-gb. linked to your credit card. It provides easy tram (sneltram). U-OV (Qbuzz) is currently Ride (PR) system, wherein you park your and carefree access to the entire public the primary company providing bus car at a designated P+R parking lot, Transport planners: transport system in the Netherlands, connections from Bunnik, De Bilt, Houten, purchase one ticket which allows you 24 • For all public transport in NL: including the OV-fiets (public transport Stichtse Vecht, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, hour access to the U-OV buses and trains www.9292.nl/en or download the app. bicycle). You can reserve it online at Vianen, IJsselstein and Zeist. throughout the city for one fee (for This planner can tell you the itinerary www.utrechtregionpass.com, then collect Utrecht Tickets: A one-time single (U-OV a maximum of individuals) and parking all from address to address combining any it at one of the conveniently located paper ticket) costs €2.80 (as of 2018) and day; it is important to note that your P+R number of systems. Another popular
30 31 Driver’s license app: NS Reisplanner Xtra; many people With any foreign driver’s license you are For resident and visitor parking permits of specific damaging events, which can prefer the user-friendly and service- ori- allowed to drive in the Netherlands for (parkeervergunningen), contact include theft, fire, hail/storm and window ented nature of Reisplanner over 9292’s 6 months after you register with your your municipality. breakage. A deductible usually applies minimalistic approach to travel. Reis- municipality. After that period you need here. The maximum car insurance that planner shows you exactly where you are to have a Dutch driver’s license. Some If you don’t own a car but still want covers theft, fire and injury to yourself on your journey, and allows you to enter internationals are able to exchange their to drive on occasion, there are several or your vehicle (aka all risk autoverze- business/organisation names rather than driver’s license for a Dutch one easily peer-to-peer and car-share options kering) is called All Risk car insurance; only allowing street addresses as 9292 including, but not limited to, EU and EEA available to Utrecht Region residents. All Risk car insurance has a more extensive does. citizens and expats who have the 30% tax Peer-to-peer means you can rent a coverage than the limited hull insurance. • For trains only: NS.nl/eng or download facility status. To exchange your driver’s quality vetted, insured car from a private With All Risk car insurance, damage to the app. You can add a 40% discount sub- license for a Dutch one, just make an individual, via such services as the car is covered in most situations. scription to your personal OV- Chipkaart. appointment at city hall and bring valid SnappCar.nl or MyWheels.nl Car-sharing Please inquire at the NS service desk or identity papers, your foreign driver’s means you have on-demand access To compare the most popular car insurance explore your options online at www.ns.nl/ license and a photo. The exchange to a fleet of vehicles parked throughout providers and their rates/packages, refer to en/season-tickets. of your driver’s license is only possible the region, available 24 hours. www.verzekering.nl/autoverzekering/ if you are a registered resident of the Greenwheels.nl or Connectcar.nl are The site is in Dutch so view the url Taxis Netherlands with a BSN and residence two well-known options, and you can in the Chrome browser, or one that you Taxis are quite expensive in the Netherlands permit (verblijfsvergunning). You may find many more at www.utrechtdeelt.nl/ can add the Google Translate plugin, to see and are not typically hailed from the also be asked to provide a certificate wat-autodelen (in Dutch). Traffic rules can the site in your preferred language. The street-side or curb, except of fitness. The rules differ per country be found at www.government.nl. most well-known car insurance companies at major train stations. In general, you need of origin. Please visit www.rdw.nl/infor- include: ABN-AMRO, Aegon, Autoweek, to call or reserve your taxi online. mation-in-english or call 0900-0739 for Car insurance CentraalBeheer, Ditzo, FBTO, Klaverblad A regular taxi from Utrecht to Amsterdam more information. Dutch law mandates that every car owner verzekeringen, HEMA verzekeringen, might cost you anywhere from, depending obtain basic liability car insurance. Called InShared, Nationale Nederlanden, on whether you share a taxi with other An application for a Dutch driver’s license statutory liability insurance (or wettelijke OHRA, Unive & Verzekeruzelf.nl. passengers headed in the same direction or costs approximately 40 euros and is paid aansprakelijkheid (WA) verzekering), prefer to ride privately, and of course which in advance. The process takes approxi- covers the damage for which the car taxi provider you are using. In comparison, a mately two weeks to complete – and they owner is legally liable. Because the train ticket will cost around €7,50 per person, often take your foreign license during the insurance is tied to the car, other drivers and is available directly to Amsterdam interim, so make sure you have planned are also covered when they have an Schiphol airport. If you need a taxi, please for this eventuality before you go in for accident while driving your car, unless this make sure the meter is fully functional and the initial appointment. Key point: Make person is not legally authorised that the costs are agreed before you leave sure you make your exchange before your to drive a car. Additional insurance, called for destinations, or that you have chosen a current license expires! WA + beperkt casco, or statutory liability fixed-rate fee. Uber is also widely used in the + limited hull, can be purchased to cover main cities in the Netherlands. damage to the car from a number
32 33 7. Your health
In the Netherlands, there are many types of insurance Emergencies responsible for preventative health to cover all manner of mishaps. Though they are not Your GP will explain what you need care across a range of topics including to do in case of an emergency during child health care, environmental health, compulsory, some - like liability insurance - are or after office hours.In case of a life- socio-medical advice, periodic sanitary strongly recommended. Everyone who lives or works threatening emergency you can always inspections, public health for asylum call 112. This will give you access to all seekers, medical screening, epidemiology, in the Netherlands is legally obliged to take out standard emergency services. health education and community mental health insurance within 3 months of arriving and health. They offer advice on childhood Other services and adult vaccinations, and administer insurance agencies will back-calculate their charges For more information about Dutch travel vaccinations for residents preparing to the date you registered with the City, so expect your healthcare and services like GP services, to travel abroad to areas of increased preventive screening, dental care, risk for disease transmission. For more first payment to reflect this. All in all, you will find your pharmacies or mental healthcare visit: information about the GGD offices out of pocket costs minimal and your health www.h4i.nl. in Utrecht Region, please visit: www.ggdru.nl (in Dutch). well looked after. The GGD is the Dutch Community Health Services Association, primarily
Healthcare in the Netherlands Healthcare in the Netherlands ranks or medical specialist. It is not possible amongst the best in the world, giving to see a medical specialist without people access to the most advanced a referral. Prescriptions are a pharmacy treatments and preventative care. (Apotheek), which are often located Some things, however, may be arranged either near your home or sometimes in a different way than you are used to. within the GPs office building.
The general practitioner (GP) The GP will also often serve as your link The GP or ‘huisarts’ is your first contact to most other services, such as for all medical questions and complaints. midwifery and physiotherapy. GPs are trained specialists in treating Most GP’s speak English and will the most common complaints such be happy to hold a free, introductory as pediatric diseases and gynaecological meeting with you. We strongly complaints. When needed, your GP will recommend registering with a GP in your prescribe medication or refer you area as soon as you are settled. Check to a diagnostic centre, hospital www.h4i.nl on how to find a suitable GP.
34 35 Health insurance Cost of healthcare and in the Netherlands health insurance If you live or work in the Netherlands you Health insurance providers will are required to take out a basic Dutch charge you a monthly premium for health insurance policy (Basisverzekering) their Basic Insurance Coverage (aka within months of your arrival, even if you Basisverzekering), which is dependent are already insured in another country. on the level of deductible that you’ve chosen. A deductible is mandatory You are free to choose your health in most cases. insurance provider and may change provider every year; in fact, many Dutch Consultations by your GP are fully natives do this almost every year covered, but in some cases you will to benefit from discounts offered to new have to make a contribution to cover the customers. In some cases companies costs of diagnostics and medication will offer corporate healthcare insurance. to a maximum of your annual deductible. Check with your employer if this applies Any medical specialist and hospital care to you. costs exceeding your annual deductible are fully covered. The government may The Dutch basic health insurance policy extend a benefit to help cover the costs offers a universal package for everyone of healthcare for those with over the age of 18 years. Children under lower incomes. 18 years are insured via their parents’ health insurance policy at no extra cost. To learn more about health insurance, type An insurer is obliged to accept anyone of policies, finding a provider, as well as who applies for its Basisverzekering and costs and benefits, visit here: www.h4i.nl. must charge all policyholders the same premium, regardless of their age or state About H4i: Healthcare for internationals of health. In addition you may take out is a non-profit organisation that helps additional insurance for services like internationals to navigate Dutch dental care or physiotherapy. For these, healthcare. It also helps Dutch healthcare insurers are not obliged to cover all providers to better the needs who apply. of internationals. Information provided by H4i is reviewed by both professionals and an international panel.
36 37 8. Childcare & Dutch and practices. Children are truly together with the help of a standardised prioritised here, supported to be national test (CITO) and feedback from competent, confident participants the teacher, which type of secondary educational system in the modern, connected, multi- school is most appropriate for your child. disciplinary world we find ourselves in. Dutch secondary education In the Netherlands, most children start Children usually attend a secondary Childcare sport or dance, other artistic pursuits. primary school (basisschool) the day school/high school (middelbare school) While options for childcare are diverse While of course you want to seek the after their fourth birthday (so they can from ages 12 to 18. There are three types and numerous, demand is high and most fitting option for your child, celebrate the day itself with their of schools available: waiting lists may be up to six months be aware that certain days may be peuterspeelzaal friends and teachers), • VMBO: Pre-vocational secondary long, so it pays to be proactive. Note that popular with other parents and you with many children transitioning from education some Dutch and international employers may have to put your child or children their current childcare centres or toddler • HAVO: Senior general secondary have their own childcare facilities. on a waiting list before you can obtain play groups. Children are legally required education. A completed HAVO degree the best case scenario. to attend school after they turn 5, gives access to a University of Applied Your options: • Babysitter, au-pair, live-in nanny, so make sure to take any non-school Sciences (or HBO) • Toddler playgroup (peuterspeelzaal) registered host parent (aka registered ordained holiday trips before, when they • VWO: Pre-university education for children 2-4 years of age, usually gastouder) are no longer allowed to miss scheduled for a few hours per day, twice a week. school days. The school year begins in Connected to a primary school and The Dutch Tax authorities may offer August and is broken up by numerous are basically a form of play-orient- subsidy for child day-care costs when holidays, listed later in this guide. In ed preparation for primary school, both parents are working, depending the final year of Dutch primary school allowing children the opportunity on your total income. The childcare parents, children and teachers decide to acclimate to working with other benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) must be children in a structured setting. applied for through the Dutch Tax • Daycare centre (kinderdagverblijf) authorities (www.belastingdienst.nl - for children 0-4 years of age. Service select English; search childcare). by private providers. Opening hours typically range from early morning Tip: handy tool: Childcare allowance until 18.00/18.30. calculator: www.blueumbrella.nl/ • BSO, after school care (Buitenschoolse childcare-allowance-calculator/ opvang). This is generally offered in collaboration with primary schools Education and/or a daycare centre, although Education in the Netherlands is ranked parents are encouraged to look among the best of the world, being at the various BSOs available in their in the top 10 of all OECD countries. area. Parents are a great source of knowledge and can offer reliable Dutch primary education real-life reviews of the BSOs available Here in Utrecht Region, you will find to you. Some BSOs offer an emphasis a generous selection of schools with on outdoor play, others on a particular a wide range of educational philosophies
38 39 Education System The Netherlands International Education International School Hilversum Utrecht Region offers a wide variety The International School Hilversum of education possibilities for international is also an IB World School and offers 4 children of all ages. three programmes: The International Doctorate (PhD) Duration of Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years (PYP), 0 education An increasing number of Dutch schools Middle Years (MYP) and the full Diploma in years offer bilingual education, meaning that Programme (IBDP). 1/3 1/2 roughly half the subjects are taught In addition to international schools, in English. Though be aware the exams several Dutch schools offer bilingual Master of Arts (MA) Master’s degree have to be taken in Dutch! education possibilities throughout the Master of Science (MSc) Universities of applied Utrecht Region. In these schools, subjects Research universities sciences Dutch public schools are government get taught both in Dutch and English. Postgraduate funded and require only a small parental fee, if any. The following schools have international 3 4 2 education facilities at the primary Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor’s degree Associate degree International School Utrecht or secondary level in Utrecht Region: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Universities of applied Universities of applied (ISUtrecht) Research universities sciences sciences The International School Utrecht is based on the IB World School curriculum, Undergraduate offering a complete and connected 1/4 International Baccalaureate programme for students from the ages of 4-18. MBO-diploma Since opening its doors in August 2012, Senior secondary the school has flourished and now has vocational education an enrolment of nearly 600 students, and training together representing some 40 nationalities.
6 5 4 More information can be found VWO-diploma HAVO-diploma VMBO-diploma at www.isutrecht.nl. University preparatory Senior general Preparatory secondary education secondary education vocational education
7/8 Primary Education
40 41 Other international schools in the Utrecht Region include:
The Dutch Ministry of Education website Amsterdam International International school of offers a number of publications on all community school Amsterdam aspects of the Dutch education system: aics.espritscholen.nl isa.nl www.government.nl/topics/themes/ education.
British school of Amsterdam Ecole française d’Amsterdam To find out more about international and britams.nl lyceevangogh.nl Dutch education, visit www.educaide.nl
To find an overview of Dutch international schools, visit www.dutchinternational- Florencius Idealfuture Chinese int'l schools.nl international school idealfuture.nl/cnschool florenciusinternationalschool.nl Library Resources Are you a bookworm? Or are you International primary school looking for a quiet place to read, study, Gifted minds int'l school letterland – Almere or entertain your children without giftedmindsinternationalschool. letterland.nl spending money? com If so, we recommend making use of one of Utrecht Region’s many public libraries. International school Hilversum They are located all over Utrecht Region, International school Almere atscholen.nl/scholen/ so one is bound to be near where you internationalschoolalmere.nl voortgezet_onderwijs/ish live. Entry is free and our libraries also provide various interesting activities for a variety of ages. Some even have cafes! Ips violenschool Korean school of Amsterdam For more information about libraries www.ipshilversum.nl koreanschool.nl in the city of Utrecht, visit www.bibliotheekutrecht.nl/english.html.
Japanese kindergarten Japanese school of Amsterdam www.tulipgakuen.nl jsa.nl
42 43 9. University level studying in Utrecht
As a potential student here in the Netherlands, you will be faced with an enjoyable dilemma: Which of the nearly Utrecht Region’s Universities Utrecht University according to discipline, and the high countless programme options will you choose? Located amongst the winding streets quality of the teaching staff who place of the city centre of Utrecht and radiating great emphasis on personal supervision. out to the beautiful rural fringes, Utrecht The region offers students an inspiring if they so choose. Go to DUO at www. University (UU) is a hub of international One of the missions of HU is to contribute international learning environment duo.nl/particulier/international-stu- research and is the highest ranked to a sustainable knowledge society with with an extensive range of English- dent/ or check with your university for university in the Netherlands! With people as the starting point. taught programmes, courses and study more information about student travel a range of English taught Bachelor It’s a place where students and staff have programmes covering a wide variety of products, student loans and more. and Master programmes the university the opportunity to broaden their horizons fields. Prospective international students has a healthy international student and feel at home. The HU offers well can enrol in an English-taught degree There are many different student population. Thanks to UU’s innovative over 80 study programmes. Some of its programme or a short course, while organisations and societies in Utrecht. research Utrecht is also home to a wealth programmes are fully taught in English. Dutch speakers can also enrol Some of them are internationally oriented of field-leading researchers from across HU also offers practice-based education. in a Dutch-language programme. – such as the Erasmus Student Network the globe who strive to create better, For example, you will work in exciting To apply for study, students should (www.esn-utrecht.nl). healthier, and more sustainable societies. real-life projects together with other first contact the institution offering the The university also partners with organi- students for international companies. course, which will specify the required Orientation year for recent sations across the city to offer a compre- Internships are part of the programme qualifications for admission, bachelor’s, international graduates hensive Summer School and Dutch and as well. For more information, visit their master’s, or phD programme. of a Dutch university foreign language education through website: www.international.hu.nl The orientation year (zoekjaar) permit the Babel language institute. For more To compare the offerings of universities, allows recent graduates from non-EU information, visit www.uu.nl/en Nyenrode Business University colleges and other education providers, countries and scientific researchers Nyenrode Business University works go to www.talent.utrechtregion.com/en/ to stay in or come to the Netherlands HU University of Applied on a sustainable future by stimulating study/finding-education. Study In Holland for a period of up to twelve months Sciences Utrecht their students and participants to grow provides copious information about after graduation. During this period, HU University of Applied Sciences into responsible leaders. Nyenrode’s studying in the Netherlands: www.study- they can seek employment or work Utrecht (HU) is one of the largest educational purpose reaches beyond inholland.nl. Nuffic also provides a ton without needing an extra work permit. continuing education colleges in the the transfer and creation of knowledge of information about internationalization International graduates can apply within Netherlands and is funded by the state. by also emphasising the need to build in education: www.nuffic.nl/en three years after their graduation. It has over 35,000 students with more ones character and focus on attitude and More information can be found than one hundred different nationalities. personal skills. Therefore, they offer their EU students can get a loan for their at https://ind.nl/en/work. And yet the educational environment students and participants a combination study in the Netherlands and even work feels personal, due to the numerous of academic theory, practical relevance for a certain amount of hours per week, locations where the courses are housed and personal development.
44 45 10. Learning the Dutch Language
Understanding (the) Dutch Nyenrode has traditionally been inter- HKU University of the Arts Utrecht Essential words nationally oriented. The university offers HKU University of the Arts Utrecht offers Speaking a few words in Dutch can be an intensive academic education, short-term preparatory courses, bachelor and master excellent way of connecting and building and longer-term programs in the fields programmes and research degrees in fine rapport with the locals. The Dutch will of business, management, accountancy, art, design, media, games and interaction, probably quickly switch to English, but controlling, and fiscal law. music, theatre and arts management. will generally very much appreciate your In these areas they also undertake With more than 3,900 students, HKU effort. A few introductory words that will scientific research. Nyenrode Business University of the Arts Utrecht is one quickly become second nature to you: University is the only private university of the largest art and culture-oriented in the Netherlands, founded in 1946 institutes in Europe. by business and for business. For more information, visit their website: For more information, visit their website: www.hku.nl/Home.htm Dutch Means (in English) www.nyenrode.nl/en/home Utrecht Summer School Hallo Hello Utrecht Summer School started in 1987 Goedemorgen Good morning and has developed into one of the largest Goedemiddag Good afternoon summer schools in Europe, offering over Goedenavond Good evening 200 courses in virtually all disciplines by Utrecht University, HU University Dag (formal) Doei (informal) Bye of Applied Sciences Utrecht and HKU Tot ziens See you later
University of the Arts Utrecht. These Dankuwel (formal) Dankjewel (informal) Thank you institutions for higher education offer Alstublieft (formal) Alsjeblieft (informal) Please high quality, fully accredited summer courses at bachelor, master and PhD Ja Yes levels. All courses are taught in English. Nee No For most of the courses ECTS credits are Lekker Tasty awarded. In 2016 Utrecht Summer School Mooi Beautiful attracted over 3500 students from about 120 different countries. Gezellig Sociable / cosy / fun www.utrechtsummerschool.nl/ Open Open Gesloten Closed Spreekt u Engels? Do you speak English?
46 47 There are a number of options for you Because of its popularity, Taalplus often Dutch First also offers several Dutch For an entertaining guide to Dutchness to learn Dutch, ranging from one-on-one has a waiting list for participants; your courses, including standard and intensive which pokes fun at some of the more in a cafe to formal classroom settings. placement will depend on your level lessons. To ascertain your current level endearing quirks associated with Dutch Sample of your potential choices. of Dutch as well as the flexibility of your of your Dutch, Dutch First offers a free culture, go to the blog ‘Stuff Dutch schedule; if you have a tight schedule, assessment test. If you want a friendly people like’ www.stuffdutchpeoplelike. NL Educatie’s Taalplus you may need to wait months before you and professional staff leading a language com. To get sense for the many uses Dutch courses are offered a place a course. For more course full of relevant activities and fun, the Dutch have for the word “lekker,” NL Educatie’s Taalplus works in information, visit (in Dutch, so please take we recommend Dutch First. read StuffDutchPeopleLike’s article collaboration with participating advantage of Google Translate to help www.dutchfirst.nl/en about it: www.stuffdutchpeoplelike. municipalities and employers to combat you navigate) www.nleducatie.com. com/2012/09/30/no-12-lekker illiteracy in the Netherlands. They offer Levin Language School also has free* language courses to the public in Volksuniversiteit Utrecht (VU) has been a number of courses to choose one from. the following areas: Utrecht, Nieuwegein, offering affordable options for You can check them out here: Woerden, Zeist & Maarssen. Taalplus offers internationals interested in learning www.levinlanguage.nl/en beginners and advanced classes, extending Dutch, as well as a large variety of other their focus to include literacy and language languages, since the 1930s. For more Free Online Dutch Courses acquisition for those learning Dutch as a information, please visit their website, Don’t have enough time to go to a second language, which is published in the following language school? Not to worry, you can as well. Upon registration, administrators languages: English, French, German, check out these options to learn Dutch will call you to set up an assessment test Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish: online for free, at your own pace: to determine your current level of Dutch www.volksuniversiteitutrecht.nl/talen. www.learndutch.org proficiency; you will be placed in a class www.jekanmewat.nl (in Dutch) according to your level of proficiency Babel offers a wide range of Dutch and educational background. Once you language courses, starting from beginners Remote classses have passed your language exam, you will to advanced level. Their courses are If you prefer the commitment of a paid be reimbursed for your registration fee, located in three different places, personalised course but you don’t have currently €45. accommodating different location needs. the time to travel to and from school, you www.babel.nl/en. can choose one of these online courses. Important to note: certain criteria will affect In this way, you can get the atmosphere your eligibility to participate in a Taalplus and community of a school environment Dutch course: 1) You are employed, and 2) while you study in the comfort of your have at least a higher vocational education home. in your own country and are fluent in www.dutchpod101.com English, German or French. If you are www.learndutch.org concerned that you are ineligible, please www.babbel.com call Taalplus to verify: 030 - 30 31 234.
48 49 Public holidays
Dutch holidays 2019/2020
New Year’s Day Nieuwjaarsdag January 1
Good Friday Goede Vrijdag 2019: April 19 (not an official holiday)
2020: April 10 (not an official holiday
Easter Sunday Eerste Paasdag 2019: April 21
2020: April 12
Easter Monday Tweede Paasdag 2019: April 22
2020: April 13
King's Day Koningsdag April 27
National Remembrance Day May 4 (not an official holiday)
Dodenherdenking
Liberation Day Bevrijdingsdag May 5 (every 5 years; next in 2020)
Ascension Day Hemelvaartsdag 2019: May 30
2020: May 21
Whit (Pentecost) Sunday 2019: June 9
Eerste Pinksterdag 2020: May 31
Whit (Pentecost) Monday 2019: June 9
Tweede Pinksterdag 2020: June 1
Sinterklaas December 5 (not an official holiday)
Christmas Day Eerste Kerstdag December 25
Boxing Day Tweede Kerstdag December 26
New Year's Eve Oudejaarsavond December 31 (not an official holiday)
50 51 11. Finding a job
Dutch School holidays (which Utrecht region offers many for start-ups, established businesses do not always correspond with opportunities for non-Dutch speakers. and entrepreneurs to meet, network and international school holidays) Both Dutch and the more than 1.000 collaborate. In the Netherlands school holidays Can I take my child on vacation outside international companies located here are differ per region. Dutch schools and of the school holiday periods? frequently looking for talent from abroad. Highlighted co-working spaces in the international schools in the Netherlands The Dutch government does not permit And with unemployment levels among city of Utrecht – Given the dynamic, are divided into three regions: North, parents to take their children on vacation the lowest in the EU, the odds expanding and ever evolving nature Central and South. To avoid a holiday outside of the school holiday periods. of advancing your career in Utrecht of Utrecht Region’s flex work spaces, rush, each region has its own vacation Parents who do this without first Region are certainly in your favour. we invite you to see the complete schedule. Utrecht belongs to the central obtaining written permission from the The Utrecht Region job portal provides overview for more options. Here’s region. school board, for special health or family a real-time overview of all non-Dutch a small sample of what’s available: considerations, violate the Compulsory speaking vacancies and assignments Some school holidays (schoolvakanties) Education law (Leerplichtwet). in the region. There you can explore JIM (Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile) such as the summer, Christmas thousands of non-Dutch speaking focuses on innovators that are active and May vacations, are fixed. Schools School holidays for primary and high vacancies currently available – and new in the fields of urban living, smart have the flexibility to extend the May schools in Utrecht: www.government.nl jobs are added every day. Visit http:// sustainable environment, life sciences holiday by one week. It is therefore talent.utrechtregion.com/en/work/ and health. Literally just across the way important to always check the precise jobportal. dates with your school. Schools are also allowed to deviate from the advised Volunteering holiday period for spring break and Go to www.vcutrecht.nl or contact the the autumn holiday. Expat Center Utrecht for more information about volunteering in Utrecht Region.
Working as a Freelancer Shared office buildings, flexible workspaces, and virtual offices - Utrecht Region offers an abundant and growing variety of possibilities for small companies or freelancers. All the centres mentioned below are entrepreneurial hubs
52 52 53 12. Finding your Dutch way
from Utrecht Central Station, you can Around Amersfoort Central station and Though you will meet a lot of never, but it can also frequently end find personalised workspaces, flex desks, Amersfoort city centre: internationals in Utrecht Region, up being a spontaneous get-together. demo and open meeting spaces (http:// Regus Station2Station is part of Regus, the way daily life is organised still has Just start small, with the two neighbours jim.spaces.nexudus.com/en). who operate business centres all over the its roots in the background and history living next to you. They will likely then DotSlash is a newly developed startup hub, country and also several in Utrecht Region of the Netherlands. Your journey of introduce you to others. within biking distance from Utrecht Central (www.regus.nl). getting settled in Utrecht Region has Station (www.dotslash.surf). Seats2Meet offers work & meeting probably been (or is going to be) full What about making friends? Tribes Utrecht Central Station offers spaces and 40 dedicated workspaces for of surprises, some pleasant and some less One thing to keep in mind is that it can inspiring workplaces for business nomads. freelancers, most options free! There pleasant, or even frustrating. Navigating take time to make friends with the Dutch. Tribes also operates in Germany, Belgium is a strong emphasis on collaboration your way around the cultural aspects If you realise after all your efforts that and other cities in the Netherlands there, with a dedicated internal network of daily life in the Netherlands can pose you still don’t have a big crowd of Dutch (www.tribes.world/en). that encourages people to share what some interesting challenges, and seen friends, it’s likely not you, but rather the they’re working on, and seeking to work another way, opportunities. We’d like privacy-focused and busy Dutch mindset. A complete overview of business centres on. New work happens naturally. to help make it go as well as possible, As the Dutch like sports and maintaining can be found here: www.utrechtcityin- (www.seats2meet.com). with a few cultural insights to help a healthy lifestyle, you might have better business.com/en/business-locations/ smoothen the road forward. chances if you register with a sports club flexible-work-spaces. Around highway A1: (sportvereniging). Did you know that For another perspective on the best Regus A1 is strategically located Social life Dutch soccer teams call the moment flex-work spots, check out: www.exploreu- on highway A1 and near one of the largest One important aspect of creating your of socialising after the match ‘the third trecht.nl/en/work-it-32-best-flexible-work- railway junctions in the Netherlands. home is getting in contact with your half’? Sports here can be about being spots-for-freelancers. Atoomclub Amersfoort A1 provides neighbours. You may have already found healthy, but most often it also means a stimulating work environment and out that privacy is quite a big thing in the sharing a drink. Highlighted co-working spaces is also easily accessible by car Netherlands. Given that, you may wonder, in the city of Amersfoort (www.atoomclub.nl). what is the best way to meet them? Work culture Is Amersfoort also freelancer-friendly? They have another business centre Thankfully, it’s quite relaxed and direct. You have managed to find a great job Yes it is! in the city of Utrecht. Most Dutch people present themselves in Utrecht, that’s great news! However, when they move to a new neighbourhood the work culture may be different than by knocking on their neighbours’ door, you’re accustomed to. Though you might introducing themselves, perhaps sharing work in an international setting, what brought them to their new home, it is also possible you will work with and asking if the neighbors would have a Dutch manager in a Dutch team. time for a coffee. Sometimes that coffee Though you may have learned about may wait for months, sometimes even the directness of the Dutch, sometimes
54 55 Sports Culture it can come across as being close to is money’. However, once consensus has Dutch language and grammar foster the For the health conscious Dutch, a sport rude. Keep in mind that in general, that’s been established, things move at a high use of short and neutral sentences. You’ll is not just something to watch and cheer not their intention. Rather, it is his or her speed, with a greater number of people find this is reflected in the way Dutch for. Sports and all forms of physical way of showing transparency, which they supporting the agreed upon actions, and colleagues communicate in English. This activity are valued as a cornerstone actually consider being well mannered, therefore the results being more durable. can be experienced by non-native people of a happy and healthy life. They are rather than being passive and unclear This successful method was named as lacking politeness or courtesy, while an important form of leisure activity about your thoughts. On YouTube you ‘poldermodel’ by the British and has over for your co-worker saying it, they’re for the Dutch: 52% of the population can find many very interesting videos time won a lot of admiration worldwide. actually trying to be friendly. You may participate in a sport on a weekly basis! on Dutch culture that can put your The Dutch are meticulous planners and find yourself truly appreciating the Quite uniquely for the world, almost all experiences into context. You can also do not hesitate to let you know what they lack of facade, pretense, and obscurity Dutch primary school children go to register for an introduction day to learn feel when they consider you are wasting in communication, your relations with school by bicycle or foot, which lays more about the Netherlands and see their time. your co-workers and friends clear and a solid foundation for leading an active what works for you. The Netherlands can ultimately more enjoyable. life their whole lives. be so much more fun and fulfilling if you Dutch people are known for directness, find your way into Dutch culture. but don’t try to match it from the start! Utrecht Region, with its woods, hills It requires a lot of fine-tuning to know and Holland's 'Lake District' offers Work Culture Highlight: How to be on what topics and in which situations numerous possibilities for outdoor sports, successful in the Dutch ‘poldermodel’ you can be direct to whom. While it such as off-road biking, race cycling, A key point to understand is that Dutch seems that the Dutch are an egalitarian triathlon, equestrian sports, rowing and societal norms and values evolved society where showing off is not golf. The city of Utrecht has more than from an originally Calvinistic society. appreciated, there are exceptions: If you 300 sports clubs! Collectively, they offer While only a minority of the population have your facts and arguments right and in excess of 40 types of sport. practices the Protestant faith, honesty verified, you can display your expertise. and evenhandedness are paramount. You may earn yourself status because you It’s notable that in the Netherlands, such An aspect that may confuse you is their have acquired an academic title or arrived non-commercial sports clubs are the individualism, since so many of the at an influential position by hard work most important framework for organised Dutch are actively involved in social and/or serving society. Despite the high sport activities – more than schools, clubs. It’s important to understand and level of transparency, private life, salary municipal organisations or commercial recognise the mechanism behind this, levels and professional ambitions can providers. 85% of sports clubs use as it may help you steer safely through be no-go areas. volunteers. If you or your children play office politics. The time the Dutch spend a sport at such a sports club (vereniging) on deliberation seemingly contradicts the In the Netherlands everybody is your you are often expected to occasionally often-heard argument that ‘time co-worker; regardless of their position.
56 57 13. Explore Utrecht Region and beyond
Utrecht Region help out, helping keep everybody’s education institutions form the primary Utrecht Region is the oldest region be rewarded with a stunning view annual fee costs low. This might include group Olympos is dedicated to serving. in the Netherlands: Centrally located in of the city and rural landscape being asked to take up a shift at the In addition, Olympos welcomes other the country, it is where living, working beyond it. www.domtower.com. canteen’s kitchen/bar or being asked sports enthusiasts not affiliated with the and recreation are good and plentiful. to bring/pick up the team from events. University. One notable inclusion in the Here you will find beautiful, varied Trajectum Lumen Here again, you’ll find a natural way Olympos resources is Kalymnos, two landscapes and attractive cities such as A unique way to illuminate Utrecht’s to become more immersed in and part climbing walls, one of which spans the Utrecht and Amersfoort, excellent cultural history and present, at night you can of the Dutch culture. entire height of the eight storey parking facilities and internationally renowned follow a light trail on the ground that garage they’re adjacent to! See www. knowledge institutes. leads past the beautiful work of numerous Sportcentre Olympos: www.olympos.nl/ olympos.nl/en-us/sportsprogrammes/ artists. Starting point: TivoliVredenburg. en-us/home.aspx Sportcentrum Olympos kalymnosclimbingwall.aspx for more. As is to be expected of a region with its www.trajectumlumen.com. has extensive and versatile facilities. roots in medieval times, Utrecht Region These are situated at the Utrecht has a long and rich cultural history. You can Museums Science Park, which is also home explore between the lively docks of the Spoorwegmuseum, Utrecht to Utrecht University, HU University historical canals and come across countless This museum tells the story of 175 years of Applied Sciences Utrecht, University national monuments and world heritage of railways in the Netherlands and houses Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), the sites. If you prefer nature, a quick bike an extensive collection of historic trains. Hubrecht Institute and other top research ride have you at numerous citadels, forts, Thomas and Chuggington are regular institutions, innovative companies and castles, farms, serene rivers and lakes. visitors as well. www.spoorwegmuseum.nl. student housing complexes. Together, this mix of science, students, sport and Cultural Gems Of Utrecht Region Museum Speelklok, Utrecht commerce creates a dynamic climate Domplein Museum Speelklok shows you centuries in which to work and study. Students The 2,000 year old Domplein (square) old self-playing musical instruments, from and employees of Utrecht’s higher is where the Romans built the Castellum the smallest music box to the largest Traiectum fort that laid the foundation dance and barrel organs. Be sure to take for Utrecht. in the guided tour, different every time, giving you the historical context and Dom tower a frequent dose of the unexpected. For more than six centuries, the city and If Dutch isn’t your first language, they’re its surroundings have been dominated by happy to also do the tour in English the magnificent Dom Tower, at 122 metres as well. www.museumspeelklok.nl. the highest medieval building in the Netherlands. Climb 465 steps and you’ll
58 59 Miffy Museum, Utrecht Kunsthalkade, Amersfoort Festivals & Events Nederlands Film Festival (Dutch The house of Miffy, or as locally known, Kunsthalkade offers exhibitions in the Utrecht offers too many festivals Film Festival) gives film culture the Nijntje, is a museum for all ages where you field of contemporary/modern art, throughout the year to count, with honoured platform that it deserves. can discover the world of designer Dick architecture, design and contemporary a program full of theatre, dance, music, From late September until early Bruna's most famous creation: Miffy. The visual culture. www.kunsthalkade.nl film, workshops and more on large October, NFF shines the spotlight little rabbit was created in 1955 and has National Military Museum, Soest exhibits and small stages, squares and parks. on Dutch-produced feature films, become an international celebrity, not only aircraft, tanks, armoured vehicles and A selection of yearly recurring events: documentaries, animations, short films, as a children’s book character, but also helicopters, with many interactive ways • Cultural Sundays showcases a number television dramas, games, interactive as a design icon. www.nijntjemuseum.nl. to engage you and your children: of art disciplines, including theatre, projects and events for young and www.nmm.nl/en. opera, music, dance, film, literature, old. The best of their programme is Centraal Museum, Utrecht visual arts, street culture and storytell- made available to an English speaking Centraal Museum shows modern art, Music ing around a central theme: audience, with over 50 international fashion and costumes, city history, early TivoliVredenburg www.culturelezondagen.nl/english. screenings in 2018. What began art and applied art. They also own the TivoliVredenburg, containing numerous • Early Music festival focuses on as a modest festival has grown in largest collection of objects designed venues within, offers a stage for all music medieval, renaissance and baroque scale since the early 80s, making by Rietveld in the world, including his genres: classical, pop, dance, jazz and music: www.oudemuziek.nl NFF the face of Dutch film culture. world-famous zig-zag chair and red-and- everything in between. • Le Guess Who? presents an eclectic NFF actively supports the public and blue chair. www.centraalmuseum.nl/en. www.tivolivredenburg.nl range of artists from the Netherlands film professionals throughout the year, and abroad that are hand selected for showcasing Dutch film as art, craft, Rietveld Schröder house, Utrecht their uniqueness, a fresh discovery entertainment and a mirror of society In 1924 furniture maker and architect waiting for you: www.leguesswho.nl to stimulate, support, promote and Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) realised this • Winter Utrecht presents a selection provide context for Dutch film culture. unique building, a UNESCO World heritage of wintry events and activities in the The highlight of NFF’s year is its annual site. It is the only building built according area: www.winter-utrecht.nl festival, celebrating Dutch film and to the architectural principles of De Stijl. • SPRING Performing Arts Festival placing it in the spotlight for a few Utrecht is internationally known as the city is a 10-day international festival weeks every year. For the professional where Rietveld lived and worked all his life. presenting new developments in the world, the festival is also the leading www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/en. performing arts with a focus on cross- platform for substantive exchange and over between dance and theatre. innovation. www.filmfestival.nl/en. Mondriaanhuis, Amersfoort www.springutrecht.nl. Mondriaan and Rietveld, part of ‘De Stijl’ • International Literature Festival History And Nature art movement, were born in Utrecht Utrecht: Bringing a broad range of Utrecht is surrounded by a mosaic Region. Visit the house where Piet international and domestic authors, of landscapes, picturesque villages, Mondriaan was born in 1872. this event has something for every- welcoming cities and a rich cultural www.mondriaanhuis.nl. body. www.ilfu.nl heritage. In Utrecht region you can easily • Nederlands Film Festival: The roam off the beaten track and explore
60 61 a rich combination of nature, tranquility times. The Castle also hosts various memorable shops, coffee bars with English magazine MAG Utrecht. You can and beautiful old buildings. cultural events throughout the year. character and much more. Here you can find it distributed throughout the area www.kasteeldehaar.nl/english. also find information about biking and (e.g. at Expat Center Utrecht), A few regional highlights: walking routes. or visit www.magutrecht.com Utrechtse Heuvelrug Ouwehands Zoo for more information. Just outside the city of Utrecht and right Ouwehands Zoo, Rhenen is home to the Visit www.visitutrechtregion.com and in the centre of the Netherlands one giant pandas Wu Wen and Xing Ya. www.exploreutrecht.nl for more tips Campfire also provides weekly updates can find 23,000 hectares of forests and www.ouwehand.nl/en. on exploring and experiencing about what’s happening in Utrecht heathlands in this National Park. Utrecht Region. www.lightacampfire.com/utrecht Check out www.visitutrechtregion.com The New Dutch Waterline for more ideas. Time to Momo is a frequently updated, Tourist Information centres The largest defensive structure often surprising guide app that will have in Utrecht and Amersfoort: in the Netherlands consists of forts, Want to venture out of the region? you feeling like a local in no time. Walks, Utrecht embankments, locks, canals, and bunkers. By train you can easily reach other major destinations, even a few hundred phrases www.visit-utrecht.com. You will find the Dating back to 1815, this historic line cities or small towns, both domestic and to get you started! www.timetomomo. Tourist Information Centre at the foot of defence was designed to quickly internationally, from Utrecht Centraal, com/nl/webshop/utrechtapp of the famous Dom Tower. inundate large tracts of land in order to Utrecht’s central station. Within an hour For an excellent in-the-know guide Amersfoort protect the Netherlands from enemy of travel, you can experience all of the packed with tips relating to on-going www.vvvamersfoort.nl/en. troops during wartime. www.nieuwe- Dutch icons and take in our many fields cultural activities, nightlife, restaurants, hollandsewaterlinie.nl/en. The many of flowers, castles, windmills and beautiful and shopping in the city and region Parnassos Cultural Centre: remaining forts also provide an authentic art. of Utrecht, check out the free bimonthly www.uu.nl/en/parnassos. backdrop for theatre performances, film Parnassos is the cultural centre of Utrecht screenings, concerts, exhibitions and art Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport are University. At Parnassos you can attend shows. within 30 minutes by direct (Intercity) courses and workshops, visit concerts, train; Rotterdam and The Hague, just and much more. Parnassos is open Bunschoten Spakenburg 45 minutes. Daily international trains run to students and staff of participating An authentic Dutch fisherman’s village to and from Brussels (2 hours), Cologne institutions for higher education. Alumni at the Eemlake. (2.5 hours) and Paris (3.5 hours). and other interested people are welcome too. De Haar Castle Your go-to culture, sport and Brigitte Bardot, Yves Saint Laurent, Roger life resources Moore, Gregory Peck have been guests Looking for unique and hidden spots at De Haar Castle, the largest and most in Utrecht city? Download the USE-IT luxurious castle in the Netherlands. Its app or visit www.use-it.travel/cities/ splendid rooms and extensive gardens detail/utrecht. Local citizens provide you can be visited 7 days a week at select with lots of tips about great restaurants,
62 63 The International Talent Community Utrecht Region (Itcu) Good to know The ITCU offers several services and Royal Welcome Event will initiate and organise the activities • Films are nearly always shown in their events to help make newcomers feel It’s here that all newcomers are welcomed offered within the programme. As part original language with Dutch subtitles, at home in Utrecht Region. Some to the Utrecht Region by the mayor of the socialisation programme, Utrecht with the exception of children’s films; of those are listed here but there are of their municipality. Region-ambassadors have been recruited. although don’t despair, most major always new things being created. For These ambassadors are themselves children’s titles will have at least a few additional information you can visit Utrecht Talent programme internationals and are willing to assist subtitled screenings as well, generally Region Portal or for specific questions The key activities of the programme new arrivals in the first period after the 3D version. The Museum Card please contact us at ITC@economicboar- are focusing on matchmaking between arrival. During a personal interview they (Museumkaart) gives you access to dutrecht.nl and we are happy to help you talents and employees/clients. share their experiences and give tips hundreds of museums throughout the with any questions regarding the ITCU To do so a job portal with all available about living and working in the Netherlands for a single, exceptionally and upcoming events. The Utrecht Region non-Dutch speaking jobs has been Utrecht Region. reasonable annual membership of Portal is a good resource to discover new developed and integrated into about €60 for adults and €30 for upcoming events. utrechtregion.com, and an annual talent children. For more information, visit: event organised. During the talent event www.museumkaart.nl (in Dutch). Utrecht Region Portal international workers, students and • King’s day (Koningsdag) is on 27 April Utrechtregion.com offers high quality, self-employed people are matched with and celebrates King's birthday. On multilingual information to international potential employers and clients. this day, Dutch towns turn into a huge talents considering settling temporarily The talent event is organised in close orange street party and open-air flea or permanently in the Utrecht Region, and collaboration with all knowledge institu- market. to those who are already living here. tions in the Utrecht Region. For interna- • The minimum drinking age is 18 tionals that want to start their business in (changed from 16 years in 2014) Utrecht Region Introduction day the Utrecht Region, an additional startup – Supermarkets and retailers of The introduction programme consists of an programme was developed in which alcohol will ask for identification Introductory Course, Cultural Awareness international startups receive supervision if there is any doubt. Training and Survival Dutch. It provides to transform their idea into an innovative • The minimum age for consumption international talents, their partners and product or service. and purchase of cigarettes and other children a set of the most relevant services tobacco products is also 18. for a good start Socialisation Programme in Utrecht Region. The socialisation programme focuses on the socialisation and integration of internationals and their spouses. The programme is based on individual memberships. These individual members
64 65 14. Get connected
Mobile phone we have compiled some of the more around Amersfoort, including walking/ Most Of Utrecht Meetup: www.meetup. You can sign a permanent contract with widely known groups for you to explore. biking tours, quiz-nights, special events, com/nl-NL/enjoy-utrecht. a mobile phone provider once you are Please do not stop here, however. indoor/outdoor, day/evening activities, officially registered as a resident, have By searching “expats” or “internationals” and family-friendly events. www. Internations Utrecht: a BSN and a domestic bank account. and/or your nationality plus city, facebook.com/groups/165124386878273. Global networking community active both Those who are still waiting on their neighborhood, or region name, you online and off, that organises meet-ups BSN to be issued are not eligible. are bound to find a wealth of groups Utrecht Mamas Facebook Group: and events for expats. www.internations. To circumvent this, many initially that might prove equally, if not more, Provides information and support org/utrecht-expats. choose for a prepaid sim card, which resourceful. on a wide variety of issues relevant does not require a proof of residence to both local and international parents International Woman’s Contact and registration. These can be found Expats Utrecht Facebook Group: in the Utrecht region. Papas are welcome Utrecht (IWCU): both at the various mobile phone service Boasting almost 20,000 members, Expats too! www.facebook.com/groups/ A wonderful resource open to all women providers and frequently in grocery Utrecht is one of Utrecht’s largest utrechtmamas. who are living or have lived in an store checkout lines. international online communities; international environment. Its aim members share knowledge and first-hand Italiani ad Utrecht Facebook Group: is to facilitate and foster friendship Internet experiences of life in Utrecht, promote Created in 2012, this group is oriented and understanding between women Free wifi is widely available in cafes, businesses, discuss regional and national towards Italians living in Utrecht, who of all nationalities. It offers an extensive libraries, public spaces and trains. events, as well as a number of other have had the chance to visit this beautiful range of events which to engage with and internationally oriented topics. city or to those who would like to visit create community. www.iwcu.nl. International groups www.facebook.com/groups/expatsu- or live there. They encourage the sharing and resources trecht. Do be sure to search the group of advice, life or work experience, Erasmus Student Network: The international community in Utrecht for the answer to your question first, tourist information, as well as event Students organise field trips, workshops, Region is quite active on social media, as it may have already been covered organisation. www.facebook.com/ sport activities and introductions for often using Facebook as a central way in detail, extensively! groups/108984185897376. fellow international students. to connect with more experienced www.esn-utrecht.nl. residents and research various topics Amersfoort Expats & Int'ls Facebook Meetup Groups: relevant to settling in and acclimating Group: Locals host regular social events such German group ‘Deutschklasse’: to the Netherlands. Because of this, many Founded in 2004, this active community as dinners, drinks and karaoke nights with Gives German parents and their children FB groups work alongside one another, welcomes expats and internationals living a goal of meeting people and making a platform to nurture their language, each with a different focus or way in Amersfoort or the surrounding areas friends. Groups range from broad culture and tradition. of working. As there are too many (Woudenberg, Soest, Hilversum, Zeist, to highly specific interests. Search a little, www.deutschklasse.nl. different groups to all mention here Leusden, etc). The Amersfoort Expats & find a lot! www.meetup.com. One of the and the options continue to increase, Int’ls community arranges outings in and most popular examples is the Make The
66 67 International Neighbour Group: sports events to gala singing contests. www.dutchreview.com. A Dutch The International Neighbour Group As a legal entity recognised by the magazine for expats, Dutchies with organises social activities for international Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and an international taste, internationalists staff, Ph.D. students and Master's students linked to the Chinese embassy, Chinese with a Dutch appetite in short: anything at Utrecht University, the Utrecht Medical nationals can use this resource to easily involving Dutchness. Center and related research institutions. integrate into a well-connected network https://sites.google.com/site/ingutrecht/ that can help with meetup opportunities, www.access-nl.org Comprehensive bureaucratic and legal advice, as well trusted information on all aspects of life Indian network: as any of the common issues facing other in the Netherlands, as well as a large Bridging the Gap Foundation (BTG) newcomers. ACSSNL has its own WeChat resource of vetted, certified counselors is known for its exciting and unique channel that offers student-run news and psychologists who offer their events hosted regularly their key purpose broadcasts, articles, and events. Utrecht services in English; ACCESS also supports being “bridging the gap” between has its own chapter of the ACSSNL. providers that offer English services the Netherlands and India. www.acssnl.org. across the country. www.bridgingthegapfoundation.eu. Additional resources for internationals Association of Taiwan Young include: Professionals in the Netherlands (TYPIN) www.xpat.nl. The Xpat journal magazine TYPIN, a membership organisation and the Holland Handbook give a wealth made up of young professionals, of information for internationals. entrepreneurs, executives, creative thinkers, and social people who live www.dutchnews.nl. English summary and work in the Netherlands, events, of Dutch news. athletics, and professional workshops/ presentations for a growing membership www.iamexpat.nl. A vast online resource of local young professionals. for expat related needs, spanning career, https://atypin.wixsite.com/mysite. housing, education, lifestyle, and expat specific services. ACSSNL (the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars www.expatica.com/nl. Comprehensive in the Netherlands). information on life in the Netherlands. The ACSSNL organises everything from
68 69 15. Essential Contacts Municipalities within Utrecht Region
And Resources Municipal services Municipal services include a change marriage or death and much more. of address, exchange of foreign driver’s Do make sure check the municipality’s license, printing an extract (uittreksel) website to determine whether you need from the Municipal Personal Records to make an appointment first or need Database (BRP), registering a birth, to order the document online. Emergencies Police, Ambulance 112 Utrecht www.utrecht.nl by calling 14030. Yes, that’s the entirety Stadsplateau 1 of the number!The city of Utrecht can The city of Utrecht’s central also be contacted on WhatsApp by information number can be reached sending a message to 06-24 92 76 65
De Bilt Amersfoort www.debilt.nl www.amersfoort.nl/english Soestdijkseweg Zuid 173 Stadhuisplein 1 Phone: (0)30 228 9411 Phone: 14033
Police Non-emergency Hilversum Nieuwegein 0900 - 8844 www.hilversum.nl www.nieuwegein.nl Oude Enghweg 23 Stadsplein 1 Phone: 14035 Phone: 14030
Stichtse Vecht Zeist www.stichtsevecht.nl www.zeist.nl Endelhovenlaan 1, Maarssen Het Rond 1 Phone: 140346 Phone: 14030
70 71 Hospitals and medical centres
Utrecht Utrecht Academisch Ziekenhuis Utrecht St. Antonius Policlinic Other (AZU) University Medical Neckardreef 6 ACCESS is a not-for-profit Center Utrecht (UMCU) +31 088 320 3007 organisation that supports the Heidelberglaan 100 www.antoniusziekenhuis.nl international community in the Phone: 088 755 5555 (in Dutch) Netherlands. Its professional volunteer www.umcutrecht.nl/en/1 staff can answer questions and provide Utrecht information on important internationals Utrecht Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis issues, and its Counselling Services Diakonessenhuis (Children’s hospital) Network is on-call to refer to experienced Bosboomstraat 1 Lundlaan 6 and qualified professionals aware Phone: 088 250 5000 +31 088 755 5555 of the challenges facing internationals www.diakonessenhuis.nl www.hetwkz.nl/en in need of support. You can get in touch (in Dutch) with ACCESS: 0900 222 2377 (€0.20
p/m), email [email protected] Princess Maxima Center for or visit www.access-nl.org for their free Pediatric Oncology Utrecht FAQ Guides & other helpful resources. Lundlaan 6 St. Antonius Ziekenhuis +31 088 972 7272 (multiple locations in Government.nl is the official English- www.prinsesmaximacentrum.com Utrecht Region) language website of the Dutch Soestwetering 1 central government. +31 088 320 3000 www.antoniusziekenhuis.nl The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) is the immigration department of the Dutch government. You can find information about Amersfoort Hilversum the following topics on the website: Meander Medisch Centrum Tergooi education, employment, permits Maatweg 3 Van Riebeeckweg 212 and visa, social security, taxes and +31 088 850 5050 +31 088 753 1753 vehicles. www.ind.nl/en www.meandermc.nl www.tergooi.nl
Nieuwegein Zeist St. Antonius Ziekenhuis Diakonessenhuis Zeist Koekoekslaan 1 Prof. Lorentzlaan 76 +31 088 320 3000 +31 088 250 5050 www.antoniusziekenhuis.nl www.diakonessenhuis.nl
72 73 16. Partners
Partnership programme Utrecht Region works with a number All aspects of Dutch Life Finding a job Financial Matters of official partners to assist you with • ACCESS • Adams Recruitment • Rabobank every step in the process of moving, • Undutchables • Expat Mortgages living and thriving here. Rest assured, Housing • The True Talent Team • Independent Expat Finance all our partners meet our minimum • VGW • VVH Business Translations • Van Luin Assuranten criteria, such as having all relevant • Interhouse • Rabobank • Expatax company information available in English, • Sjouke Jager Vastgoed • Danone Nutricia • Dutch Tax Advice including website, flyers and agreeing • SSH • Yokogawa to cooperate in our client monitoring • Expat Mortgages • Rovisys Education project. We regularly request feedback • Utrecht City Apartments • Qorvo • ISU from internationals to assess the quality • Independent Expat Finance • SKF • Royal Tropical Institute of our partners' services, with their • Teamexpat identity remaining private when Language Courses Courses we share with our partners. Adjustments • Dutch First Study • Casita Coaching will be made to our partner list • Babel Languages • HU as appropriate. • UU Communities • HKU • ACCESS • Nyenrode Business University • AIESEC • TYPIN • Bridging the Gap • ExpatsUtrecht
Miscellaneous • Utrecht Video • TivoliVredenburg Disclaimer: • VVH Business Translations The information in this booklet is general in nature and not intended as advice. ITC BV cannot be • Boxx held liable for the consequences resulting from the use of the information in this booklet. A number • Pallas Attorneys-at-Law of hyperlinks on Utrecht Region’s website and in this booklet lead to websites maintained by third • AHL Immigration Lawyers parties, over which ITC BV has no control. ITC BV gives no guarantee regarding the correctness or completeness of the information presented. The presence of hyperlinks to third-party websites does not mean that ITC BV endorses their content. The information in this booklet is covered by ITC BV copyright. If you wish to publish information about ITC BV or use the ITC BV logo/ Utrecht Region logo, you must ask ITC BV for consent before publication via [email protected]. ITC BV can refuse to give consent for further publication.
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