Factors of Success – A Review of ACCESS 38 Years On

ACCESS turns 38 in 2024; August 11 to be specific. It is exciting to reflect on the fact that a volunteer-based, and run, organisation has managed to reach this age of maturity. Is it the formula, the people or the times, one wonders? Or is...

To Rent or to Buy? (That is the Question)

These Face2Face interviews conducted by Tasneem Hatimbhai look at two perspectives of buying or renting a home in the Netherlands. Internationals have similar as well as very different considerations about renting or buying a home than a Dutch family would. The many variables include: estimated...

The Impact of Financial Stress on Mental Health

Psychologist Katarina Gaborova delves into how financial stress and mental anxiety have become widespread with deep concern about energy bills, healthcare costs and basic household expenses.

Social housing

There’s not enough housing in the Netherlands and, what is available, is too expensive. It’s a common complaint among not just internationals living in the Netherlands, but also the Dutch themselves. However, the Dutch government has been involved in providing affordable housing in the country...

Dutch cuisine: A street food called desire

According to a 2014 Oxfam study, the Netherlands ranked as the number one country in the world for having the most plentiful, nutritious, healthy and affordable diet. It seems the healthy focus of Dutch meals– sometimes accused of blandness in flavour–is offset by a guilt-free...