“I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t even reliably cross the street [...]

It was a normal weekend morning. Well, not very normal because this time my husband was away. When I say normal, I mean a morning when our dear dog Salsa (yes, her name is in honour to Latin music and the hot chilli sauces I enjoy) needed to go for her early morning walk. In [...]

Raising children abroad comes with its own set of unique joys and challenges—especially when you’re doing it far from family, in a new language, and within a completely different system. That’s where The Dam Parenting Podcast comes in. Created for international, expat, and migrant families living in the Netherlands, this podcast is your friendly, informative, [...]

From Carina: a former volunteer, Danish who repatriated to Denmark, after period in UK when she left NL – with some lessons for those who may fear they are ‘not gaining’ experience by not working ….something to keep in mind, as a way of supporting one’s decision to relocate. One is always learning, gaining something.

The monthly rent of a residential property consists of multiple components: the basic rent (kale huur) and service charges. The basic rent depends on the size, technical condition, and specifications of the apartment. The reasonable (basic) rent can be calculated based on the Housing Valuation System (Woningwaarderingsstelsel). The service charges relate to matters and services [...]

In 1992 when I first arrived in the Netherlands, recently married to a Dutch diplomat I had met while we were both expatriates in Brazil, I put the lessons of my own ‘globally mobile’ past to work. This would be to make friends and build a community with people who would still be around as [...]

Introducing ACCESS Stories - Experiences, tips and ideas to help internationals find home in the Netherlands. Relocating isn’t easy – the transition goes smoothly or there are some bumps in the road, you might already have support here or you don’t know anyone. At the end of the day, relocating can provide so many stories [...]

Why internationals trust Expat Mortgages and how a special insurance product can help you bid on a house. Welcome to the Netherlands Welcome to the Netherlands, a country full of opportunity, character and charm! For many internationals, building a life here means finding a place to call home. But this is also a small country [...]

As an expat employee in the Netherlands, you may encounter illness and long term sick leave. While this process often goes smoothly, disputes can sometimes arise between employers and employees regarding sick leave. This article aims to guide you through the ins and outs of sick leave and clarify your obligations as an employee when [...]

Many companies, organisations and institutions also go through changes that require a few farewells… just as painful in some cases, necessary in others, but likewise not easy. For ACCESS this year, 12 months short of our 40th Anniversary, we are bidding farewell to the ACCESS Magazine. There will be tears but also laughter at the ‘oops’ and achievement moments of the past, fond memories of people who wrote for us or shared their stories. There will be tremendous appreciation for the more than 15 Editors and Assistant Editors over the years who produced our Magazine, on a voluntary basis more often than not. And for the designer who more than 15 years ago gave the magazine a fresh new, professional look for our purpose.

When searching for a home things can be seen, anticipated, on one’s own. However, there are other aspects of living in a new country–unfamiliar habits or cultural customs–that do require you to ask questions, talk to people. Seasoned internationals will know this from experience. Consequently, we encourage all newcomers to ask, and ask often–no matter whom they are talking to. There is no shame in not knowing… After all, how can you know what you don’t know, until you ask?

For internationals worldwide, finding a house or apartment in a new city/country is about much more than identifying the premises where you will live (regardless of whether you are buying or renting). Finding a place to live subconsciously becomes a vital step in ensuring you can settle in an unfamiliar environment.