After one year in the Netherlands, what is my opinion?

I moved to the Netherlands in Nov 2021, and I fell in love with this country.in this article, I will share with you my little experience from my view.

Acceptance :

The Dutch are generally known for their open and accepting nature, and the country has a long history of tolerance and diversity.

The Dutch are known for their commitment to equality and human rights, and the country has a strong tradition of social welfare and support for disadvantaged groups. The Netherlands has a high level of social mobility and a strong emphasis on education, which has contributed to the country’s reputation for being a progressive and open-minded society.

In terms of cultural diversity, the Netherlands is a very multicultural country and has a long history of immigration. The Dutch are known for their welcoming attitude towards immigrants and refugees, and the country has a well-established system of integration to help newcomers adapt to life in the Netherlands.

Overall, the Dutch are generally seen as being accepting and open-minded, and the country has a reputation for being a welcoming and inclusive society.

Happiness can exist only in acceptance.

George Orwell

Language :

I am still learning the dutch language but they never refuse to speak with me in English if I asked. they can speak English very well in supermarkets, train stations, and even streets. The reason that makes me want to learn the dutch language is that I want to involve more in the dutch community.

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which is a West Germanic language that is spoken by the majority of the population. Dutch is also spoken in Belgium, Suriname, and some Caribbean islands.

In addition to Dutch, many people in the Netherlands also speak English as a second language. English is widely taught in schools and is considered to be an important language for business and international communication.

In some areas of the Netherlands, particularly in the south near the border with Belgium, it is common for people to speak Dutch and French as well. This is due to the close historical and cultural ties between the Netherlands and Belgium, and the fact that French is one of the official languages of Belgium.

Other languages that are spoken in the Netherlands include German, Arabic, and Turkish, which are spoken by smaller communities of immigrants and refugees.

Overall, the Netherlands is a multilingual country with a diverse range of languages spoken by its population.

“Collect Moment, Not Things.”

Karen Salmansohn

Child-friendly environment:

The Netherlands is generally known for being a child-friendly country, with a strong emphasis on the welfare and well-being of children. Here are some ways in which the Netherlands is supportive of children and families:

High-quality education: The Netherlands has a strong education system and places a high value on education. Children in the Netherlands have access to free, high-quality education from the ages of 4 to 18.

Parental leave: The Netherlands has generous provisions for parental leave, with both mothers and fathers entitled to take time off work to care for their children.

Affordable childcare: The Netherlands has a well-established system of childcare, with many different types of childcare options available. Childcare is generally affordable and accessible, with subsidies available for low-income families.

Safe and healthy environment: The Netherlands has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be a safe place for children to grow up. The country also has a high standard of living and a good quality of life, with clean air and water, and a healthy and varied diet.

Outdoor play: The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape and its many parks and green spaces, which provide plenty of opportunities for children to play and explore the outdoors.

Cultural activities: The Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage and offers many different cultural activities and events that are suitable for children.

Overall, the Netherlands is a supportive and child-friendly country, with a range of policies and initiatives in place to ensure that children have the best possible start in life.

Waiting List :

In the Netherlands, waiting lists are used in various areas of public life, including healthcare, education, and housing. Here is some additional information about waiting lists in the Netherlands:

Healthcare: In the Netherlands, patients may need to wait for non-urgent medical procedures or appointments with specialists. The length of time that patients have to wait can vary depending on the availability of doctors and the type of treatment needed. In general, waiting times for non-urgent care are shorter in the Netherlands than in many other countries.

Education: In the Netherlands, children are entitled to free, high-quality education from the ages of 4 to 18. However, in some cases, there may be a waiting list for certain schools or educational programs. For example, if a school is oversubscribed or if a child is seeking admission to a specialized program, they may have to wait for a place to become available.

Housing: In the Netherlands, it can be difficult to find affordable housing, particularly in urban areas. As a result, there are often waiting lists for rental properties and social housing. The length of time that people have to wait for housing can vary depending on the availability of properties and the demand for housing in a particular area.

Overall, waiting lists are a common feature of life in the Netherlands, and people may have to wait for various services and amenities. However, the Dutch government and other organizations work to minimize waiting times and ensure that people have access to the services they need in a timely manner.

The cost:

The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. Here are some general points about the cost of living in the Netherlands:

Housing: The cost of housing in the Netherlands is generally higher than in many other countries. Rent prices in urban areas can be particularly high, especially in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. However, the cost of housing is lower in rural areas and smaller towns.

Food and groceries: The cost of food and groceries in the Netherlands is similar to that in other Western European countries. Prices can vary depending on the type of food and where it is purchased, but overall, food is generally considered to be reasonably priced.

Transportation: Public transportation in the Netherlands is generally reliable and affordable. The cost of a monthly public transportation pass varies depending on the type of pass and the region but is generally reasonable. The cost of owning a car in the Netherlands is also relatively high, due to factors such as fuel costs and car insurance.

Entertainment: The cost of entertainment in the Netherlands can vary depending on the activity. Some activities, such as visiting museums and cultural events, may be relatively inexpensive, while others, such as dining out at restaurants or going to the movies, maybe more expensive.

Healthcare: Healthcare in the Netherlands is generally of high quality and is available to all residents and citizens. The cost of healthcare is covered by insurance premiums, which are typically paid by employers or through the government.

Overall, the cost of living in the Netherlands is higher than in many other countries, but the country has a strong economy and a high standard of living.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

— Anita Desai

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed reading this and finding it informative, feel free to follow, add your comments, thoughts, or feedback, and don’t forget to get in touch and follow my account to keep updated.