Introduction
When you think of the Netherlands the first things that probably come to mind are windmills, flowers and clogs. While these things are easily accessible throughout the Netherlands there’s so much more to it than a bunch of wooden shoes. I spent most of 2022 living and working in the Netherlands and it was a truly extraordinary experience. I don’t believe the Netherlands gets the attention it deserves on a global scale for a working abroad location.
Language
People usually choose Australia or the UK because the spoken language is the same at home. While the Native language of the Netherlands is Dutch, you will get by perfectly fine with just English. In fact, the Netherlands is the best non-native speaker of English in the world. Throughout my year of living there, I met only one dutch person that was not able to speak English and to be fair they were a senior in a rural dutch town. That doesn’t mean that you should completely forgo learning the Dutch language people really appreciate it if you try to learn and if you really want to integrate and be part of dutch social groups you need to learn the language. To be honest, it’s a difficult language, so you’ll likely need to put in more effort than doing just a Duolingo for 15 minutes a day.
Ease of Living
Prior to living in the Netherlands, I had lived in two other countries Canada and Mexico. What I really loved about the Netherlands was just how everything worked. To extrapolate of this I mean everything was very efficient, especially transportation and visa processing. Everything was very efficient. Trains were widely available across the whole country you could get to almost every city just by taking a train and for the most part, they were on time. Then the larger cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam had transit systems that could get you anywhere in the city in under 40 minutes. Getting my visa to work in Mexico was a nightmare so when I was getting ready to move to the Netherlands I was dreading having to go through that whole process again but it wasn’t nearly half as bad it was faster and it was just a much simpler process everything made sense.
Kings Day
Kings day is the most exciting and unique cultural experience that the Netherlands has to offer. This national holiday, celebrated on April 27th each year, is a day-long party in honour of the King’s birthday. It’s a day when the streets of the Netherlands come alive with bright orange, the national colour, and everyone comes out to celebrate. The festivities include everything from street fairs and live music to flea markets and parades, making it a fun-filled day for people of all ages. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Dutch culture and meet new people, both locals and expats alike. If you’re working in the Netherlands, King’s day is a perfect chance to take a break from work and enjoy the festive atmosphere. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that King’s day is considered one of the highlights of the Dutch calendar and a must-see experience for anyone living in the Netherlands.
Nightlife and Entertainment
When I moved to the Netherlands it was actually my second time in the country the first time I was there as a tourist but I was there during covid so it was a very different experience to the usual tourist experience in the country. I was entirely sure what to expect but I was blown away. Amsterdam is a little like Las Vegas in Europe in terms of nightlife. Doesnt matters what day of the week it is there’s always a party somewhere. During the week if you went out you would encounter a tourist crowd of different nationalities. Still, as you integrate into the country and make Dutch friends you’ll learn where the locals spend their time and those places are so much better especially better priced. If you’re a person that loves a city full of entertainment I highly recommended Amsterdam however it does come with a high price tag
Excellent Base for European Exploration
The Netherlands is not only a great place to live and work, but it’s also an excellent base for exploring Europe. The country is geographically small, which means you can travel from one end to the other in just a few hours, making it very convenient to see all the Netherlands offers. You can easily hop on a train and explore the beautiful countryside, visit charming small towns or venture into bustling cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. But what’s even more impressive is the Netherlands’ excellent transportation infrastructure that connects to the rest of Europe. The country’s train network is well-developed, and you can travel to many European destinations directly from Amsterdam or other major cities. Paris is only a three-and-a-half-hour train ride away, while London is reachable in just over four hours. And if you can’t reach a particular destination by train, Schipol airport, Europe’s fourth busiest airport, offers flights to virtually any city in Europe. So, if you’re looking to explore Europe while working abroad in the Netherlands, you’ll have all the means to do so at your fingertips.
The simplicity of Making friends
When considering working abroad in the Netherlands for a year, it’s important to take into account the social aspect of living in a foreign country. Depending on where you choose to live, making friends can be a challenge. If you opt for a small Dutch town, it may be difficult to integrate into the tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. However, if you choose to reside in one of the major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague, you will find a vibrant international community that makes socializing a breeze. Most of these cities boast top universities, which means that you’ll have an opportunity to meet and mingle with students from all over the world. Even if you’re not a student, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to make new friends, thanks to the thriving bar and club scene. The Dutch are known for their friendly and quirky nature, and they’re always up for new experiences and adventures. Overall, making friends and building social connections should be the least of your worries when considering working abroad in the Netherlands.
Work and Life
To truly experience the Dutch way of life and culture, it is important to understand the job market as well. While working abroad in the Netherlands, you will likely not be able to get professional jobs that pay over a certain threshold. However, you will have plenty of opportunities for service-level jobs that can provide a decent wage. It is worth noting that the minimum wage in the Netherlands is 10 euros an hour, which is a decent wage for entry-level jobs. Even if you don’t speak Dutch, you can still get by with English as it is widely spoken in the Netherlands. Additionally, the current exchange rate between the Euro and the US dollar is favourable, meaning that your earning potential will go further. If you plan to live in Amsterdam, you will definitely need to consider roommates as the cost of living can be quite high. But if you’re open to living outside of the city center, you can find more affordable options. The great news is that service-level jobs are in demand in the Netherlands, and as long as you have prior experience in the field, you’ll have no problem finding work.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is an exceptional country to live and work in, with efficient transport, a strong English-speaking culture, and a high quality of life. Kings Day is an exciting and unique cultural experience that should not be missed, and the nightlife and entertainment scene is thriving, especially in Amsterdam. Additionally, the country is an excellent base for exploring Europe with an efficient transportation network. Lastly, making friends is easy in the Netherlands, especially in the larger cities where there is a vibrant international community. I highly recommend considering the Netherlands as a work-abroad destination. If you are interested in setting up a year living and working in the Netherlands, book a call with me and I can help guide you through the process. Working abroad in the Netherlands will be an unforgettable experience and I would be happy to help make it a reality for you.