Expat Community > The Netherlands

Riain
Joined 2009
Posts: 2

Online tips for expats

15 years ago

Here is a few tips that may help.

For a more user friendly version of the following text go to:

http://latitudethedutchproject.webs.com/apps/links/

Dutch speaking volunteer:

For those who wish to help volunteer in a project to teach Dutch please check out:

http://latitudethedutchproject.webs.com/

This is a hartverwarmend project designed to help others with their Dutch.

It involves writing out a simple Dutch, creative fun text and translating it into English.

That’s it.

Your help would be most appreciated.

Recently I found a few good websites for those of us still looking for a job.

General:

http://www.snelwerkzoeken.nl/Start.htm
http://www.jobbingmall.nl/NL/Default.aspx
http://www.undutchables.nl/
www.careerbuilder.nl
www.nationalevacaturebank.nl
www.vacaturestation.nl/

Computer

www.computerfutures.com

Medical

http://www.fmfvacatures.nl/vacs/index.php

Lab work

http://www.bcfjobs.nl/page/wn_search_vac/5
http://www.labsupport.nl/search_jobs.asp
www.laboratorium.nl/

Go to http://www.justlanded.com/english/Netherlands/Netherlands-Guide/Jobs/The-job-market to get general tips about work permits and visas.

Tips for learning the language!

When I first came here I was told from another blow-in that it would take at least 3 years to learn Dutch. The first two years trying to understand what people are saying then another year trying to reply to what people are asking. I've known people that have been living here for at least seven years and still find it difficult to speak Dutch. It is a difficult language. So I want to share some insights and hopefully hear form others. Post a reply.
My first tip:
Reply to this blog in Dutch - Altijd antwoorden in het Nederlands. Het is goed voor jou en mij!

1. Buy a small address book. You know the one with the alphabet along the side. Write in your new Dutch words alphabetically. You now have your own personal dictionary.

2. Try the igoogle. Personalise your Google home page to have that handy translator at hand. It also has the Dutch word of the day gadget if you can find it. Just look it up.

3. There is a handy program you can download for free on the net. It's called Byki and it can help build up your Dutch vocabulary with flip cards. Very handy and free.

Dutch language courses:

You can find a directory of language courses on: http://www.justlanded.com/english/Netherlands/Language
Also De Volks Universiteit usually have reasonable priced courses. Look up:

http://www.volksuniversiteit.nl

Or if you are low in cash then look up http://www.gildeamsterdam.nl/v-taalhulp.htm. These volunteers can help with your Dutch.

Free Dutch courses Online:

Beginners Dutch Grammar course:

http://dutchcentre.group.shef.ac.uk/beginners.dutch.grammar/perfect_tense.php

http://www.speakdutch.nl/html/grammar.html

http://www.taalthuis.com/course/index.htm

http://www.dutchgrammar.com/

Build up your vocabulary and phrases using sounds and pictures:

http://www.taalklas.nl/

http://www.byki.com/

http://www.lauraspeaksdutch.info/

Dutch Verb list:

http://www.valley-trail.com/VerbList100.htm

Improve your reading and get a certificate:

http://www.leesenschrijf.nl/

For those that have been here longer and can speak basic Dutch then check out:

http://inburgeren.eigenstart.nl/

Finally:

Should you know a website that may help people living here then post a reply.

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