Author: Bert van Essen

Five Renovation Tips to Increase your Home Value in the Netherlands

In this article, we learn how much home renovations cost – and which repairs increase the home value, and which don’t. Understanding the differences helps homeowners to prepare for their construction projects. Here are 5 inside tips & tricks to keep in mind before starting your home renovation.

Tip 1: Know that every type of renovation affects the house value in a different way

A house in poor condition in Amstelveen is for sale. The sellers have accepted Linda’s offer of € 500,000. In addition to the necessary repairs, Linda plans to build an upper floor and renovate the kitchen with luxury items. Her contractor estimates the whole project at € 200,000.

Linda’s buying agent has recommended a professional appraiser whom she can contact for an estimate of the value of the house for mortgage purposes. Taking into account the value of the home and the renovation costs, the appraiser has made two taxations – € 500,000 for the property’s current value and € 600,000 for after the planned project has been carried out. The total of the purchase price and project costs amounts to € 700,000. Yet, not all the work Linda plans to carry out will directly increase the home value. The bank determines the lending sum by looking at the property’s market value, and therefore, in this case, will grant Linda a mortgage of € 500,000 to buy the house, and a building loan (bouwdepot) of only € 100,000, representing the after-repairs value that the appraiser had estimated at € 600,000. This means that she will need to pay the remaining € 100,000 out-of-pocket.

Tip 2: Learn what increases your home value and what doesn’t

Understanding the impact of different repairs on the home value is essential for homeowners when planning a refurbishment. We have divided the improvements into two categories – repairs that directly increase the dwelling’s value and those that don’t (necessarily).​

The Two Types of Repairs That Increase Home Value

a. Those that make it more sustainable

The most common way to determine the sustainability of a dwelling is by looking at its energy label. The higher the rate, the less energy a house consumes. Not only does this contribute to protecting the globe, it also saves you money every month in energy consumption.

Examples:

  • Changing windows from a single-glazed to HR++
  • Insulating the floors and walls
  • Installing solar panels
  • Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones.​

 

b. Those that add more living space

Bigger homes sell for more money. Simply put, consider two almost-identical neighboring houses, whereby one is 85 m2 and the other 100m2. Which one is more likely to be worth more? The second one, of course.

Here are some ways to gain more living space. Consult your buying agent about the local zoning plans and Historic Preservation (Monumentenzorg) Regulations to find out the maximum potential you can get out of your house.

Examples:

  • Installing a dormer in the attic
  • Building a cellar
  • Extending the living room
  • Converting the shed into office space.

Some improvements do not necessarily increase the home value

When planning to take out a renovation loan with the bank, it is crucial to understand that some tasks have a minor (or indirect) effect on the property value. Since banks see more value in elemental improvements than in cosmetic ones, they are less (or only partly) likely to finance these sorts of works.

 

Examples:

  • An excessively modern kitchen
  • A luxury bathroom
  • Expensive flooring
  • Decorative ornaments.

Tip 3: Estimate the renovation project costs as accurately as possible

It is essential to decide first on the renovation standard when calculating the costs – because prices could differ vastly, depending on many variables. It could be tricky to estimate the eventual costs. For example, the difference in price between a low and high finish of a new bathroom could range from € 5,000 to € 30,000. In addition, consider a safety buffer for unexpected renovation expenses (see more below).

First use the general costs as a metric to estimate roughly whether a renovation is within your budget. Then, choose specific costs per repair work. Our contractors base the prices below on average standard items.

General costs for a home renovation project:​

  • Overall construction: € 850-1,800/m2
  • General renovation: € 300-1,300/m2
  • Craftsman rate: € 15-60/hour.

Specific costs for renovating your home in the Netherlands:

  • Wall stucco work: € 10-25/m2
  • Ceiling stucco work: € 15-30/m2
  • Wall + ceiling paintwork: € 7-15/m2
  • Bathroom: € 5,000-12,000
  • Toilet: € 1,200
  • Kitchen: € 8,000-17,000
  • Double-glazed window: € 300-1,000
  • Roof tiling: € 100-300/m2
  • Dormer (dakkapel): € 3,500-8,500
  • Façade renovation: € 15-50/m2
  • Extension: € 14,000-19,000.

Tip 4: Take at least a 10% buffer on top of your renovation budget

Unexpected expenses, also known as miscellaneous expenses, refer to the costs a homebuyer might have overlooked while preparing the refurbishment plan. Think, for example, of situations such as a rotten wooden beam or asbestos-covered inside pipes – tasks that require an extra effort to fix. Moreover, consider other expenses that the contractor may have as a consequence of external factors, such as those in connection with the rental of a crane due to difficult access to certain areas, the removal of construction waste, or expensive parking. That’s why it is common to take into account a safety buffer of at least 10% on top of the estimated project costs.

Tip 5: Get a professional quotation from a contractor before launching the project

Before launching your renovation project, it is best to consult a professional contractor who will come to your property, take measurements, sketch a plan, and draw an extensive project plan to ensure the best completion of the renovation.

In Diagonal Renovations, we offer our clients an introductory interview with the contractors in order to obtain initial advice on their renovation plan.

​Plan a visit at your place here!

Useful links
Energy Labeling in the Netherlands

Home Renovations in the Netherlands

Local Zoning Plans Bestemmingsplan in Dutch

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Financing Your New Home with ABN AMRO

When you move to the Netherlands, not only is there the need to find a home that meets as many as possible of the requirements – number of bedrooms and bathrooms, distance from office and school, neighbourhood, amenities – but once you have found it, it has to be financed. Every country has its own approach to mortgages when it comes to maximum amounts, interest, redemption – and their tax consequences. Do not worry, because ABN AMRO gives you tips on finding a home and getting a mortgage

The Dutch real estate agent

For expats, every move entails familiarising themselves with an entirely new set of rules that will determine whether or not they can afford the house they have set their sights on. When faced with the process, what you need is someone who not only knows the ins and outs of the local rules and regulations, but who can also help you navigate the local housing market.

ABN AMRO can help you with that. Find out more about the role, costs and obligations of the real estate agent, what they can help you with and the difference between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent. For instance, contrary to some countries, real estate agents in the Netherlands may not represent both the buyer and the seller of the same property. Though you are not obligated to enlist the help of an agent, the site does list the pros and cons of doing so.

Personal advice from ABN AMRO

When you make an appointment, you can connect with an adviser from ABNAMRO, who will help you find a mortgage that fits your personal situation. An orientation meeting is a free, no-obligations initial meeting with a mortgage adviser. They will go over the types of mortgage available, also taking into account an existing mortgage you may have and the possibility that you may have an underwater mortgage.

Mortgages and more

ABN AMRO offers you further valuable information, such as:

  • Costs payable by buyer, which explains the purchasing costs and financing costs, as well as the tax-deductibility of some of these.
  • Home construction account, to which the mortgage funds are transferred, allowing you to finance the (re)construction of your home.
  • Mortgage advice, it goes over determining how much you can borrow, which documents you need and the fees that apply after your first free orientation consultation.

In short, there is almost too much to list in the scope of this article when it comes to the support offered by the ABNAMRO Bank as you search for a new home in the Netherlands. Be sure to take advantage of their free orientation consult, to help you on your way. And while you are exploring the topic of investing and buying a home, be sure to check out the free digital events that ABNAMRO organises for expats.

What are the Benefits of Having Sim Only in the Netherlands?

When you have just moved to the Netherlands, you will have to take care of a lot of different things. However, it might be even better to do this before your move. This way you will be fully prepared to adapt to life in Holland as soon as possible. One part of this process is getting a phone plan, which can be quite a hard decision at times as there are many different possibilities. However, many Dutch people use sim only. Below you will learn more about the benefits of this specific subscription.

Flexible

You can put together your bundle yourself and adjust it every month. Do you call a lot? Then you choose a sim only subscription with unlimited calling. This also applies to your internet use. If you use your 4G non-stop, it is best to opt for unlimited data sim only. An increase in your bundle takes effect immediately, a decrease will occur the following month. Please note: with some providers you can only reduce your bundle if you have a monthly subscription that can be canceled or if you are already outside your contract period.

Cheap

The most obvious advantage of a sim only subscription is that it is cheaper than a subscription with a device. With sim only, you only pay for your subscription and not for a device that you purchased at the same time. You arrange a mobile yourself or just use an old one, because you will not get a smartphone with a sim only subscription. Instead you only pay for the MBs and the calling minutes. A sim only subscription with 5GB and 100 calling minutes will cost you about €12 per month. The same subscription with a new iPhone can quickly cost €30 to €40 per month.

No BKR registration

Taking out a subscription with a new phone of €250 or more means that you will be registered with the BKR. Paying off your phone is seen as a loan. This can have drawbacks; the maximum mortgage you can get could be lower. Your loan will remain registered with the BKR for 5 years. A sim only subscription is therefore an advantage, because you have to take care of a phone yourself. Then you do not have to pay off a device, you do not take out a loan and you therefore do not receive a BKR registration with your telephone subscription.

Freedom

Being stuck with the same a phone for two years? This is not the case with a sim only plan. With this subscription, you can switch phones whenever you want. With a subscription with a smartphone you have to pay it off before it is really yours. Now you just put your sim card in the latest iPhone and continue Instagramming and Whatsapping again, without having to switch subscriptions. So you also have a choice of all phones, not just the ones that the provider offers.

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Buy, Sell, Rent, Let or Simply Manage Your Property in Amsterdam and Surrounding Areas

Relocation Services, Specifically Designed for Expats and Their Families

If you are looking for accommodation for yourself or for your staff in the Netherlands, Dutch Real Estate Company is what you need. They offer a fully tailored relocation service designed to meet the individual needs of every company and individual.

Dutch Real Estate Company provides you with the most suitable properties, from both its own listings and from agents in its our network and guides you through the administrative steps. They inspect the house or apartment and make sure you can move in without problems or questions afterwards.

If you have an employee who is relocating to the Netherlands from abroad to work for your company and you want to find temporary housing for them, with or without their family, Dutch Real Estate company can find them a suitable partly or fully furnished home. You can contact them for more information on their corporate expat relocation services.

Buying a Home

Use Dutch Real Estate Company housing services to find your dream home in no time!

With their knowledgeable brokers, you have a specialized real estate agent at your side at all times. Your wishes and needs are put front and center throughout the search and buying process.

During an introductory meeting, one of the Company’s professional agents will go over your wishes, needs and housing requirements and, upon finding the most suitable house, will conduct the negotiations in your name and go over the contract with you before you sign it. Even after the closing at the notary, they remain at your service for any unforeseen issues or questions.

Knowing that Dutch Real Estate Company will handle the search, the administration and the legal and technical handlings of buying your new home, all you have left to do is picture yourself on your new couch. They are the experts on the housing market of Amsterdam.

Renting a Home

Dutch Real Estate Company believes that finding the right home should be the least of your worries in these busy times. That is where they come in. They help you find the perfect home that fits your wishes and requirements. Even though your relocation may be temporary, you want to feel at home. No need to search far and wide on the internet, they are here to help you find the perfect home to rent.

Buying to Let

Do you wish to let your property, or to find a house to purchase and let?

Renting out, or ‘letting’, can be a good investment opportunity if you have an unoccupied property or wish to expand your investment portfolio. Dutch Real Estate Company can help you find the perfect property, find reliable tenants and manage all maintenance tasks and other day-to-day communication with the tenants. They move fast, know that time is money and do not like to waste it. Would you like to discuss your opportunities? Contact them, for free, to explore the possibilities of renting out your property.

In today’s world, and especially in the housing industry, having the right network is key. Dutch Real Estate Company’s network includes many international companies, other real estate agents, expats, relocation bureaus and other relevant groups through which they can offer you a wide variety of services. Of course they are there to guide you through every step. Like with buyers and tenants in regular sales and rent, they conduct thorough (credit) checks on potential tenants – and mainly work with expats.

Dutch Real Estate Company
Maasstraat 188
1079 BL Amsterdam
(+31) 20 772 34 60
info@dutchrealestatecompany.com
www.dutchrealestatecompany.com

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New to the Netherlands? These Four Tips Are Very Useful for You!

After you have used an agency for translations, which is called a bureau voor vertalingen in Dutch, so that all the necessary documents are translated into this challenging language, you are ready to move to the Netherlands. Once you have finally touched down in this European country, you will likely start your job or course right away. Maybe you will still need to find a room. Have you already done that? In that case, you will have to decorate and furnish the apartment so it will actually feel like home to you. In this context, you are advised to take the four tips below into account when moving to Holland.

Register with the Gemeente

As was already mentioned, when moving to the Netherlands you will have to go on the hunt for a room or an apartment. This is key, since you have to register at that address. Without being registered at a Dutch address, it will be impossible to get a BSN. This is your social services number, which you will need in order to set up a Dutch bank account. See more about the BSN in the next paragraph. Once you have found a room you can rent, you sign the rental contract, of course. Afterwards you can visit the local town hall to register with the gemeente (municipality).

Get a BSN

When you register with your address at the town hall, you are issued your BSN, or social services number. This can be used to set up a Dutch bank account, which is an important step towards establishing your new life in Holland. You will not only have to get a BSN to open a bank account, but also to start a job and do about your taxes. Furthermore, without a social services number it is usually not possible for you to make use of the Dutch healthcare system.

Find Furniture at Kringloopwinkels

After you have found accommodation, you will have to furnish it, which can be done with the help of kringloopwinkels. These are thrift shops or charity stores. At a kringloopwinkel you will not only find second-hand furniture; it is essentially possible to buy everything and anything at these shops. Even vintage clothing and kitchen utensils can be bought there. Usually they are located in smaller towns and the suburbs of big cities. Therefore you might have to use your OV-chipkaart or bike to get there.

Take a Dutch Language Course

Dutch is hard and not a pretty language by any means. However, learning even a bit of it will make your time in Holland way easier. It will also help you connect with the locals, even though most Dutchies speak English reasonably well. There is a plethora of Dutch schools and courses to choose from, so there will definitely be something available to you that it is within your budget and level. You should especially learn Dutch if you are planning on staying in the Netherlands for a while.

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Moving to the Netherlands? Navigating what to do with ABN AMRO

In a previous editorial, the importance of having a bank account in your new country of residence was discussed. A bank account is like a pebble you drop into the water – from there, in ever-increasing circles, flow the effects. You can now take out a mortgage, arrange insurance, receive your wages and pay your taxes. Any bank will offer you their mortgage services or their insurance packages. However, ABNAMRO takes this quite a few steps further, saving you from the need to discover the details by yourself and offering you information on a host of other subjects.

Personal moving checklist

You’ve made the decision to move to the Netherlands. That’s very exciting, congratulations! But that excitement can slowly fade away when you think about all the things you need to arrange for your big move. Or maybe you’re not even aware of all the things you need to take care of. That’s where ABNAMRO’s quick 3 minute checklist comes in handy. Because everyone’s situation is different, you can make your to-do list personal by selecting from health, school, working, living, registering and taxes – for a little introductory advice.

Overall moving tips

Aside from the checklist, the links on the page Moving to the Netherlands allow you to explore subjects such as: practical matters, finding housing and getting around. For instance:

  • Working in the Netherlands; this will take you to a page on permits, extraterritorial costs and the minimum wage. You will find advice on looking for a job, working in self-employment, and what typifies your Dutch colleagues and workplace.
  • Finding a home in the Netherlands; this page helps you decide whether it is more attractive to rent or buy a home, how your possible employer can help you with this matter or where you can find such housing.
  • Getting around in the Netherlands; did you know that there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands? That’s because the land is flat and everything is nearby. This page provide you with the best tips to get around in this small country.

Dutch habits

Do you want to know more about why the Dutch are not afraid to speak their mind? Or why they are very kind and social, but on the other hand you can’t just visit someone without making an appointment first. Under the page Life for expats in the Netherlands, ABNAMRO provides more in-depth information about typical Dutch habits. Through a relaxed, informal set-up, they tell you about the Dutch approach to certain issues, cleverly linking this to practical ways in which the bank can help you out. It helps keep matters light-footed, yet informative and practical, while telling you a little something about the people you have come to live among along the way.

The ABNAMRO website is an effective guide that aims to make it as easy as possible for expats to arrange all the things you need to take care of before, while and after your move. That way moving is fun and easy and the feelings of excitement don’t go away.

Banking made easy with ABN AMRO

When preparing to live in another country, you are instantly faced with the hurdles of permits, contracts and real estate agents. However, the secret ingredient behind a successful move is a local bank account.

There are two ways to open an account with ABN AMRO.

  • Either you download the ABN AMRO app and then use your international passport (or a valid Dutch ID; driver’s license, ID card or passport) to open the account. All you need to do in order to identify yourself is scan your ID and take a picture of yourself – both of which you submit through the app.
  • Or you can apply for an account online, via the website www.abnamro.openaccount. This can be done by anyone with an EU passport or a valid Dutch ID. It involves going to a bank branch to sign the contract, or signing at your door when a courier brings it to you. While you cannot open a bank account if you do not have an official address in the Netherlands, you no longer need a Burgerservicenummer (BSN or Citizen Service Number), to do this.

To open this account, you do need a BSN number – however, you do not have to provide it straight away, as long as you provide it within six weeks of opening the account.

Payments and cash withdrawals

When you open a bank account, you are issued a debit card, which can be used to pay in shops and to withdraw money at an ATM. You are issued a four-digit pin code (that can be changed to the combination of numbers of your choice), which you use for withdrawing cash and for payments exceeding €25 (you can raise this to €50). In the app, you can set your personal limit for withdrawals and payments, as well as raise it temporarily to a maximum of €10,000 (for withdrawals) or €50,000 (for payments) – should you wish to pay cash for your new car, for instance. You can also use the app to set up Apple Pay.

Of course, you can also arrange to be issued a credit card on the ABN AMRO website. There are two types of cards; the regular card insures your purchases against loss, damage and theft during a period of 180 days, the Gold Card does this during a period of 365 days – both offer varying additional services. You need to be a legal resident of the Netherlands and earn a monthly net amount of €1,150 for either card. The Netherlands does not work with the credit score system – it is only once you fail to make your repayments (on time) that you are put on a list with the Dutch Credit Registration System, also referred to as a BKR Registration.

When shopping online on your laptop/tablet, you will encounter the option to pay with iDEAL. If you opt to do this, you simply have to select ABN AMRO from the list of banks, which will then redirect you to your ABN AMRO app, allowing you to scan the QR code on your screen to make the payment. If you are shopping online on your cell phone, you will be redirected to the ABN AMRO app, where you will pay using Touch ID or a five-digit app unlocking code. For making your first online payment using your debit card and for payments that exceed your daily limit, you will need a little green e.dentifier, in which you insert your bank card and follow the instructions. You receive the e.dentifier by mail, once you have opened an account.

Get your checklist

Expats moving to the Netherlands can also access a checklist on, allowing them to figure out what they need to arrange, based on questions such as living and working situation, and the need to arrange finances and insurances. Also for students, there is a special app, Goin’, and the possibility to open a student account, coupled with a debit card. To open this account, you do need a BSN number – however, you do not have to provide it straight away, as long as you provide it within six weeks of opening the account.

If you want, you can also open a joint account

Do your banking together

If you want, you can also open a joint account; if you do this from the start, you can arrange it online, providing proof of identity in the same way as above. If you want to convert an account into a joint account, you can do this by visiting a bank branch, for which you can make an appointment online.
> Open a joint account

A good insurance option for every situation

One item not yet mentioned in the introduction, is that of insurances. Also through ABN AMRO, using your bank account, you can arrange a variety of insurances, including liability, legal expenses, home, travel and car insurance – and a mortgage. Having done all of that, you are now sit back and relax, knowing that your financial and insurance matters have been taken care of!
> Find out more about insurances

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The Difference Between a Resume and a CV

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst other countries. If you’re used to writing resumes, then this article will help you understand the crucial differences and additions your resume will require to make it into an impressive European-style CV that will help you secure a decent job in the Netherlands.

Length

The most obvious difference between a resume and CV is the length. While resumes are supposed to display your career headlines in a clear and concise way fitted on one page and tailored to the role you are applying for; a CV, while it should still be a summary rather than every detail of your work experience and academic career, can be a longer and more complete document of 1-3 pages long.

Contents

Aside from your work experience, contact details and skills list that are all commonly included on both CVs and resumes. A European-style CV usually includes additional info on your academic career and training, evening going back as far as secondary school in many cases (although if you have been out of school for a while don’t focus on this). Resumes tend to focus mainly on professional achievements, rather than the academic, so here are some of the key things you should discuss on your CV.

  • Work experience: companies, roles, employment periods, main tasks and references
  • Unpaid/voluntary experience
  • Educational background: universities, majors, courses, thesis, achievements, certifications and grades
  • Professional development and training
  • Hobbies, interests, sports and a little about your personal approach to work. Keep in mind that Dutch recruiters often place higher value than most on extracurricular and leisure activities if they are related to skills required for the role e.g. team sports can show your ability to work well with others and pull together as a team
  • Personal info including your name, nationality, contact details and a link to your LinkedIn profile (if you have one)
Layout

When considering the layout of your CV, for most job roles you should start with your skills and then focus on your work experience, listing your jobs and experience working backwards chronologically. It’s a good idea to break up your descriptions into bullet points to make everything as clear and comprehensible as possible.

Function

For those coming from the US a CV is pretty much used for the same purposes as a resume and is simply the word used in Europe. However, it is worth mentioning that for academic and research-based roles a CV is used as a more comprehensive academic diary, rather than a resume which is more of a work experience summary. So, depending on the roles you are applying for, your CV may be required to be a very different type of document.

Have your CV checked

Before you begin sending out your completed CV to prospective employers it is always a good idea to get it checked over by someone you trust. This could be a recruiter who’s been helping you find work, a friend in a similar line of work or an old boss, family member or colleague. In addition, there are numerous online tools and spell checkers that can help a great deal.

Although CVs and resumes often fulfil the same purpose, if you don’t have a CV you will be required to adapt or rewrite your resume to give you the best chance of landing your dream job. Luckily, for those of you with a resume already, converting it into a CV is usually not too difficult and, as CVs can be longer, you should find it easier to write more details and elaborate on what makes you the best person for the job. Check out this article for more differences between a CV and a resume.

Learning With Head, Heart and Hands

The Hague has been home to a Dutch Waldorf school for over 90 years. Since 2018, it also boasts an international, English-language one, aimed at children of kindergarten and primary-school age.

Based on Steiner’s principles, the school offers children a balanced education, combining social, personal and cognitive development in equal measure. “We’re helping children become critical and engaged world citizens.”

The International Waldorf School was founded to make Waldorf-style education (also known as Steiner education) available to children who travel the world with their parents. “We saw a lot of children who don’t have Dutch as their mother tongue join the Vrije School, our Dutch-speaking counterpart,” attests school principal Niels Schieman. “And of course, The Hague welcomes a lot of temporary international visitors, so we recognised the need for an international school.”

Curiosity Is Key
The main aim of Waldorf schools is to create a warm and welcoming environment in class, explains Schieman. “We want children to look forward to going to school. We strongly believe they need intrinsic motivation for learning, not just extrinsic reasons like seeing their friends or being rewarded for getting good grades. So we create an atmosphere where curiosity and creativity are nurtured. And by discovering and appreciating each other’s differences, they learn to exist peacefully together.”

Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher upon whose thinking Waldorf schools are founded, observed that curiosity is the key to deeper learning – a century before neuroscientific discoveries confirmed his findings. This concept informs the way every part of the curriculum is taught at the school.

“Children have the natural ability to marvel at what they experience – we simply harness that capacity to make learning more effective and more fun. When children truly get involved with the curriculum rather than just memorising it, they gain the capacity to be creative with their knowledge and use it for problem-solving later in life.”

Letting Children Be Children
Another underlying principle of the school is that children have the right to be children. “We believe that young children should be allowed to stay in their protective fantasy bubble for a while. We don’t start introducing news or current affairs into the curriculum until quite late. The grown-up world can be very scary, we don’t want children to become frightened of it,” explains Schieman.

“Instead, we introduce the more difficult parts of life slowly and with a lot of context, so that children have a solid base of confidence in the world. We work with a lot of historical tales: these are often rich in imagery and morality. This principle is common to Waldorf schools around the world, and the stories are usually drawn from the local context or religion – but we see that the underlying morals and themes are the same, regardless of location or culture.”

Children have the natural ability to marvel at what they experience – we simply harness that capacity to make learning more effective and more fun

Language Support
Running an international school provides the additional challenge that children come from all sorts of backgrounds, and many do not speak English as their first language. “We offer lots of individual support to make sure every child can participate in class,” says Schieman. “We’re a small school, so there’s plenty of scope for a personal approach – another guiding principle in Steiner teaching.”

The school also makes sure the children get some exposure to the Dutch language. “It would be odd to completely isolate children from the context they currently live in, so we introduce them to Dutch through songs, poems and games. The main aim is not for them to become fluent or understand the grammar, but to give them a feeling for the differences between languages. We want them to experience language rather than learn it.”

Happy Parents
Schieman and his team want to make sure international parents in The Hague are aware of the existence of the International Waldorf School. “Many people don’t know we’re here, or perhaps they haven’t heard of Steiner education. But we’ve had tremendously positive feedback from parents so far, and some of them express sadness when they move away, because they see such positive development in their children.”

One parent, Jon Monastero, who is a performer in Cirque du Soleil, explained how happy he has been with the school. “We know that it is not easy to accept a student out of the blue, so to speak, and for such a short time, but everyone welcomed us with open arms and left such a warm and beautiful impression on our lives. It has been one of the most incredible experiences in our six years on tour.”

Our curriculum is of equal academic value to that of any other school. We have an added focus on helping children to become independent, confident and active global citizens

Compatibility
While the Waldorf curriculum takes a different approach to learning, it is perfectly compatible with other education systems, and children can progress seamlessly to the international secondary school in The Hague. “Our curriculum is of equal academic value to that of any other school. The difference is simply that we have an added focus on helping children to become independent, confident and active global citizens,” Schieman concludes.

Side Note
For more details about the school or Waldorf Schools worldwide, visit www.internationalwaldorfschool.nl.

The school has open days, but parents and children are welcome at any time for a tour.

International Schools in the Netherlands

The American Netherlander – 25 Years of Expat Tales

In 1994, author Greg Shapiro came to the Netherlands. The idea was to spend a while doing comedy for a start-up theater called Boom Chicago, but he stayed for love. That was the start of a cultural adventure, with incidents and elements that anyone who spends some time in the Netherlands is bound to recognize. Covering topics that range from places he lived in – and what each of these places taught him about the Dutch – to the social issues such as Zwarte Piet, Dutch meetings, trying to make sense in Dutch, and Bike Etiquette, The American Netherlander is just too much fun to put down.

Try to picture some the scenes he recreates, such as the births of his children and his introduction to the ‘mother cookie’ and ‘shame hair’, or having to answer his doctor’s questions regarding what he thinks is the matter and how to treat it. Not to mention convincing a service team – “When service and team appear in the same sentence, it usually means trouble” – to install a washing machine. Written with a wry sense of humor and an eye for detail and the ludicrous, he manages to paint a picture of a nation that is part cartoon, part realism. At each turn of the page, you find yourself both laughing about and appreciating the Dutch.

And then, once you have seen the Dutch through Greg Shapiro’s eyes, you are treated to that very special aspect of deciding to live in the country; the Dutch Assimilation Test – one that the Dutch themselves score notoriously badly on. “Every question tells a story,” Shapiro explains, proceeding to explain what characteristically Dutch assumptions lie at the basis of these questions and why they want you to give a particular answer. Under the title, “The Questions That Should Be on the Actual Quiz,” readers are treated to what Shapiro feels would be a more useful and certainly entertaining way of familiarizing yourself with Dutch culture – and traveling the road towards assimilation.

The American Netherlander is accompanied by entertaining cartoons by illustrator Floor de Goede and photographs by the author.

Available through bookshops, www.hollandbooks.

Price: €19.95
Paperback
224 pages
richly illustrated
16.5 x 22 cm
ISBN: 978 94 6319 226 2