The Netherlands is an interesting county to experience, there are no doubts about that. A small country with a big heart and many residents. Have you been here before? Are you yet to come for a visit or perhaps it will be your new home? Did you already know that the Netherlands is more than just tulips, bicycles and stroopwafels? In this article we will find out together why life and work in the Netherlands can be something for you.

 

What to expect from the Dutch weather?

Dutch weather is often a topic of conversation, and for good reason—it’s famously unpredictable and varies quite a bit throughout the day. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect when it comes to the weather in the Netherlands:

You probably already know that it rains a lot in the Netherlands. This country is indeed a rather rainy country at any given season. The closer you live to the coastline the more likely you are to experience rain. Keep in mind, rain can come quite suddenly but also end as quickly, be prepared for that.   

Wind? Oh yes, it is windy here too! The Netherlands is a flat country with very few natural barriers, which makes it quite windy, especially in coastal regions. The wind can be strong, particularly in autumn and winter, when storms from the Atlantic can bring gusty conditions. The Dutch have adapted to this with well-designed windproof infrastructure, but visitors might find the wind challenging, especially when cycling.

And in that case it will be a great idea to purchase a wind resistant jacket that is waterproof as well. You will notice a lot of locals wearing raincoats and rubber boots to avoid getting sick from rain, especially during cold seasons of the year. It is also a good idea to invest in a good umbrella that will be able to withstand heavy rain and wind. But of course, in some severe cases the umbrella will not be as useful.  

 

Dive into the Dutch culture

What can you expect from the Netherlands in terms of the culture? Of course, other than the fact that they love tulips, windmills and bicycles. It can be a good idea to get to know a little bit more about Dutch people beforehand and know what you can expect. 

Dutch people are known for their direct communication style. They value honesty and clarity, which can sometimes be perceived as bluntness or even rudeness by those from other cultures.When you will experience this yourself, please keep in mind that most likely the person never had intentions of being rude. In the workplace and social settings, feedback is often given openly and honestly. While this is intended to be constructive, it might feel uncomfortable for those who are not used to such direct criticism.

The Dutch generally maintain a clear separation between work and personal life. For instance, colleagues typically do not call or email each other outside of office hours, which can be surprising for those from cultures where being constantly available is expected. The Dutch people are also generally not big on small talk, especially in professional settings. Conversations tend to be more focused and to the point, which might feel abrupt to those who come from cultures where small talk is a social lubricant.

Did you know that the Dutch people are extremely punctual? Being on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings is highly valued. Arriving late is considered disrespectful, even for casual social events, so please keep that in mind when you’re scheduling appointments or making plans with a Dutch person. 

Dutch is the official language of The Netherlands, but many Dutch people are multilingual, with English being widely spoken. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a while you should consider learning at least basics of Dutch as Dutch people highly appreciate that.

The Netherlands is home to a diverse population, with significant communities from Suriname, Turkey, Morocco, and Indonesia. This multiculturalism is reflected in Dutch society and cuisine. What do you know about Dutch food?  

 

Explore traditional Dutch food

Food is important, we can all agree on that. The Netherlands is a country of many cultures and naturally there are many interesting food options to explore. If you are interested in more traditional dishes, Dutch cuisine includes hearty meals such as “stamppot” (mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables) and “erwtensoep” (pea soup). “Haring” (raw herring) is also a popular traditional snack.

Of course you are probably already aware that the Dutch are famous for their tasty cheese. The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest cheese exporters. Gouda, Edam, and Leyden are some of the most famous Dutch cheeses. From young to aged, from mild to spicy, which one is your favorite?

Stroopwafels is a tasty Dutch treat that is impossible to miss. Stroopwafels are thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, often enjoyed with coffee. You can find them anywhere but the best one are always at various markets, freshly made in front of you.

As mentioned before, the Netherlands is a country of many cultures. Therefore, naturally you will be able to find many interesting food options from all over the world.There are countless restaurants and cafes for any taste and preference.   

 

Your health in The Netherlands

In order to have a happy life and successful career you need to take care of your health. Health is never to be underestimated, so we wrote some tips for you to stay healthy while living in The Netherlands. 

What you eat is important and even though a cheeseburger or two a month won’t harm you, it is good to establish a good and healthy eating habit. Variety and balance in your meals are often the key to feeling better if you are a bit under the weather or feel that you don’t have enough energy. Make sure to eat local fresh food as often as you can. You are in luck, as the Netherlands produces a large amount of fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products. And don’t forget variety and balance. 

Physical activity will help you to stay healthy and not lose shape. Perhaps you don’t have time and / or money for a gym membership now, but there are plenty of things to do to stay in shape. Walking is definitely one of them, you can combine it with running errands such as visiting the grocery store or getting to work. If you already have a bicycle, keep reading this article to learn more. However, already at this point we will recommend getting one as it is a great source of daily exercise and most efficient form of transportation for anyone living in The Netherlands.  

 

Transport

A lot of our brand new employees ask us whether they will have ride a bicycle to get to their new job. That question always brings a smile to our faces but the answer is no. You won’t be needing a bicycle as your main transport to work. Transportation to and from work is something we arrange for you. You won’t have to worry about bus schedules or train delays. Only if you live close by to your new workplace and you already own a bicycle can that be an option. 

However, transport is still an interesting topic to discuss, because that is something that might be useful for you to know about if you wish to travel around the country during your free time. Do you already know which cities and landmarks you want to visit during your stay? 

Let’s talk about bikes. Yes, they are rather popular in the Netherlands as a main way of transportation. Why? It is cheap, fast and efficient, good for the environment, does not require a license and of course time saving compared to heavy car traffic. In addition it is a great way to exercise! 

Are you interested to learn more about transport in the Netherlands? You can read all about it in our article. 

 

Something for you?

Of course, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration when you are thinking about moving to a new country. Perhaps, after reading this article you learned something new? Or maybe you got inspired? Either way we hope that we contributed at least a little bit to help you make an informed decision. 

Additionally, moving to a new country and starting a new life or perhaps a career path is a rather important decision that carries a lot of responsibility. If you simply ask us, should you move here and start your career in our agency, we will say “Why not?”. The Netherlands is a beautiful country with so many opportunities for experiences you might be looking for, both career-wise and personal. 

 

So, why not try The Netherlands?