The country (LOCATION) MAYBE WITH MAP:
Basic geography has shaped the way the Dutch have
organized themselves. Each major city has its own
character. The population is made up of various
ethnic groups, and immigration is a political issue.
- Your arrival in the Netherlands
At the airport you will go through immigration
control, change money, and find your way to the
train. At your destination you will check in with
the institution, the alien police, and perhaps the
population bureau.
- Meeting your basic needs: what to expect,
and what to bring with you
Housing can be a challenge, but clothes are easy.
You will have a bank account, but will you have
enough money? All sorts of food are available, but
can you cook? You will have access to excellent
health care, but there will be some limits. You
should have no trouble practising your religion. How
will you get around? Driving a car is difficult,
public transportation is excellent, but best of all
is a bicycle! Keeping in touch with the news will be
no problem.-
- Social interaction
Privacy is highly valued, and symbols of status are
not apparent. Most Dutch people lead independent,
busy lives. Socializing is done mainly in the home
and through clubs; young people also frequent caf¨¦s
and discotheques. Asking for help can be a good way
of making contact. Dutch hospitality and gift-giving
follow rules of their own.
- The Dutch style
Most Dutch people look you in the eye and say
exactly what is on their mind. They tend to treat
each other as equals and are generally
non-competitive. There is a special Dutch word for
the warm congeniality that defines a good time; it
has little to do with the stern Calvinism many
people expect of themselves.
- The culture of Dutch higher education
The system features two parallel forms of higher
education, unique diplomas, and study programmes
that are valued equally despite being highly varied.
Although secondary school can be harrowing, students
do not undergo a selection procedure and competition
is nearly absent. Great value is assigned to
independence, individual opinions, and teamwork.
Knowledge is thought of as quantifiable; study
programmes are highly structured, and grades are
relatively unimportant.
- Common misconceptions about the Netherlands
Dutch society is tolerant, but does this mean it is
permissive or immoral? And is it still a haven for
the persecuted? Dutch policy on drugs is held up as
an example around the world. But what is it an
example of? Relations between the sexes seem very
free. Does this mean the Dutch are promiscuous?
- Typically Dutch
A few sights that you may find unusual at first will
later become familiar: houseboats, non-productive
fishing, and multiple containers for waste, for
example.
- Conclusion
The back of the book offers recommendations for
further reading, lists of alumni associations and
International Neighbour Groups, and instructions for
ordering Nuffic publications.
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