| Love and work were Bira’s reasons for leaving sunny Brazil to move to the historic Dutch city of Gouda. Here, he gives very practical advice that both newcomers to Holland and those who want to move there will find useful. Bira also shares his observations about local life, which revolves around things other than the colour orange and stampot. |
 Bira Malta |
July 2 2006
-Where were you born?
I was born in Salvador city, in the state of Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil, a sunny vibrant city by the seashore with a strong African-Brazilian influence.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am living with my Dutch partner.
-In which country and city are you living now?
I am living in Gouda, a city famous for its cheese and candles and its old, gothic-style town hall. It’s located in the province of South of Holland (some people say Midden-Holland), in the Netherlands.
-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?
I have been living in the Netherlands for two years and one month.
-What is your age?
I am 40 years old now (I’m turning 41 next 15th July).
-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?
I never imagined myself living in other country; I just imagined taking a course abroad for a time. But I decided to move to the Netherlands because of my partner and because unemployment in my city at that time was high. But I needed to quit two jobs I had in order to move.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Well, usually the process itself takes between 3 to 6 months. You need to take your birth certificate, single certificate, pay taxes, translate documents, etc.
-How do you make your living in Holland? Do you have any type of income
generated?
I have a job as a customer service agent at a bank’s customer service department.
-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Yes I speak Dutch, and it is important for people who live here, but where I work English is spoken 90% of the day. For those who come to Holland, being able to speak some European languages like English, French, German, Spanish and Italian will help a lot, especially in areas like call centres.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes, I miss my parents a lot. In order to deal with it I write chronicles mainly in Portuguese (my mother tongue) about my feelings, my impressions about the country and its society from my point of view in a poetic-prose style. I have met some Brazilian expats here.
My favourite pastime in Holland is visiting big and small cities, taking pictures and walking around the places. One of the typical Dutch customs I’ve observed besides wearing orange and decorating houses and places in that colour is eating herring, stampot (a dish made with potatoes). I also see people biking in every city.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
Yes, I am going to Brazil (Salvador and Rio) next July for 2 weeks and a half. In August I have an IELTS test to be done; maybe in September start my Italian course, and search for a university course conducted in English in a local university. Recently I completed the Integration Course which is verplicht (compulsory) for non-European citizens (from the European Community and its related members).
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We bought a house last August 2005. The prices of houses here depend on the size and location. We preferred to live a middle-sized city (about 72,000 inhabitants) located in the centre of the country and near the 4 randstad cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht). For example, an apartment with 3 bedrooms can cost between 200,000 and 500,000 euros.
Renting a house or flat in big cities is easier because of the variety of choices, but they are usually in old buildings.
-What is the cost of living in Holland?
The cost of living here is high because of the taxation, etc. In order to survive I would say you need to earn about 1,500 euros.
-What do you think about the Dutch people?
I would say that most of them are open minded; for example, gay marriage happened first here. Also, Dutch people like open-door activities a lot.
Well, the positive aspects are the opportunity to learn from another culture, a job offer that is bigger than those in Latin American countries, access to other European big cities, etc. On the negative side I would say it's the time it takes to learn the language, but in the end it seems to be a pleasure and compensates for the effort.
Well, in the beginning if you don't speak the local language and are looking for a job, search for uitzendbureau's (employment agencies) specializing in other languages, make an appointment, and maintain contact by phone. Try to learn the language as much as you can .There are jobs for people who can speak other languages; it is just a matter of patience and faith until you get a chance to succeed. It took me ten months before I was able to get my first job here. It may be a temporary delay but in the meantime you are getting experience.
-Do you have any favourite Dutch Web sites or blogs?
I would suggest my own Web site with lots of tips and hits, with chronicles; addresses of employment agencies; links to useful Web sites related to aspects to the country. Here’s a summarized list of those Web sites:
My Web site: Chronicles from the Pilgrim Soul http://www.biramalta.com/
Employment agencies for non-Dutch speakers:
http://www.undutchables.nl/
http://www.kellyservices.nl/
http://www.dutchisnotrequired.nl/
http://www.englishlanguagejobs.com/
http://www.abroad-experience.com/
http://www.adamsrecruit.nl/
http://www.bluelynx.nl/
http://www.michaelpage.nl/
http://www.randstad.nl/
http://www.uniquemls.com/
http://www.manpower.com/
http://www.career-abroad.com/
News in English about the Netherlands with job ads
http://www.expatica.com/
Immigration Lawyers
http://www.everaert.nl/
Dutch Government
http://www.overheidslinks.nl/english/index.htm
OV Planner _Transportation: bus, tram, train, metro
http://www.9292ov.nl/
