Arosha

-Where were you born?
Colombo, Sri Lanka

-In which country and city are you living now?
The Hague, The Netherlands

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone

-How long have you been living there?
3 weeks (I lived here for 5 months in 2004.)

-What is your age?
24

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?
I came to The Netherlands 3 years ago to complete a semester exchange (as a part of my university degree). All I did in that semester was travel around the rest of Europe and miss my life in Melbourne. I decided I needed to come back and give life here a ‘real’ go.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Luckily for me, my company organized everything. The Netherlands is a very bureaucratic country so I’m glad I didn’t have to do the paperwork!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
This too, was coordinated through my company.

-How do you make your living in Holland? Do you have any type of income generated?
I am currently working for a resource company, which has offices all over the world. I applied for the job knowing that it would take me to either The Netherlands or Singapore. A tip I would give anyone wanting to work overseas is to do your research online and note down 10-20 of the biggest organizations in that country (related to your desired field/occupation). I would then suggest you systematically apply to them, i.e., call the respective contacts from the website and send them your resume. Most large organizations will organize your travel arrangements, visa, relocation and in some cases housing.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I can’t speak Dutch and luckily for me (and a lot of other expats) you don’t need to know the language, as most locals are fluent in English. Having said that, it’s appreciated by everyone when you make an effort to learn it.

As with any new country it’s a good idea to observe how people act around you and curb your ways so as to make a good impression. I would say that Dutch locals are very friendly and helpful (as long as you are not rude or over-demanding).

A book I am currently reading is ‘The Undutchables,’ by Colin White & Laurie Boucke – it’s a funny account of the Dutch ‘culture and its inhabitants.’

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I of course miss my family and friends and wish they were here to share my daily experiences. Having said that, my life right now in The Hague is awesome. I love the tiny shops, family friendly atmosphere and general vibe of the town. This place is rich in history and every corner of every street has character to it. I am currently mastering the art of riding a bicycle, eating the best cheese in the world and planning my next ‘hop, skip & jump’ visit to a neighboring country.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Besides savoring each moment and trying new things I don’t have many other plans. I will more than likely be based in the Singapore this time next year so I hope I take in as much of The Netherlands as I can.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
My package included accommodation so I again was lucky in the ‘no hassles’ department. Housing is quite expensive in The Netherlands purely due to its size and population. I would suggest surfing around the net for any helpful links and perhaps asking your potential employer for advice.

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?
Public transport can be quite expensive, I would definitely suggest if you are going to live here for more than a month to buy a ‘korting’ (discount) card. This gives you a 40% discount on all train fares; from The Hague to Amsterdam it costs 9.70 euro (45-min. train trip) but with a discount card it’s only around 5.80 euro. Groceries are not expensive (when compared to the prices paid in Australia). However, a decent restaurant meal can be quite pricey (i.e., 15 - 20 euro per meal).

-What do you think about the Dutch?
As I mentioned earlier most Dutch locals are very helpful and considerate. There is definitely no animosity shown towards foreigners, if anything Dutch people are only too happy to give you a helping hand and assure you that The Netherlands is the best place in the world.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?
The positive aspects would definitely include the rich culture and history and friendly people. Also the location of the country means that you can visit its neighboring countries in just a few hours.

I guess the negative aspect would have to be the rainy and grey days during winter – but hey, it’s a small price to pay.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Holland?
Come to The Netherlands with an open mind, there is more to this place than its liberal policies and tulips. Do your best to mix in with the locals and really try and give it a go.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?
1. www.globalrosh.blogspot.com (my own personal website with photos and stories)
2. www.expatwomen.com (great for any female traveller- from student to professional)