Howdo februari 2014

14 A R EA • ed iti on 4 20 EN V O H D N EI IN LS IN TE R N A TI O N A TH E M A GA ZI N E FO R

Inter view: Rob van Gijzel Ma yor of a Glo ba l Cit y

Automotive Campus Helmond WWW.HOWDO.INFO

01_HOWDO_4-14_Cover.indd 1

05-02-14 15:06

Howdo magazine is Arrogant Media’s bimonthly publication.

Editors-in-Chief Niels ter Haar Noël Hoek Editor Joost Pool Communication Manager Maryam Afroozeh Media Advisor Linda Willemsen Sabine de Goeij Editorial Office Poulack Afroozeh Muhammad Mohsin Siraj Laura Bastiaansen Evert Fila Robin Jansen Manon van Maurik Rachel van der Heijden Joost Pool Bobby Born Ton van Rooij Photography 040fotografie (cover) Bobby Born Photodette Arrogant Media Design Stefan Willigendael www.willigendael.com Contact Arrogant Media Postbus 851 5600 AW Eindhoven www.howdo.nu info@arrogantmedia.nl Would you like to receive Howdo at home?

For € 17,50 a year you will receive the magazine once every two months. Mail info@arrogantmedia.nl for inquiries.

Copyright and disclaimer All materials and content is protected under Article 15 of the Copyright Act. Copying is prohibited. © 2013 Arrogant Media Arrogant Media is not liable for the content of the columns and eventual inaccuracies and/or typographical errors.

02-03_HOWDO_4-14_Foreword.indd 2

Foreword ALAAF!!!

Now that you have become quite familiar with the ‘Brabantse’ farewell greet Howdo it’s time to introduce another greet to you: ALAAF!!! This, however, is only used during the carnival festivities and is accompanied by bringing the fingertips of one’s right hand to the left temple. Find out how and why a great majority of the south of Holland goes berserk during those four days in February/March.

Picking up a copy of Howdo every two months is not going to help you master the Dutch language.

The nuns of Regina Coeli in Vught have developed a unique teaching method that will leave the student with basic conversation skills after just five days. Of course, they also provide courses for the advanced. Find out all about their methods.

Finally, we are very proud and pleased that the mayor of Eindhoven, Rob van Gijzel, found time in his busy schedule to have a word with us. Rob van Gijzel has been our mayor since 2008 and has just been re-appointed for the next six years. He reflects on Eindhoven’s growth internationally and envisions Eindhoven as the expat city in 2020. Flip to page 10 to read about the challenges that face us and the mayor’s solutions.

We hope you’ll enjoy the fourth edtion of the first magazine for expats in Eindhoven, Howdo!, and we will be back in April.

Howdo Joost Pool

05-02-14 15:39

Interview: Rob van Gijzel Ma yor of a Glo bal Cit y

10.

Table of Contents: Febr uar y 2014 18.

23.

4.

Bulletin Board

Autstomerij, Europese school, High Tech Campus

9.

Walking Dinner for Expats

A nice way to meet and eat!

10.

Interview Rob van Gijzel

Mayor of a Global City

16.

Mom’s and Toddlers

Living in Eindhoven

23.

Eindhoven Startup

Startup city number 1

24.

Abraham Art

Gallery and Art Library

28.

Discover E

Autostomerij

32.

Automotive Campus

Helmond

32.

46.

Agenda

51.

Did you know 3

02-03_HOWDO_4-14_Foreword.indd 3

05-02-14 15:52

Bulletin board So You Can Dance Longboard?

FeelGood Market

The “FeelGood Market” is a bustling market full of design, art, fashion, vintage, jewelry, lifestyle, kids stuff, (bio) food, original quirky (local) products of inspired designers, craftsmen and creators. In addition there is live music, workshops and

‘So you can Dance Longboard’

theatre. Every third Sunday of the month the “FeelGood Market” is the place to be

is a major event organized by

for people to meet each other while enjoying a drink and eating bio snacks. If the

Flow Provider in the Klokgebouw

weather permits you can sit outside and drink a cup of coffee or a glass of wine

Eindhoven. In the so-called dance

while listening to live music while your children play together or attend a workshop.

discipline long boarders from all over

Everybody who is looking for a good atmosphere, fun, inspiration, fun people,

Europe compete in contests such as

beautiful stuff, organic and local delicacies should come and visit this place.

dance, best trick and hippy jump. The

The FeelGood Market gives quirky designers and creative people the opportunity to

first edition took place in February

show their unusual creations to the public. In addition, the market is an accessible

2013 and the event will be repeated

and fun way to connect with unique design, exclusive products and the artists.

annually.

The FeelGood Market ... Everything to make you Feel Good!

Various competitions include:

Date: 16 February 2014 & 16 March 2014

- Dance

Time: 12:00 to 18:00

- Dance for non-sponsored riders

Location: Strijp-S, Eindhoven (Klokgebouw)

- Best Trick

Price: Free

- Best G-turn - Girl Competition - Hippy Jump Date: 16 February 2014 Time: 13:00 till 22:00 Location: Klokgebouw Eindhoven Price: Free

Starting Your Own Company in the Netherlands Are you interested to start your own company in the Netherlands? Do you want to get more information on how to start your own business?

Meet and Greet Eind

hoven

Then, you need to join the “What you

Meet and Greet Eindhoven is an opportunity to meet other internationals living in the

need to know” session at The Hub Eindho-

Eindhoven area. Enjoy drinks, snacks, a free tour of the PSV-stadium and more!

ven and meet some local companies who can help you on your way.

Date: 20 March 2014 Time: 18:00 to 21:00

Date: 26 March 2014

Location: Willy van der Kuylenzaal, Philips Stadion (Frederiklaan 8)

Time: 18:30 pm to 21:00

Price: Free

Location: Vestdijk 25, Eindhoven 4

04-07_HOWDO_3-13_Bulletin board.indd 4

05-02-14 17:14

The Second Friday Drink

rs) e d n A t( e N to e m o lc We Werken Parktheater!

Eindhoven Since april 2013 Parktheater Eindhoven offers flexible office space. The concept Net(Anders)Werken of Buzzy Chain combines theatre and ‘ the new way of working ‘.

Every weekday, Parktheater offers free office space, meeting places and meeting

Are you interested in technology and

rooms (small fee) in a theatrical environment. The Parktheater makes a cultural and

innovation? Are you an engineer?

creative breeding ground available for self-employed professionals, theatre makers,

Would you like to meet more people

businesses and basically everyone who wants to work regularly or occasionally

and make new connections to

outside the office.

expand your network?

Every second Friday of the month

What we offer:

a networking drink for young

• easily accessible and different types of office space

professionals with interest in

• representative environment to work and welcome customers

technology and innovation is

• free office space in the Verdi Lounge and meeting rooms available for a small fee

organized in the conference centre,

• free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and water

the Strip at the High Tech Campus in

• affordable lunch options

Eindhoven. The second Friday drink

• sufficient sockets

offers young professionals from the Eindhoven region an afternoon drink

Net(Anders)Werken Parktheater Eindhoven

in which they can easily make new

Theaterpad 1

connections.

5615 EN Eindhoven

Doors open at 4:30, program starts

T 040 - 2 156 156

at 5 o’clock in the afternoon followed by drinks and finger food and the bar closes at 7 p.m. If you are interested: Date: 14 March 2014 Time: 16:30 to 19:00 Location: The Strip at HTC Price: Free

Autostomerij Eindhoven When you’ve just bought a new car it shines on the streets. After a while, however, it may get very filthy inside. If you don’t know how to clean it yourself, call the Autostomerij! They will clean your car on an ecological basis using only three liters of water. This is done at the location the customer desires, whether it be his office or home address. So all you need to do to get your car cleaned is call the Autostomerij. Phone us at 06 – 41268350 to make an appointment.

If you’re interested in our results take a look at the Licht op Eindhoven car.

5

04-07_HOWDO_3-13_Bulletin board.indd 5

05-02-14 17:14

Bulletin board Open Day European S c hool Mol: 29th March 2014 Do you want to find out more about the European School of Mol (Belgium),

- learn more about expat life in Belgium!

just 40km from Eindhoven? And are you

- brush up your knowledge of the EU by

looking for a fun family outing? Then visit our school surrounded by forests and:

means of a European Quiz and so much more!

- get in touch with class mates and teachers from more than 50 countries - taste the world at numerous food stands - do scientific tests together with the renowned scientific institutes - go on a treasure hunt throughout the school - get a good impression of the multicultural atmosphere

Programme: 2pm - 3.30pm: discover nursery and primary school 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm: be amazed by secondary school 4.00 pm - 4.30 pm: presentation for newcomers 4.15 pm - 6 pm: Taste the world + entertainment

t & b v t a r e e r a c r u o y t Star ent! m e g a n a M ir a it il c a F Vb&t facilitair management is a young and growing organisation, looking for a spontaneous, experienced, service- and guest oriented Reception Desk/Service Support Desk employee. Vb&t Facilitair Management is responsible for an exploitation period of 30 years of International School Eindhoven. In this regard vb&t facilitair management fulfils a

“Looking for a job in facilities within an international environment? Are you a native speaker english with very good understanding of the dutch language?�

Reception function and Facilities Service Desk.

The Reception Desk/Service Support Desk employee is the first point of contact (physi-

Curious? Check the whole vacancy

cally and by telephone) for ISE, you welcome visitors and you are the face of the organisa-

Reception Desk/Service Support Desk

tion. Besides you are also point of contact for facilities. You take in complaints, questions,

employee at our company website:

failures, assignments, reservations and orders, communicate with suppliers in case of

http://venrgroep.nl/nl/vacatures/

assignments and failures (internally and externally) and guard the progress

and send your resume as quickly as

of assignments and failures.

possible to HR@venrgroep.nl

6

04-07_HOWDO_3-13_Bulletin board.indd 6

05-02-14 17:15

You should definitefly visit the Keukenho e once in your lifetim

Until we meet on Facebook You move to Eindhoven and get thrown into the deep end. You have so many

03-20-2014 - 05-18-2014

questions and they are coming from

The Keukenhof is one of the top 10 places you should visit once in your lifetime. Each

every direction, leaving you helpless

year, the Keukenhof chooses a special theme. This year’s theme is ‘Holland’. Think of

on where to even begin. It can be the

Holland and you automatically think of tulips. With millions of tulips in a thousand

smallest things, which can be logical

different varieties, the Keukenhof is truly unique and the most beautiful spring

for locals, but hard for you. For instance,

garden in the world! More than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over

in the Netherlands, you will most likely

32 hectares with color and fragrance. This year, the focus will be on Holland itself

run into the public transportation scene

with exhibitions on the history of the tulip, 17th-century tulip mania and modern

and realize how expensive it is. To travel

tulip cultivation. Spectacular features will include the flower mosaic depicting

for a reasonable price locals purchase

Amsterdam’s canal buildings, planted using 60,000 tulip bulbs. The Keukenhof is also

the OV chipkaart, which is something

open every Sunday and public holiday in between these dates (Easter weekend,

that everyone knows, but a foreigner

Labor Day and Ascension Day).

may not! Meaning that you could be wasting money that you shouldn’t have

Date: 20 March 2014 – 18 May 2014

to! For your questions, problems, and

Time: 8:00 to 19:30

preactical business we have created

Location: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands ‎

a Facebook page. We invite you to

Price: Children (0-3 years): Free

visit our Facebook page to meet new

Children (4- 11 years): € 7,50 per person

people, creating a way for us and other

Adults (including 65+): € 15,00 per person

expats to help you get acquainted. We are here to make it easier for you.

The Strip

Howdo!

Like us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/howdoeindhoven

The Strip is the unique hospitality heart of the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. A place to meet, be inspired and be creative, enjoy delicious food & drink and to hold meetings. Here Eurest offers an extensive range of complementary concepts in terms of product and service level. Please come and visit Subway and Starbucks (March 2014), the authentic Italian “Al Fresco” restaurant and the Indian “Love my Curry” restaurant. The Grand Café “The Colour Kitchen”, à la carte restaurant “The Lounge” and the self-service restaurant “The Mart” offering regional products, round off the many available options. All the restaurants are open Monday – Friday, from 11.30 to 14.00 hours. Restaurant bookings outside of these hours are possible for groups of 15 plus.

For further information please visit www.hightechcampus.com/thestrip or telephone 00 31 (0)40 230 5505.

7

04-07_HOWDO_3-13_Bulletin board.indd 7

05-02-14 17:15

THE GREATER THE CHOICE, the more the effort

Make it the perfect choice with Park Plaza Eindhoven WINTER SPECIAL Best Price Guarantee: 5% off* Conference Package from €29,50 Bed & Breakfast Package from €69,00 per room conference package: • 8 hour meeting room hire • Modern conference technology (extra wide screen and projector provided) • Breaks with coffee, tea, pastries and fresh fruit (maximum of three servings) • Three-course buffet lunch or extensive sandwich lunch • Delegate pad, pens, mints and mineral water • Complimentary Wi-Fi *Best Price Guarantee is applicable on the DDR conference package only

For more information visit parkplaza.com/meetings-winter-promotion

PPE Howdo 2 180 x 128 - 12641_v2.indd 1

18/11/2013 13:32

DE WERELDWIJZER Primary Education

De Wereldwijzer could be translated as the World wiser or pointing at the World. It offers primary education for newcomers and a fluent transformation to the Dutch educational system. All international children in the age of 4 to 12 are welcome. Pupils can apply and start at any given time of the year. They will be able to understand, speak, read and write the Dutch language within 40 to 60 weeks. After that the pupil can enrol in the Dutch system.

For more information please contact: Mrs. I. van Kemenade, director Pastoriestraat 88, 5623 AT Eindhoven, Tel: 040-242 7892

WWW.WERELDWIJZEREINDHOVEN.NL

8

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 8

05-02-14 15:07

Walking Dinner a nice way to meet an

d eat!

WALKING DINNER is a nice walk through the city while visiting

friends, family or colleagues. You will be given a signature- dish

a diversity of restaurants and different tastes with a large

and matching drinks with your food at six different restaurants.

variety of foods. It is a perfect way to get to know the area, the

At the party after the program you will receive a drink and

culinary hotspots, local people and other expats and to find

snacks.

out the best places for dinner, drinks and pleasure. Finally, it is a great way of spending your free Sunday with lovely people.

Tickets will cost only 49, 50 Euro and you can order them on our website. For more information, please check our website:

The first concept of WALKING DINNER took place in 2013 in

www.walking-dinner.nu

Eindhoven and villages nearby. Because of the great success and

You can also send an email to: info@walking-dinner.nu

the fact that there are many expats living in this region, another

Hope to see you at WALKING DINNER for Expats, powered by

edition will be organized in 2014 as well.

Howdo!

WALKING DINNER for Expats is powered by HOWDO, on Sunday,

WALKING DINNER

23rd of March 2014, between 12:30 and 17:00. It will take place

Sunday 23rd of March 12.30 – 17.00 hrs

in the centre of Eindhoven and surrounding villages. The names

• Culinary event in Eindhoven city

of the participating restaurants will be announced in advance.

• Visit 6 different restaurants

This event is organized specially for expats. All the guests will

• A signature-dish and matching drink at each restaurant

be divided into a few groups that will walk together all day

• Closing drink with all guests

from restaurant to restaurant. You can join on your own or with

9

09_HOWDO_4-14_Walking Dinner.indd 9

05-02-14 15:07

10

10-14_HOWDO_4-14_interview.indd 10

05-02-14 15:10

Text: Joost Pool, Photos: Odette Beekmans

Rob van Gijzel

Mayor of a Global Cit

y

In his most recent New Year’s speech Rob van Gijzel, the mayor

and organisational structures, as we also do with Taipei, our

of Eindhoven, stressed the need for innovation, expats, and

gateway to Asia. Taipei is the centre for ICT, Eindhoven that of

the opening of borders. “When we continue doing what we’re

megatronics. I believe in a world community that will help each

doing, we’ll have dropped from the 18th to the 32nd position

other with its worries and challenges.”

in the rankings of the world’s largest economies by 2030. We’ll be surpassed by countries such as Nigeria and the Philippines.

What challenges do we face? “People tend to call this crisis the

That scares me, especially since we’re only talking about the

Financial Crisis. But it’s far bigger than that. It’s the repercussion

next generation.”

of a systematic crisis. We need to re-evaluate our way of thinking, whether it be healthcare, mobility and the production

How can we avoid falling down the ladder? “We have to

and distribution of food. We’re actually on the verge of a great

acknowledge that we need foreigners, expats. In a few years

number of transitions. Strangely, one of the problems is that

there will be a shortage on the labor market due to all the

we have too great a supply of fossil fuels. The Americans have

baby-boomers retiring. Our capacity for growth will be reduced

immense quantities of oil shale gas and are therefore not very

by twenty percent. Therefore we must focus on producing

interested in greener forms of energy. But at the same time,

goods with a higher yield because we’re not going to increase

all the major cities in the world face the same problems with

production. The need for foreigners, not only the highly educated but also the skilled workers, is immense. We have to realise that we earn our living abroad. But over recent years the Netherlands has seriously neglected its economic relations with Belgium and Germany. It tries to keep its borders tightly shut for the foreign laborer.”

Understood. But you’re not the Prime Minister; you’re the mayor of Eindhoven. What does Eindhoven do? “We think one of the answers lies in collaboration. Basically, we collaborate on four different levels. On a local level with cities like Veldhoven and Helmond, forming the Metropolitan-region. Regionally we work together with Den Bosch and Tilburg. On a national scale there are close ties with Amsterdam and the region The Hague/ Rotterdam, which in my opinion should be even closer in the future. Globally, we are forming tight alliances with Waterloo in Canada and Taipei.”

How do the international alliances operate? “Eindhoven has chosen to collaborate with Waterloo and Taipei, two similar ‘smart’ cities. This could – for instance – mean that our region would take in some recently made redundant Blackberry personnel from Waterloo. At the same time, Waterloo is becoming our gateway to the rest of America. We help each other with shared experience, retraining, start-ups 11

10-14_HOWDO_4-14_interview.indd 11

05-02-14 15:10

logistics, mobility and air pollution. People need to become

Eindhoven has the longest landing strip in the Netherlands

aware of the problems and their causes. For example, a regular

making its potential enormous. Eindhoven is, along with

tomato grower will use up to 44 liters of water to produce

Amsterdam, the most international city in the Netherlands. True,

one kilo of tomatoes. And his energy bill is subsidized. Recent

we are slightly outclassed by The Hague, but that’s because of

research shows that by only using red and blue light just four

the embassies and consulates. For example, there are over sixty

liters of water is needed to produce that kilo. One square meter

different nationalities at the High Tech Campus and 88 at the

of soil is enough for the vegetable production of one person a

TU/e. Did you know that 50,000 ‘Eindhovenaren’ were not born in

year.”

the Netherlands? That’s almost a quarter of the city!”

“There are some things the Eindhoven government offers, such

What are some of Eindhoven’s appealing features? “Eindhoven,

as the Expat Center South which I believe Howdo Magazine

and the surrounding region, is very attractive to expats.

covered in an earlier edition. And we are constantly in discussion

Americans prefer the rural areas; Asians tend to choose the city

with the Parliament to ease the rules foreigners have to

to live in. Eindhoven Airport is still growing in size, with more

oblige to. I applaud the many local and non-governmental

‘business’ destinations and fewer leisure destinations. And,

initiatives that have taken place over the last few years. The

12

10-14_HOWDO_4-14_interview.indd 12

05-02-14 15:10

Hub Society at the Vestdijk is important, as are initiatives like Howdo Magazine. The same can be said for our top-level International School and the TU/e. The VDL Group is very active in finding accommodation for its Polish employees. Suitable accommodation is generally no problem for the highly paid, but is quite an issue with the foreign production workers. The expats themselves show a lot of initiative also. The Indians at HTC organise cricket matches, the Chinese celebrate their own New Year, and there are Asian, Russian and Polish shops. In cooperation with Tilburg and Den Bosch, the Brabant Triangle, we are researching what and how many people are needed for education, culture, and shopping- and sports facilities.”

Could you tell us about the possible links with Amsterdam and Rotterdam / The Hague? “These connections can be very complementary. Amsterdam is the financial centre of the Netherlands. Rotterdam and The Hague play an important role economically, transport wise and politically. Eindhoven is the centre for high-tech and design and the ‘make industry’. We have similar connections with Leuven (Belgium) and Stuttgart for example, as does Rotterdam with the ports of Antwerp and Hamburg. Amsterdam forms tight bonds with Berlin, Zurich and London. With Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague we can combine all the elements we need: the axis of knowledge, the axis of transport and maintenance, and the axis of services and government.”

Eindhoven faces stiff competition from, for example, Silicon Valley. How do you keep attracting expats, and how do you foresee the situation in 2020? “Like I said, Eindhoven is already the most internationally orientated city in the Netherlands. This is mirrored in our export figures and the number of foreign firms. Eindhoven is part of an international network of cities that concentrate on innovation and high-grade technology. As a result, there is an intensive exchange of international knowledge workers. They are already forming a group of ‘world nomads’.

Eindhoven profits immensely from their arrival, their knowledge and their dedication. They therefore deserve a warm welcome and the proper facilities. Consider basic facilities such as fibre cables and international education but also recreation and culture. Currently, the city, the business community, educational institutions and the Expat Center South are well on the way to improving all that so that the expat will still choose Eindhoven in 2020 instead of Shanghai, Silicon Valley or Helsinki. Above all, future expats will choose this region especially due to the high level of innovation and developments. If an expat wants to be involved in developing products that will change the world, Eindhoven is the place to be!”

13

10-14_HOWDO_4-14_interview.indd 13

05-02-14 15:10

y b y l k c i u q h c t u D Lear n k r o w o t n i a r b r u o y putting We are often asked what the secret of ‘the Nuns’ is. Why are

Ability to make links quickly by activating existing

our course members able to learn a language so quickly

knowledge

when they struggled with it at school and were utterly

“An important trademark of our method is that we start by

convinced that they had no feeling for languages? Over the

activating the course member’s existing knowledge of the

last fifty years, our method has gradually evolved to become

language,” says Elles Gratama. She is a Dutch language trainer

what it is today: individual, extremely intensive language

at Regina Coeli. Over a period of several years she and a team

training, fully tailor made to individual requirements and put

of colleagues worked on a new beginner’s method for teaching

together by a team of language trainers.

Dutch and, during this time, she studied in depth the didactic principles of the Regina Coeli method. “Most course members have some knowledge of the Dutch language. By bringing this knowledge, or even their knowledge of other languages, to the forefront, their brains are activated in such a way that they are able to make links quickly which means that certain areas of language do not need to be dealt with in such great depth.”

Expanding vocabulary relevant to the context Learning more words can lead to a tremendous improvement in anyone’s language skills. “Most people stay in their comfort zone as far as vocabulary is concerned”, explains Désirée Hoefnagel, Dutch language trainer at Regina Coeli. “The programme at Regina Coeli is designed to teach the course member new words that are relevant to the context of the communication.” To learn long lists of words is therefore not an effective method. Désirée: “No, it is much better to learn a word in context and to practise it within that context.”

14

14-15_HOWDO_4-14_Regina Coeli.indd 14

05-02-14 15:16

A personal record of the Dutch language Course members at Regina Coeli absorb the language

Structure and intensity create momentum

extremely quickly because every day they are busy putting

Structure helps the learning process. A beginner’s course in

together words associated with a particular theme and

Dutch offers just that. Each day consists of private lessons

thinking about how the words relate to one another. Elles: “It

in conversation, grammar and vocabulary interspersed with

is very interesting to see the different ways in which course

multimedia sessions in the language laboratory. “By following

members present their word webs: one might divide the

this programme consistently for five consecutive days, course

vocabulary into advantage and disadvantage words; another

members get into the flow of the language. Every day there

might put all the verbs or nouns together; a third might set

is a different theme. The great thing is that, at the end of

down whole sentences. Each is a very personal record of the

the very first day, a course member is already able to have a

Dutch language.”

conversation with the trainer,” Elles explains. “For advanced learners, of course, we always put together a tailor-made

Expats learn Dutch to be able to participate in social life

programme.”

There is plenty of diversity in the course members. The majority who come to Regina Coeli for a Dutch course are expats from

For more information visit

all corners of the globe. “They are often young and have come

www.reginacoeli.com

to the Netherlands to work here for a number of years. We’ve noticed that they are keen to learn the language in order to be able to participate fully in the social life here. Having to use

Language learning tips from ‘the Nuns’

specific professional language can also be an important factor

1. Have a goal that is clear and specific.

in their decision to come to us. Think of a doctor who has to

2. Approach the language actively.

be able to communicate effectively with Dutch patients. The

3. Think in the language.

fact that such a professional can give form and context to their

4. Learn from native speakers.

own training course enables us to offer exactly what he or she

5. Repeat over and over again…

requires.”

15

14-15_HOWDO_4-14_Regina Coeli.indd 15

05-02-14 15:17

Mums and Toddlers Mums and Toddlers is an international, English speaking non-profit group of mums and children aged 0 to 4 in Eind-

make friends here”.

hoven. They meet every other Wednesday morning between

Hitomi and Chieko are new members from Japan. They like to

9:30- 11:30. The mums also get together about once a month

join this group. They said: “It is really nice to see children from all

for a “mum’s only night out”. They exchange valuable informa-

different cultures playing together”

tion on local services and attractions as well. If you and your toddlers have just arrived in Eindhoven from another country,

Committee and Group Members

this is a perfect environment for you to meet other parents in a

Mums and Toddlers does not have a leader. It has a committee

similar situation.

which always changes when people come and go. Emma is the longest serving member at this moment. The committee gene-

Emma Samson, a 35 year-old from Hull in England, is one of the

rally consists of twelve members and they are all volunteers. “We

members of Mums and Toddlers in Eindhoven. She came to the

do not get paid or anything, we get together and we organize

Netherlands around 8 years ago and met her husband here.

events. For instance, ‘mums only night out’ with mums going to

Emma said that she was feeling so lonely in Den Bosch when she

a bar or restaurant for drinks or dinner,” says Emma.

became pregnant. She did not know anyone and it was a very difficult time. One of her friends joined Mums and Toddlers and

The cost

she introduced the group to her. Since then, she does not feel

“People usually find us through the website or consultancy

lonely anymore.

bureaus and most of the time people are informed by word of mouth. Our membership year begins in September and the

History of Mums and Toddlers in Eindhoven

costs are € 25 per year. If people join us after the end of February

The history of Mums and Toddlers dates back to 41 years ago.

It was started by six mums who just got together in someone’s house every week and wanted their children to play together. It got bigger and bigger and for the past twenty years has had its home in Buurtcentrum de Rondweg. Children are able to play together and mums can talk to each other and make friends.

Mel is one of the members of Mums and Toddlers and has been living in Eindhoven for 6 years now. She has two girls and one son. She is going to every Mums and Toddlers meeting with her son, Matteo. She likes her networking the most.

Shuo is one of the Chinese members. She has found this group through one of her friends and she was able to meet more Chinese people here.

Evelina is living in the Netherlands for a year and she is learning Dutch. She said: “Children can play together and I was able to 16

16-17_HOWDO_4-14_Mom-&-Toddler.indd 16

05-02-14 15:17

Text: Maryam Afroozeh

we offer a reduced rate for the remaining six months for € 15.

Summer is coming closer and closer!

The cost for members to attend the hall meeting is € 2.50 for

And this summer it’s not only about warm weather and cocktails.

coffee, tea, cookies and juice.”

This summer the world will be looking at Brazil as it hosts the Soccer World Cup 2014!

“The group is growing rapidly. Four years ago there were 39 members and now there are around 100 members. If we keep

Big sporting events like this always have a huge impact on hotels,

growing like this we will have to make a plan for the future. But

hotel chains and their strategies. Hotels shoot out of the ground as

we do not have a long-term strategy because we are all here for

fast as mushrooms during autumn when a big sport event is held.

a short period of time. I should say that most of our members

For example, Sochi, where the winter Olympics are nearly kicking

are not coming to the meeting. Some members are working on

off, erected a mind-blowing 25.000 (!) new hotel rooms in the area!

Wednesday or otherwise engaged. We usually get around 25

In Brazil this will not be any different. Governments encourage

members in the hall on Wednesday. We have hall meetings twice

building hotels around big sporting events by offering cheap or

a month; we also have two evening events per month where we

even free building lots. For hotel chains it is also a moment to get

go for dinner or a workshop with mums and their husbands as

the needed permits and licenses a lot quicker than normal. And of

well.”

course (when opened in time) the event itself is a great financial boost for the hotels where normally at the start-up of a hotel a

Men can join the group

much longer period would be needed to get occupancy and

“Men are also welcome. We had male members a couple of years

revenues up to speed. But what happens when the event ends

ago who were ‘stay at home dads’ while their wives worked. We

and everything turns back to normal? An essential part of a healthy

have family events like a Christmas party and barbecue where

sport event bid is the aftercare. Governments and municipalities

the whole family; mums, dads and children, is welcome. In Janu-

have to push on city marketing and get new events to town.

ary we organized Chinese New Year with fireworks for the whole

Or even create new events and conferences just to keep the

family, because we have quite a lot of Chinese members. In

post-event cities lively and a good reputation. If they don’t: Athens

summer we organize a beach party and during Christmas Santa

2004. Costs 16 billion USD, yearly maintenance after event, 124

Claus visits and every child gets a present. We have some more

billion USD. If they do: Los Angeles 1984; estimated profits up to

events like, Speelparadijs, indoor play centre, Cupcake Swap,

126 billion USD after 4 years. So we can conclude hosting an event

High Tea and Craft Workshop, walk in the forest, Bouncy Houses,

as the Sochi Olympics and the Brazil World Cup Soccer is a tricky

Coffee Morning etc.”

business and is much more than just the event itself. It HAS to be teamwork between government and commerce. If it works out, it’s

Emma Samson is missing her country less and less every year

a match made in heaven.

Emma Samson misses her country less and less every year. “In the beginning you miss so much,” says Emma. But now it’s just

Anyway, this coming summer it’s all about Hup Holland Hup!

family and friends. I don’t even miss the food anymore. I just wish I could speak Dutch fluently.”

Shaun Broers is Hotel manager of Park Plaza Eindhoven. An

What she misses is small talk on the bus or talking to a stranger.

upscale four-star hotel in the heart of Eindhoven.

“Just for a little chat I need to concentrate and think about it.

www.parkplaza.com/eindhoven

And that’s not easy. So I really enjoy the meetings with the other mums. Amongst them I can fully express myself.”

For more information you can always check their website: www. mumsandtoddlers.org or send an E-mail to mumsandtoddlers@ gmail.com Upcoming Wednesday morning playgroup meetings for members at the Hall (from 9:30am - 11:30am) (address: Buurtcentrum de Rondweg, Camphuysenstraat 1, Eindhoven, NL): February 19, 2014 March 5, 2014 17

16-17_HOWDO_4-14_Mom-&-Toddler.indd 17

05-02-14 15:18

Vincent Lin

n o ti a ic n u m m o C g n ti e Mark e p o r u E Q n e B f o r e g a man

BenQ Corporation is a well-known Taiwanese company

education there. I joined BenQ about 16 years ago. Yes,

that sells and markets consumer electronics, computing

this company offered me my first job and I built my career

and communications devices internationally. According

within BenQ.”

to BenQ’s website, in the year 2013, their 1080P projector sales helped BenQ secure their No.1 position in this

“People often ask me why I stayed with the same company

segment in Europe with a 22.6% market share.

for such a long time. But I have got a clear answer to that.

The company has provided me with different opportunities

BenQ’s head office is located in Taipei but the company

and I have switched positions every few years.”

operates in five branches including the European office, which is located in Eindhoven.

“Nevertheless, I joined our European branch four years ago.

Although, I didn’t know much about Eindhoven I was very

We sat down with Vincent Lin to ask him a few questions

open to a new challenge.”

and learn more about his experience in Eindhoven so far.

How did you find the transition to living in a Would you tell us about your background? How did you

foreign country?

end up in the city of Eindhoven? ”I have to say, for the first two or three years, I found Eind”I was born and raised in Taiwan and received all my

hoven to be very simple! A city that didn’t look like it could

18

18-19_HOWDO_4-14_Benq.indd 18

05-02-14 15:19

Text and photos: Bobby Born

accommodate internationals. But I guess I was eager to see

“Due to my line of work, as well as my own personal inte-

other places too. So, for the first few years, I tried to travel

rest, I enjoy art and design very much. I began to appreciate

during my holidays. I tried to visit many cities around.”

the facilities such as Piet Hein Eek workshop area. Not only that, I became a big fan of Dutch Design Week in Eindho-

“Then again, I think the more people you know, the more

ven. As a matter of fact, we have displayed our new lighting

you become interested in what is happening in the city.

products including decorative lamps in the last edition.”

However, I also feel that there are currently more activities available, compared to when I just moved here. Now, I find

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving

Eindhoven to be more engaging than before.”

here, what would it be?

What do you enjoy the most in the Netherlands?

“I would say, do your best to get yourself connected to people and communities otherwise you aren’t really living here.

“Well, we are always busy working but I like the rhythm

Try to find your point of interest, because there are many

and tempo here. I find some sort of balance between my

opportunities for everyone.”

professional and personal life. My life experience has been very different than what I was used to in Taiwan. But some-

What are your thoughts on our magazine?

how, as I mentioned before, I realize that it is easier for me

Any suggestions?

to find harmony. I enjoy the fact that Eindhoven is a very well connected city. You can go to all the major European

“Sure! Depends on your future plans, it is something worth

cities in no time. I probably didn’t have the same chance to

trying. I always thought there should be a stronger interna-

drive around, if I was living in another city.”

tional community here. As an expat, I would like to know more details about activities in Eindhoven. That’s something that I look forward to.”

19

18-19_HOWDO_4-14_Benq.indd 19

05-02-14 15:19

Broken?

Repairlab is specialized in repair and maintenance off your smartphone, tablet or notebook.

30 minute repair service, walk in without an appointment

repairlab.nl | 040-28 70 700 | Dillenburgstraat 11C | Eindhoven 00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 20

05-02-14 15:07

Stoit Groep

Short Stay A short stay apartment is the perfect solution for temporary housing. Many people who happen to work on short projects are often here for just a few weeks. They often tend to live in hotels,

Stoit Groep offers a wide range of rental homes in different

but if they stay longer than a few nights it’s nice to have their

categories. Are you looking for a furnished home or rather a

own spot. A short stay apartment is ideal; with internet, cleaning

short stay apartment? Stoit has the property that suits you best!

services and all the comforts of home. A bit like a holiday home for

We have a great number of homes available, especially in the

work in the middle of the city: A home away from home.

region Eindhoven, Tilburg and Den Bosch.

Find your new home at Stoit!

Stoit has 25 years of experience in renting and letting

For a choice of more than 250 homes, go to www.Stoit.nl!

accommodation and offering customized solutions to all your questions!

Rental Properties Stoit Groep offers furnished and unfurnished accommodation on

Vestdijk 22, Eindhoven

a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Think of studios, apartments,

040 2140660

detached houses, corner houses, (semi-) detached villas and penthouses. The rent can range from € 700 for a one bedroom apartment to more than € 2,500 per month for an apartment in the city centre.

What not to forget after arriving in the Netherlands…

In most cases service costs, upholstery and furniture is included in the rent. These service costs generally cover the cost of

- Book a hotel apartment or a fully furnished short stay

cleaning the central hall and the cost of electricity for the

apartment for your first week(s) in the Netherlands

elevators. This, of course, applies mainly to apartments.

You will certainly be asked to provide assurances regarding

- Browse online to find your perfect home on www.stoit. nl and contact Stoit Groep to plan a home search

your ability to pay the rent. Realtors will demand a copy of your

- Arrange a moving company

employment contract, salary slip and passport.

- Stoit Groep housing agency will carry out the check-in with you and support you with their service desk and optional cleaning service - Set up housing insurance - Apply for and collect your work permit - Register at town hall - Open a bank account - Arrange transport, driver’s license and vehicle insurance - Register children at school - Set up health insurance - Enrol in a language course - Network & Social Clubs 21

21_HOWDO_4-14_Stoit.indd 21

05-02-14 17:22

3 course menu in the neighbourhood restaurants are priced at only

â‚Ź per7. meal

00

In de Voortuin Celsiusplein 28 5621 BN Eindhoven

www.robinhoodeindhoven.nl

Het Cruydenhuisch Kalmoesplein 73 5643 LM Eindhoven

robinhood040

robinhood040

22

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 22

05-02-14 15:07

Text: Evert Fila

Eindhoven Star t-up city N0.1 Eindhoven and Brainport region are in the top 5 worldwide with the most number of patent applications per year! We are not able to figure out the exact number but it runs in the

deliver a stream of enterprising people who really go for

thousands. Many great ideas, concepts and ventures are born

entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship that makes Eindhoven

in Eindhoven, devised by clever and especially enterprising

proud with its feat of firms such as Philips, DAF, ASML, VDL, to

people. These people come from all over the world to achieve

name just a few. Eindhoven is the beating heart of start-ups and

their dreams in Eindhoven.

is therefore Start-up City Number 1 in the Netherlands!

Dynamic and energetic start-up supporters such as

Eindhoven loves start-ups! In this new column, Howdo will

Startupbootcamp, Bright Move and Next Oem have transformed

shine a light on the near and dear of Eindhoven Start-up city

Eindhoven to create an internationally sought-after place to

No. 1. We would like feedback and learn from our readers where

land. Knowledge from the TU/e, HighTech Campus and Design

these innovators, disrupters and modifiers can be found. At the

Academy complement the sauce. Startupbootcamp has recently

bottom of this column you will find our contact information.

launched a high-tech accelerator to which 850 international

Howdo is going to campuses, networking meetings and pubs

start-ups have responded. Of those 850, ten remain in the

well into the night to expose exciting and cool start-ups to the

running. “Need I say more?�

reader!

Other very successful projects like Bright Move from Brainport

Contact Howdo:

Development and the always exciting Startup Weekend

info@arrogantmedia.nl 23

23_HOWDO_4-14_Start-up.indd 23

05-02-14 15:19

t r A m a h Abra y r a r ib L t r A d n a y r e ll Ga

In a former farmhouse, now under the protection of the National Trust, you will find AbrahamArt. A wide variety of contemporary art by more than one-hundred national and international artists is displayed in the twelve exhibition rooms.

AbrahamArt, which opened ten years ago, is the largest art gallery in the Netherlands. The gallery features contemporary art in a contemporary manner. You can find very different subjects from photography to pop art, abstract art and much more. Therefore, it is to everyone’s taste because of the highly variable and diverse collection. In the exciting art attic you can regularly see emerging artists at work and enjoy the creative atmosphere.

The gallery offers you the possibility to purchase as well as rent art. In this way, you’re not “stuck” forever with a piece. Every month you pay a small amount of money and at the end twothird of the art is yours. In this case, you will slowly become the owner of the artwork while you can always exchange it.

24

24-25_HOWDO_4-14_Abraham Art.indd 24

05-02-14 15:20

Text: Rachel van der Heijden

“Selecting a piece of art is a matter of taste and interior.’’

AbrahamArt is unique in its offering. Virtually all known modern artists are available in the art library. Choosing a piece of art is a matter of taste and it should be suitable for your interior. AbrahamArt’s consultants will gladly help you choose the right work. They can even display several pieces at your home, in order for you to make the best choice.

You can apply online and make an appointment for a homeviewing. An employee of the gallery will visit your house without any obligations. After all, you can only tell if the piece matches your taste when it is surrounded by your interior. If you appreciate the artwork you can then choose to rent or buy it. If not, it can be returned. Come and check out our unique gallery in Venray and get inspired. For more information and opening times visit www.abrahamart.com.

For more information visit: www.abrahamart.com 25

24-25_HOWDO_4-14_Abraham Art.indd 25

05-02-14 15:20

What does stone-coal have to do with language training?

Well, it is part of a well known Dutch saying we use... ...when somebody translates typical expressions word for word into another language. You can imagine the effect this could have on the listener! At Regina Coeli, we strongly believe that an important success factor in speaking a language naturally and conďŹ dently is to understand the true meaning and cultural origin of the well known sayings and expressions.

If you really want to come to grips with another language, Regina Coeli is the place to be. We offer language training in German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. Many top managers, expats and knowledge workers choose Regina Coeli and have been doing so for more than 50 years!

We are often asked what our secret is. The truth is, we focus on a learning style that suits you, and because it is intensive you learn a lot in a short period of time. At Regina Coeli, everything revolves around you. You have the undivided attention of native speaker trainers and other staff who are there to support your programme in whatever way possible. And, last but not least, we are famous for our hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities.

More information at www.reginacoeli.com or call us at +31 (0)73 684 87 90.

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 26

05-02-14 15:07

Photos: Odette Beekmans

Looking to buy ? e m o h m a e r d r u yo te Hypodomus Real Esta is there for you!

“It’s convenient and wise to make use of the services a real estate agent provides. Remember, the real estate agent representing the seller is your competitor. With our help you

Buying a house is not something one does frequently. Many

can communicate on the same level. We are there to assist the

expats would probably not consider such a purchase since

buyer and smoothen out the entire process. This entails pointing

they’re only staying here for a short period of time. But for

out the pitfalls and even more importantly negotiating the best

expats staying in the Netherlands for a few years or more,

price. Hypodomus is your perfect partner when you are looking

it’s an excellent time to stop renting and start buying. Pascal

to buy. They can even help you with applying for a mortgage.”

Vlemmix of Hypodomus real estate remarks: “Housing prices are extremely low and expectations are that they will soon rise

The purchase assignment

again. Buying is therefore a very interesting investment.”

When you visit Hypodomus Eindhoven, one of our six offices in the Netherlands, we draw up a list of your wishes and criteria

What’s the need for a real estate agent when purchasing? “If a

for your perfect home. We will assist you until the desired house

potential buyer falls in love with a house, he tends to turn a blind

is found and purchased. We will be with you to inspect all the

eye to its weaknesses. It’s our job to put the potential buyer

homes that meet your requirements. Also, we will estimate the

solidly back on his feet. We look for hidden faults, look at the

value and the state of repair. If necessary we will advise a structural

constructional state and we provide legal assistance. This is of

inspection to take place.

great importance to anyone buying a new home but especially for foreigners. They may not fully grasp the Dutch language yet,

It’s important to come well prepared when buying a house. A

but more importantly, are not familiar with our local customs.

Hypodomus real estate agent is worth the investment many times

For example, in China it’s quite normal to be negotiating several

over and will inform you about all your possibilities. That’s often far

houses at the same time. That’s very rarely done here.”

more than you would guess. Visit our site and leave your contact information and we will get in touch with you. Who knows, pretty soon you may be living in the house of your dreams.

Feel free to inform about the possibilities.

Contact a Hypodomus estate agent free of charge.

Hypodomus Eindhoven Aalsterweg 134 C 5615 CJ Eindhoven T 040-8200020 eindhoven@hypodomus.nl 27

27_HOWDO_4-14_Hypomodus.indd 27

05-02-14 15:20

Complete Car Care on Location After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do or worry about is cleaning your car. Cleaning your car or letting your car be cleaned is often a very time-consuming task, which doesn’t always fit your schedule. The Autostomerij has a unique solution for this.

They clean your car whenever you want, with eco-friendly materials and most importantly: employees of De Autostomerij come to you. Your car can be cleaned at your home, at your office or any other place you want. Howdo magazine talked with Henri Lathouwers, franchisee of the Autostomerij in Eindhoven and surrounding regions about the benefits of his services.

HENRI LATHOUWERS REGIO EINDHOVEN

Theater de Schalm Meiveld 3 5501 KA Veldhoven

HENRI LATHOUWERS

HENRI LATHOUWERS

REGIO EINDHOVEN

REGIO EINDHOVEN

Tel. 06 - 41268350

Tel. 06 - 41268350 autostomerijeindhoven@gmail.com autostomerijeindhoven@gmail.com www.autostomerijeindhoven.nl Tel. 06 - 41268350 www.autostomerijeindhoven.nl

WELCOME IN THEATER DE SCHALM: Please have a seat and enjoy an evening of music, comedy or dance!

Zeelsterstraat 145 | Eindhoven | T 040 243 9011

www.engelenwitgoed.nl

autostomerijeindhoven@gmail.com www.autostomerijeindhoven.nl

28

28_29_HOWDO_4-14_Discover.indd 28

05-02-14 15:21

Henri started working for the company in April last year and

temperature of 150 degrees and under 8 bar. After this, the dirt

washes about 70 to 120 cars a month. He is very enthusiastic

is removed with microfiber towels. As the final step, your car is

about his work. “It’s amazing to see how happy people are with

waxed by hand, which makes sure your car is protected for a

the unique service of cleaning a car at location and besides

longer period of time. As an additional feature, they can clean the

that, it makes me happy when a customer is satisfied.” De

interior of your car.

Autostomerij cleans cars for individuals, but also complete car fleets of companies. Within one and a half or two hours your

Tips

car is ready to use again. The company has all the materials

We asked Henri if he had some advice for our readers, regarding

themselves, so they don’t need anything from you as a customer.

the cleaning of cars in the future. “To keep your car in a good

“Because we have all the materials we need in our own car, we can clean your car everywhere, even in a meadow”

condition, I advise you to clean your car inside and outside at least twice a year,” says Henri. “The best period during the year is just before the beginning of the winter and right after. This way you do not suffer from brine.

Would you like to have your car cleaned at your place or at your office? And are you curious about the possibilities? www.autostomerijeindhoven.nl

Eco-friendly Cleaning This company makes your car shiny clean in a short time through unique steam cleaners. The perfect balance of temperature, humidity and pressure makes the steam cleaning a particularly powerful and safe washing method. Through the use of steam we do not only reduce the huge water conservation, but also the use of (chemical) cleaning materials that is superseded by the use of steam. The company uses only 3 liters of water per car, while the average car wash needs approximately 150 liters. De Autostomerij only uses eco-friendly materials and biodegradable substances.

The process “Normally a car wash only takes care of the outside of the car, leaving a wax layer behind,” says Henri. “Another difference with a car wash is that we also clean all the small spots where a car wash can’t clean.” The company starts cleaning with steam at a

experience

Oirschotsedijk 14a 5651 GC Eindhoven 040 - 262 14 53 info@philipsfruittuin.nl www.philipsfruittuin.nl

WWW.DEWIJNGODEN.NL INFO @ DEWIJNGODEN.NL Life is too short for drinking bad wine

Bilderdijklaan 10, 5611 NH Eindhoven www.vanabbemuseum.nl

29

28_29_HOWDO_4-14_Discover.indd 29

05-02-14 15:21

European School in Mol, Belgium

Multicultural educatio n pupils between 3 and for 18 years A growing number of expats living in the Netherlands send

language. The international staff is appointed by their national

their children to the European School, which lies just across

governments, after a thorough selection procedure�.

the Belgian border in Mol. We wanted to find out what is so appealing about this school. Spokesperson Barbara

European Baccalaurate

Vankrunkelsven highlights the main features of the school.

Thanks to high academic standards and an individualised approach, more than 97% of all pupils receive the European

“The main difference between a European School and

Baccalaureate diploma at the end of their final year of

any international type school is that the curriculum of the

their secondary studies. The European Baccalaureate is

European School is written and quality assured by all Ministries

acknowledged by all EU member states and guarantees the

of Education of the 28 member states of the E.U. So pupils

right of access at any European university or higher education

follow the same curriculum as the one in their home country.

institution. It has also become very highly recognised over

Therefore, if an expat returns to his own country in the middle

the last 50 years and is now accepted across the United States,

of an academic year, which happens, his or her child can

Canada, Australia and indeed many other countries.

immediately enrol at the local school without lagging behind.

Next to that, integrated language learning plays an important

Green and large facilities

role. By the end of their secondary studies, pupils will have had

The 20 hectare campus is surrounded by a large forest in the

the opportunity to study up to five languages, mainly taught

heart of rural Flanders. The canteen serves warm and cold

by native speakers. From the age of three pupils are taught

lunches and sandwiches. Pupils and teachers can keep fit every

in the language of their section (English, Dutch, French or

day by doing sports in the swimming pool, at the football

German). From the age of six they will also be taught a second

pitches, sports halls, athletics tracks, tennis, basketball and

30

30-31_HOWDO_4-14_Europse School Mol.indd 30

05-02-14 15:21

volleyball courts. Over a 100 study trips are organised every year, connected to the curriculum.

European by nature Developing students into active, conscientious and multilingual Europeans lies at the heart of the school’s educational philosophy. Student’s opinions, school life participation and active involvement in the everyday running of the school are promoted. The individualised approach and family feel stand out. Thanks to small classes, the programme of the two final years is tailor-made to meet the exact learning needs of the students. Educational support is provided when necessary.

Daily bus transport The European School of Mol is easily accessible at only 45 km from Eindhoven. A one-way journey from Eindhoven takes half an hour. Bus travel from Eindhoven to Mol is organized by the parents’ association. This intergovernmental school was established in 1960 to provide education to children of personnel of the European institutions but nowadays its doors are open to all students. Indeed it boasts students from Europe and beyond, with currently more than 50 nationalities united at the school.

More information?

Open Day

Please visit www.esmol.be,

March 29, 2014 from 2 to 6 p.m. at:

www.facebook.com/EuropeanSchoolMol or send an

Europawijk 100

e-mail to dir@esmol.be

2400 Mol (Belgium)

31

30-31_HOWDO_4-14_Europse School Mol.indd 31

05-02-14 15:21

Automotive Campus

Aerial view of the Autom

otive Campus.

Centre of innovative a u technology and smar tomotive t mobility

On the Automotive Campus in Helmond, around 500 people are

for Helmond? “Helmond has a history in automotive. For example

scattered over 34 high tech and innovation-driven organisations.

Volvo Car, which later became NedCar, operated at this spot. But what

Not only are they continuously working on improving automobiles,

mainly led to establishing the Campus here was the arrival of TNO,”

but also on finding solutions for traffic, air pollution and other

says drs. Daniel de Klein, Project Manager Automotive Cluster Deve-

problems.

lopment at the city of Helmond and also involved in AutomotiveNL’s Campus site management and business development.

Boost for automotive industry

“In 2003, TNO started here with a laboratory for active safety systems.

The Automotive Campus provides a home for all kinds of players in

This prompted the region to undertake efforts to have TNO move

the field of automotive technology and smart mobility: companies,

its other activities from Delft to Helmond, too, which the company

education institutes, as well as public and private research centres and

eventually did. Then the idea arose that this should not be the end of

test facilities. The Campus is an initiative of AutomotiveNL, the city of

the trajectory, but should give a new impetus to the regional auto-

Helmond and other investors in site development. AutomotiveNL

motive cluster. In 2006, several companies and knowledge institutes

represents the interests of, and aims to boost, the Dutch automotive

started investigating the possibility of starting an automotive campus

industry.

by analogy with the High Tech Campus. In 2008, a business plan was

The Campus organisation actively supports open innovation, know-

presented to the city of Helmond with the request to facilitate it.

ledge sharing and cooperation by organising and facilitating seminars

Marking the start of the Campus was the opening, in June 2009, of

and conferences, workshops and other activities for both residents

the Automotive House, the central meeting place, the ‘club house’, of

and non-residents. The Campus also functions as the mobility know-

the automotive industry. Back then, Benteler Engineering Services,

ledge centre of Brainport Eindhoven, named the world’s smartest

which once had acquired NedCar’s former design department PDE

region in 2011.

Automotive, was already based here. Benteler had plenty of room left, as over time, the number of people working at this location had de-

Off to a flying start

creased from 3,000 in NedCar’s glory days to about 200. This enabled

More than half of the Dutch automotive activities takes place in the

the Campus to get off to a flying start and a rapid development.”

south-east of the country at companies like DAF, VDL Bus & Coach, TomTom and numerous Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s).

Growing number of internationals

Therefore it’s no more than logical that the Automotive Campus was

Regarding the internationals who are active on the Automotive

deployed in this area. But what was the deciding factor to choose

Campus, De Klein observes: “We see a growing number of internatio-

32

32-33_HOWDO_4-14_Automotive Campus.indd 32

05-02-14 15:21

Text: Ton van Rooij

nals at residents like TNO, Benteler, TASS International and educational organisations. They are from Italy, Spain, India, China... Because there’s a lack of Dutch technicians, several technicians from countries like Italy and Spain who, due to the economic crisis, face limited chances on their homeland’s labour market, come working here.”

Hydrogen, electric and hybrid drives Since 29 November 2013, the Automotive Campus has a hydrogen fuelling station. This will be used to test new prototypes of hydrogen buses and refuse collection trucks. Very soon, the station will also be suitable for future passenger cars running on hydrogen.

The province of North-Brabant strongly supports electric and hydrogen drive-related developments and strives to have emission-free (i.e. non-CO2-emitting) buses running in public transport by

Test at the Vehicle Crash

2025. De Klein: “I think the ambition to have the whole stock of cars

Lab.

emission-free by 2025 is a bit too optimistic, but for niche markets like public transport this may very well be feasible.”

it was hard to make use of them. They couldn’t invest in such facilities

About hydrogen-fuelled passenger cars, De Klein notes: “Hydrogen

themselves and couldn’t always afford the fees for use of the existing

drive is still a long way off. Over the next five to ten years, I don’t see

ones. That’s why it was decided to develop world-class, state of the

this break through on a large scale. It’s good, though, to get down to

art facilities that are also accessible for SME’s, education institutes and

work on this now. Technically, it’s already possible, but the currently

starting entrepreneurs. These were developed by renowned parties

available cars, such as those from Hyundai and Toyota, are still so

such as Benteler, VDL, TNO and TASS, which also exploit them. But the

expensive that they are not suitable for the consumer market.”

Automotive Campus Shared Facilities complex was also made pos-

What will take off in the nearby future, according to De Klein, is

sible thanks to considerable governmental subsidy. These grants are

hybridisation, the combination of drives. “You see this being applied

conveyed to SME’s in the form of discounts. The required investments

widely. But traditional combustion engines are getting increasingly

were of such magnitude – 20 million euro – that also companies like

cleaner, smaller and more fuel-efficient, too.”

Benteler and TNO would not easily make them. In addition, a test facility only becomes financially interesting when it runs constantly.

New test and research centre

In practice, however, that doesn’t happen, for there are also periods at

When going to press, a new building on the Campus, the Automotive

which there’s no utilisation. Because the government believed in the

Campus Shared Facilities, housing five test and research facilities, was

exploitation possibilities in the longer term, it was willing to provide

about to be opened by minister Kamp of Economic Affairs.

subsidy. This occurred shortly before the economic crisis emerged, so

How did this centre come about? “It’s the result of an initiative to add

we were just in time!”

shared facilities to the Campus,” De Klein states. “Most of the laboratories here are owned by Benteler, TNO and TASS International and are

For more information visit www.automotivecampus.com

accessible for their clients. But we saw that especially for SME’s, Automotive expert drs. Da

niel de Klein.

33

32-33_HOWDO_4-14_Automotive Campus.indd 33

05-02-14 15:22

“ROTS-VAST

makes you feel at home”

The real estate agent with offices through the Netherlands and 25 years of experience!

You are looking for a place to rent?

Apartments, studios, houses in all price ranges

www.rotsvast.nl

Furnished or soft furnished

info@rotsvast.nl

pro’s in real estate Rots-Vast Eindhoven - Willemstraat 14 - 5611 HD EINDHOVEN - Tel. +31(0)40-2440244 00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 34

05-02-14 15:09

e v i v r u s u o y HowDo ? ’ e p o l e v n e the ‘blue Needless to say, nobody is fond of doing their yearly tax return,

2013 tax return on your behalf, but if not then do rest assured: there

let alone jump for joy once the blue envelope hits the doormat.

are some tips and tricks that will ease your mind;

For some, the Dutch tax authorities slogan; ‘we cannot make it

• Do not start filing your tax return without having at least your

more fun, but we can make it easier’, has the same effect as a red

(bank, employment) annual statement(s) at hand

flag has on a bull. However 1 April is coming and so it’s time for the administrative fun and games to begin. I therefore plea to

Deductibles

the readers to take a moment, clean your kitchen table and start

• Some expenses, invoiced during 2013, are tax deductible. For

organizing your pile of loose paperwork. In order to avoid this

instance; your main Dutch properties mortgage interest, certain

envelope luring you into a depression, let us offer a helping hand

sickness or disability expenses, study or educational expenses,

with some tips and tricks.

donations or annuity insurance premiums. Keep in mind you have to meet conditions and in some cases a fiscal threshold in

Man with the gavel The Dutch tax authorities impose, collect and monitor taxes. They are also responsible for the payment of benefits and regulate

order to deduct the expenses you have made.

• Have you travelled by public transport? You may be entitled to a tax deduction if you fulfill the conditions.

contributions towards the costs of rent, health insurance and raising children.

Filing Deadlines

However, have no fear; the Dutch tax authorities are gradually deve-

• If you received an invitation to file your 2013 tax return then you

loping into a service-orientated organization.

are obliged to do so by law.

• Make sure to file before April 1st. you will be fined in case you fail

Paper vs Digital

to do so. You cannot meet the April 1st deadline? Then request

To ensure citizens can meet their obligations as easily and efficiently

for postponement in time. In principle individuals may be given a

as possible, the paper form is electronically available as of 2010.

Filling out the form used to be tedious, but now everything is prefilled. You only have to check and upload it. Submitting the tax return

5 months grace period.

• The digital gateway to filing your tax return ( www.belastingdienst.nl –) is available as of March 1st.

electronically requires a personal code (so-called DigiD or pincode).

If you’re filing your first Dutch tax return, you will most probably

Outcome

need to use a paper form, but next year the digital gateway will be

• If you filed before April 1st, then you will receive an assessment

available to you as well.

In case you are liable to pay taxes in another country as well – for

prior to July 1st.

• If the tax authorities concluded you are entitled to a refund then

example because you are assigned to the Netherlands based on a

the money will be transferred before July 1st (as long as tax

net agreement or own property outside the Netherlands – it is ad-

authorities have your bank account details).

visable to have your personal situation assessed by a tax consultant.

• A refund less than EUR 14 will not be paid by the tax authorities.

Why Blue?

Have you already received a 2014 preliminary tax assessment? If

Official government correspondence has a palette of sixteen colors.

so, please note that the parameters used by tax authorities do not

The color blue simply symbolizes the colorful Dutch landscape and

comply with current law. You will therefore receive a revised version

pictorial arts.

later on.

Any questions? Feel free to consult the tax authorities’ experts onli-

Help!!!

ne (www.belastingdienst.nl) or contact tax authorities Helpdesk by

Perhaps your employer has hired a tax consultant who will file the

phone; 0800-0543. the international feeling.

43

35_HOWDO_4-14_BOXX.indd 43

05-02-14 15:22

European School of Mol

• • • •

• • • • •

•

•

Nursery, Primary & Secondary School from 3-18 Open to all students Education in French, German, English and Dutch Multilingual: Mother tongue tuition and up to 5 different languages Many subjects taught in 2nd language Multi-cultural: More than 50 nationalities Internationally recognised European Baccalaureate Curriculum validated by 28 Member States Individualised approach and educational support Many study trips and sports activities Green and large facilities

29th March 2014 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Europawijk 100, 2400 Mol (Belgium) +32 14 56 31 01 dir@esmol.be

Car company ven o h d l e V .

V .

B t p m i L n Va € 60,- including VAT! Or opt for maintenance and odor treatment to your Car company Van Limpt B.V. Veldhoven, member of the BOVAG orga-

air-conditioning system now for just € 90,- including VAT!

nization, can help you with all your car repairs and maintenance. They

Van Limpt B.V. is also the place to go for winter tires. If possible these will

maintain and repair all brands and specialize in TOYOTA. TOYOTA main-

be mounted directly. If you don’t know where to store the winter tires

tenance at Van Limpt B.V. is done with original parts whenever possible.

after winter, Van Limpt B.V. will store them for you!

Van Limpt offers more than just maintenance. When you’re looking for

In short, the staff of car company Van Limpt B.V. is there to provide you

a decent used or new car, visit Van Limpt. Take a look at their extensive

with the best service!

website www.toyotacentrumveldhoven.nl to get an impression of the company and its current stock of cars.

Autobedrijf van Limpt B.V.

Even in winter it is important that your air-conditioning functions opti-

De Witstraat 23

mally. Therefore, car company Van Limpt has a special offer on air-condi-

5503XS Veldhoven

tioning systems.

Tel. +31(0)40-2539861

Maintenance of your air-conditioning system is now done for only

info@toyotacentrumveldhoven.nl

36

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 36

05-02-14 15:34

Many fitness centres focus only on training and physical activities. They forget that bodies require more than just exercise. The body is like a machine and it can work perfectly when it has enough rest and receives plenty of energy. “Therefore, you should eat well!” says Harry Raaijmakers, manager and personal trainer at HealthCity in the PSV-stadium.

The workshops are for beginners and intermediates. Each member undergoes a self test after which a step-by-step plan is set up with tips from our trainers. The workshops are very successful and help our members reach their goal.

Health City is more than fitness!

It is not a secret that nutritional food has perhaps 80% impact on your training results and training only has 20% impact on your body. The combination is invaluable and we are responding to this with “Primal Foods’. HealthCity would like to do everything to help its members as much as possible; therefore the courses are free to follow.

Anybody who wants to achieve better results should pay extra

In January Health City has started with “Primal Foods”. Primal

attention to his eating habits and training method. Of course

Foods are workshops about food and nutrition. The work-

you can always find a personal trainer for better advice. A perso-

shops have five different themes, which provide information

nal trainer is there for you physically and mentally. The best way

about fluids and food consumption.

to achieve your goals can be read in the following editions.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

2. Eat 3 macronutrients per meal 3. Eat Primal Foods

4. Eat 5 (up to 7) times a day – 5 days a week 5. Listen to your body

N ev e r Diet Again!

37

37_HOWDO_4-14_Health City.indd 37

05-02-14 15:23

N o r o u z Celebrat

ing the Iranian New Year Norouz, “New Day”, is a traditional ancient festival which celebrates the start of the Persian New Year. Norouz has been put on the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. In previous years students and employees of TU/e have successfully organized events to celebrate Norouz.

People all over the world celebrate Norouz, but it originated in the geographical area formerly called Persia in the Middle East and Central Asia. Norouz became a popular celebration among the communities that grew from these Persian influenced cultural areas. While the physical region called Persia no longer exists, the traditions of Norouz are strong among people in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Canada and the United States. This ancestral festival, which has been observed for more than 3.000 years, marks the Iranian / Persian New Year.

“Tahvil”

• Stories from the Shahnameh

Families wait together for the exact moment when the vernal

One of the most frequently cited sources about Norouz is the

equinox occurs, in Persian called “Tahvil”. Today people know the

Persian national epic, the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), written

moment of Tahvil through searching on the Internet or looking

by the poet Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi (940-1020). According

in the newspaper. However, before these sources of information

to the Shahnameh, the first Norouz was celebrated by the

were available, families knew that the New Year was close when

mythological King Jamshid. Ferdowsi writes that Jamshid brought

a special person called “Haji Firooz” came to the neighborhood

harmony and peace to his people through his divine right to rule

to sing, dance and spread the news of Norouz. Haji Firooz is

(farr).

usually dressed in a red satin outfit with his/her face painted in

In the event, poster presentation and storytelling in English

disguise. When the New Year is just minutes away, families and

besides it, an introduction to this masterpiece will be given to the

friends gather together and wait for Tahvil to occur. Right after

participants.

the moment of Norouz, the family exchanges well wishes such as

• Photo Exhibition and Video Clips

“Happy New Year” or “Sal-e No Mobarak!” in the Persian language.

Iran in photos and videos: nature of this four-season country, architecture of old civilizations and modern cities and a lot more.

Norouz in TU/e, History and Aim

• Dance Performance

In 2012, the celebration of Norouz was held in the Common

A small group dressed with traditional clothes will perform a

Room in a very friendly atmosphere made by the Iranian

classical Iranian dance to a piece of classical music.

community from TU/e and Fontys University of Applied Sciences. In 2013 a bigger ceremony was successfully held in the

Program

Auditorium. The event consisted of cultural activities not only for

Location: Auditorium main hall, TU/e, Eindhoven, Netherlands

the Iranian community but also for the Dutch and international

Date and Time: Thursday March 20th 2014, 17:00-19:30

students and colleagues in TU/e and Fontys. Expats were also

The event is for free and all people are welcome

welcome.

Contents: Activities

17:00-17:30: Welcoming, exhibition, live music

• Calligraphy Corner

17:30-18:00: video clip, Iran Anthem, New Year countdown

Participants can have their name written in Persian on a nicely

18:00-19:30: Serving drinks, sweets, nuts, food, special fun plans

decorated paper.

like calligraphy, traditional music, dancing, and taking pictures...

38

38-39_HOWDO_4-14_Carnaval.indd 38

05-02-14 16:06

Text: Ton van Rooij

Car nival

A proper excuse to go berserk

Although traditions vary from town to town, some common characteristics of Dutch Carnival include a parade, a “Carnival prince” plus cortège (“the Council of 11”), a farmer’s wedding (boerenbruiloft), and eating herring (haringhappen) on Ash Wednesday. In some regions kids, dressed up, go knocking on doors, singing special songs and get candy, quite like Halloween. This is called:”foekepotten”.

Eindhoven celebrates Carnival every year in February or March.

This year the festivities run from Friday 28 February to Tuesday

Carnival is a festive holiday which occurs immediately

4 of March. People in Eindhoven celebrate it enthusiastically.

before Lent; the main events usually take place in February.

It is all about dressing up in a costume and listening to Dutch

Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade

music (carnavalskrakers) and having lots of drinks. People in

combining some elements of a circus, costumes and public

the public eye, especially politicians, are often ridiculed. This is

street party.

just an extraordinary happening that you cannot miss, even if you wished you could. Just follow the crowds and have a great

Where did the word “Carnival” come from?

time!

Hundreds of years ago, the Catholics in Italy started the

During carnival you can see various performances in the city

tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before the

of Eindhoven. The city is full of carnival noise in the inner city

first day of Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat

as well as in the neighborhoods. Whether you’re in a small

meat during Lent, they called their festival carnival which

pub or in the big tent on the market, or just walking down the

means “to put away the meat”.

street, there’s no escaping the festivities. You might just get pulled into the ‘polonaise’ and there really isn’t a polite way of

Carnival in the Netherlands is also called “Vastenavond” or

removing yourself from that. Don’t worry, it usually ends when

“Vastelaovend”, and is mostly celebrated in Catholic regions,

the song’s finished.

mainly the southern provinces North Brabant and Limburg.

39

38-39_HOWDO_4-14_Carnaval.indd 39

05-02-14 15:23

News

r o f s w e n l a c o L s l a n o i t a n r e t n i

The core idea behind this till date online newspaper was to offer a platform for all expatriates in Eindhoven to better understand, and be informed about, their surroundings in a language they understand. It aims to speed up integration of expats, making them feel ‘at home’ quickly. Eindhoven News achieves this by providing daily news, informing about different expats events, publishing a directory with all necessary information for expats and articles or stories by both local and international writers.

Irene comments on the early days of Eindhoven News. “We actually started with a group of people, not just me. People were enthusiastic and also saw the value. We were producing some news articles and a few self-written stories just once a week.”

One of the think tanks behind Eindhoven News, Irene Martens, is still

The driving force behind Eindhoven News is a well-motivated team of

a prime active member. When asked about the inspiration for Eindho-

volunteers. The diversity of cultures, difference of nationalities, variety of

ven News, she says: “I lived abroad too (for 19 years in Middle-East, Far

ideas and variance of opinions make this team of volunteers extremely

East and Europe) and was ever so happy to be able to read in English

rich in range and portrays a true international picture. On the question

(because I couldn’t read Arabic or Malay!) about what was happening

how do you keep the momentum and spirits high of the volunteer

in the country, to see pictures of local people, local situations, to hear

team? Irene responds: “I don’t know exactly, I just like the kind of work,

about events and to have a feeling of the atmosphere in the country.

I like to motivate people, I like to develop things, I like to lead a group,

Also, we made magazines and newsletters for ourselves with information

I like to create and to build something together, and I like to connect. I

that was interesting to us, expats. I always have found it important to

used to work a lot with volunteers when I was an event manager. I just

have knowledge about the country you live in. This way, you can take an

found it satisfying to talk with the people to see where they got stuck

active part in the local community; you can talk to local people about

and to help them find their motivation again. It was and is very rewar-

local situations. This is what we hope to provide with Eindhoven News.”

ding to make something together, to deliver something in the end as a

Irene, together with friends like David Green, Carina Genest (also still in

whole that you have worked on together, each individual at his or her

the team), Mahdi Triki, Amol Kahlon, founded Eindhoven News in 2009.

own best. Also, working and socializing in an international group pleases me. Through this, I feel being part of a bigger world than just my village.”

40

40-41_HOWDO_4-14_News.indd 40

05-02-14 15:24

Text: Muhammad Mohsin Siraj

Irene feels proud of the volunteer team she is working with and considers them a true backbone. She appreciates the team. “They are

There are many more that help out with all kinds of tasks, like Roberta

enthusiastic and also like to put time and energy in making Eindhoven

making the yellow pages and Alice and Sandra doing general things and

News; the volunteers support the whole idea and the developments.

others taking pictures, being active on Twitter and other social media,

What I appreciate very much is when volunteers take initiative and

etc. Firstly, it is of course very important that somebody does something

work independently. Also, I appreciate feedback and involvement. I feel

he or she likes or likes to develop and that it fits his/her own personal

gratified by the fact that there are people of about 12 nationalities in

life. Everybody has his or her own motivation to do volunteer work, like

the team. This proves my point of view that all people basically have

getting experience or being part of a team that is creating something

the same needs and just like to have a fulfilling life. People from all ages

useful. I hope he or she can fulfill this wish while working for Eindhoven

and backgrounds: students, spouses and workers are represented in

News. On a daily basis, I am setting priorities of what needs to be done.

our team. It is a very nice reflection of the international community in

Of course, having daily news on the site is the most important thing, but

Eindhoven. All have one or more qualities which are very valuable to the

regularly appearing self-written (opinion) articles and the events are also

creation of the daily Eindhoven News. Everybody has a talent, such as

very important because they show the face of Eindhoven News and are

photography, social media, communication, writing, as well as professio-

the voice of the international community. Next to that there are many

nal translating and editing. The volunteers also like to be part of making

ideas and developments we like to implement.”

Eindhoven News, I think.”

Currently, Eindhoven News does not have any financial support, but works in cooperation with Studio040, the local city broadcaster. Articles

Italian Roberta Macri is one the team members. When asked why she

written by Studio040 reporters may be translated and support was

opted to work voluntarily for Eindhoven News, she replies: “I got to

provided when making the new website. On the future of Eindhoven

know Eindhoven News thanks to my English teacher, who was already

News, Irene came up with a wish list: have more readers, communicate

a volunteer, and then I started reading it daily. I am an expat and Eind-

with our target group interactively, have more self-written news, opinion

hoven News is an important source of information to me. That’s why I

articles and several regular columns, but also have a directory for expats,

thought that I would like to contribute as a volunteer. For those who

a page with classifieds and jobs. We like to receive articles from all parties

can’t speak Dutch it can be difficult to keep themselves up to date with

in Eindhoven who operate internationally, create an active communi-

news and events in the city. So my wish is to help other expats to feel

cating international community and connect all internationally-minded

less disoriented. The best part of being in the Eindhoven News team is

people. Irene and the Eindhoven News team hope to continue and

sharing experiences, information and opinions with people coming from

to stand strong. They believe they have a good core of active people

different countries.”

Eindhoven News is floating on. Irene says: “I hope we can develop and expand, become more well-known. We hope to provide news and infor-

Irene maintains and manages all the working of the newspaper. On the

mation, independent of any organization or company, daily, accurately

query of how she accomplishes different tasks within Eindhoven News

and of high quality. I hope that by being informed newcomers integrate

she says: “Well, we have a daily schedule of translators, editors (Irene, Ma-

faster and feel welcome in the region.”

rianela, Ester, Hanny and recently Vianney and Galit), and people who put

Eindhoven News is continuing its journey from a newly-founded paper

the articles on the site daily (Carina and Aditi). Besides that, we have an

to a well-reputed prominent newspaper in the Brabant region. The

events person (Linda), a person that helps with the website (Aksel) and

Eindhoven News team hopes to achieve this goal soon with motivation

regular writers like Guido, Veronika, Mohsin, Carola, Ester, Lina and Aditi).

and consistence.

41

40-41_HOWDO_4-14_News.indd 41

05-02-14 15:24

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 42

05-02-14 15:09

Text: Laura Bastiaansen

Super fast, super ea s y super fresh at super and direct.com “Superdirect is faster and more efficient than the regular supermarket” “I don’t have enough time,” is a phrase we often use in our busy

Super fresh

daily lives. Superdirect.com is convinced that there is still a lot of

Superdirect.com’s unique selling point is that their products are

time to be gained by making everyday things easier. Therefore,

even fresher than the ones in the supermarket. Superdirect.com

superdirect.com jumped on the bandwagon and simplified

can deliver because its stock is minimal and the purchase based

shopping.

on daily customer demand.

At the order pick centre (OPC) all products are carefully packaged.

Superdirect.com is an initiative of businessmen Peter Pompen

They are then transported to the pick-up-point where everything

and Henk Niemansverdriet. Peter has years of experience

is stored at the correct temperature.

in automation and Henk has a background in logistics and fresh products. They have developed a chain that is faster and

Noord Brabantlaan 301a

more efficient than the regular supermarkets. Henk: “With

Eindhoven

my background I noticed that fresh products are left on the

T 0852 73 88 50

supermarket shelves for too long.” Peter realized that consumers

www.superdirect.com

love to simplify shopping. Peter: “With this concept we provide our consumers with convenience, time and fresher products.”

Super easy In the concept of superdirect.com the consumer orders online

“7 days a week, 24 hours a day, collect your groceries when it suits you!”

and picks up the groceries himself at an automated and ultramodern distribution centre. The groceries are carefully packed and ready for you to collect. Since the consumer’s time is scarce superdirect.com is open 24/7.

If you place your order online before 10 p.m. your goods are ready from 11 a.m. the next day. As soon as the customer arrives at the distribution centre the groceries will be delivered. Henk: “Superdirect.com is a platform for Foods & Goods. Besides picking up your groceries you will soon be able to send and collect parcels with us. Super easy and super fast.”

43

43_HOWDO_4-14_Superdirect.indd 43

05-02-14 15:26

Photos: Bobby Born

Launch of Howdo 3 l e t o H a z a l P k r a P in

44

44_HOWDO_4-14_Picture.indd 44

05-02-14 15:26

Agenda

SCALA TipoTango (Kanaalstraat 6) Argentine Tango: dancing bar

PopEi Eleven ‘s Eve + Turbulence SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

INTERNATIONAL AGENDA UIT IN EINDHOVEN This agenda contains language independent or English performances/pieces of arts and cultural life in Eindhoven. Dutch theatre, cabaret, lectures or movies or not included. You’ll find the complete program on www.uitineindhoven.nl

February 2014 WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Dynamo

We Are The In Crowd + support

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos Bro’s before Ho’s

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Looking up the ear , listening evening by Frank de Munnik

CKE, Pastoor Peterstraat180 Music for lunch

Parktheater Abafazi Mothers of Africa WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 UNTIL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

Oude Rechtbank

Evenings: Where art and cafe merge THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Lunch Break Concert Rodin Trio

Oude Rechtbank After Work

Effenaar Mayday Parade + Man Overboard + Divided

by Friday

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company

Gaslab , TU / e Divers: Evening of Friendship FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Effenaar

Jebroer + support

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Heather Nova , an intimate evening with Heather Nova

Van Abbemuseum Family art club

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Ignace Michiels, organ concert

Catharinakerk Choral music in Catharina Church: Eindhoven Choral Society

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Blue Note Club Sessions: DelMontis

Ice Sports Eindhoven

StukaFest

Parktheater Nationale Reisopera: The Fairy Queen WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Van Abbemuseum

Baltan Laboratories Workshop ‘ Hacktivism ‘

Parktheater Golden Earring in Concert

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos Putin’s Olympic dream WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 T/M SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Oude Rechtbank

Evenings: Where art and cafe merge

Rockcity (Ruff ) vs. Kill Burg (Tilburg Trappers )

THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Parktheater

from this date: 12 Years A Slave

Kataklo Athletic Dance Theatre

Natlab by Plaza Futura Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

philharmonie zuidnederland , Michel Tabachnik conductor Mikhail Rudy piano

Lunch Break Concert / Open rehearsal: philharmonie zuidnederland. philharmonie zuidnederland , Jan Willem de Vriend conductor Guy Braunstein violin Blue Night Concerts: Hans Teeuwen & The Painkillers

Effenaar

TAC

Bonzai Classics

Pecha Kucha Eindhoven # 12

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Effenaar

PopEi The Cover Train

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Dynamo

Metal Record Fair

Van Abbemuseum Free with admission ticket valid for the museum

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Berget Lewis + support FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Effenaar

ReVamp + My Propane

Cafe Wilhelmina

SPAM !

Def Americans Johnny Cash & The Tennessee Three Sun Sessions

Oude Rechtbank

SCALA TipoTango (Kanaalstraat 6)

CKE Cafe

Effenaar Bongo Botrako + support MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Natlab by Plaza Futura Movies that Matter

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos Putin’s Olympic dream

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Anna Coogan & J. D. Foster

Argentine Tango: dancing bar

Effenaar A Night With Dr . Lektroluv SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Van Abbemuseum Children’s Club

Yksi Expo The Second Reading Musical Chairs: Jacco Bregonje

Catharinakerk

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Organ Music in the Cathrien: Henk Verhoef

StukaFeest

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Various locations Eindhoven Filmhuis Zwarte Doos Putin’s Olympic dream

Academisch Genootschap

Natlab by Plaza Futura

Volksuniversiteit Eindhoven: Music is sound music speaker Theo Lokin

Bert Hana - # Alleman (with discussion afterwards )

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

The Coronas Clubnacht

J. S. Bach and surroundings , listen evening by Frank de Munnik

Effenaar

Effenaar

Blue Note Club Sessions: Fresh From The Can: Han Litz Group Anima Eterna & Collegium Vocale Gent - Carmina Burana

Dynamo M.O.D. & Billy Milano (Spoken Word ) + Violation Of Trust , Tarantino & Collision

Natlab by Plaza Futura Screen it Loud

45

45-48_HOWDO_4-14_Agenda.indd 45

05-02-14 15:11

Agenda PopEi AEM Kick-off

Effenaar SAW Other 80’s: DJs Rob’a’billy + + Robbert guests SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Ragazze Quartet

Van Abbemuseum Free with admission ticket valid for the museum

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Masters & Companions

Natlab by Plaza Futura from this date: Her

Syb van der Ploeg, Maarten Peters and others: The best of Braitin (part 2)

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Effenaar

Lunch Break Concert: Yvonne Cook , mezzo soprano Frans van Ruth , piano

Effenaar The Gladiators feat . Droop Lion + United Sounds

Natlab by Plaza Futura Axesjazzpower: Bram Stadhouders Trio & Dutch Chamber Choir | Henosis FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Cafe Wilhelmina JP Mesker & The uncommited Crimes

SCALA TipoTango (Kanaalstraat 6) Argentine tango: dance hall

Effenaar Admiral Freebee MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY

SCALA TipoTango (Kanaalstraat 6) carnivalesque fairytales

March 2014 MONDAY 3 MARCH

Effenaar Camel

THURSDAY 6 MARCH

Parktheater

Zanger Opera Zuid: Please Turn Over

Effenaar The Meschiya Lake Quartet

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

FRIDAY 7 MARCH

Parktheater

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door Pip Utton: Casanova

The World’s End

Effenaar

Parktheater Pilobus Dance Theatre: Shadowland

Lighttown Fidelity: Candybar Planet + Komatsu + 7 Weeks Daryll-Ann

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 8 MARCH

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos The World’s End

Effenaar Admiral Freebee

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Looking up the ear , listening evening by Frank de Munnik

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Blue Note ClubSessions Philharmonie Zuidnederlamnd SUNDAY 16 MARCH

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

MONDAY 17 MARCH

Tankard & Neck Break Nation

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos

We All Love 80’s & 90’s + Remember the 80’s

Dynamo

The World’s End Lynn Miles Niek Kleinjan

Effenaar

Los Musicos de su Altezza Huub 80

Naked Song presents: The Meschiya Lake Quartet Brentano Quartet

Filmhuis Zwarte Doos

SATURDAY 15 MARCH

Sila

Arno’s Theatre Arno Huibers & Paul van der Heijden - Clowns Gift

Club 3voor12 Eindhoven: o.a. Iris Penning

Parktheater

Kung Fu Fantasy: The Legend Continues

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Rokia Traore Ensemble Tirana TUESDAY 11 MARCH

Parktheater

Jose Navas: Personae

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Garron Frith & David Philips TUESDAY 18 MARCH

Effenaar

Joan As Police Woman THURSDAY 20 MARCH

Effenaar Danny Vera

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Valentina Lisitsa FRIDAY 21 MARCH

Parktheater

Hair – Let the Sunshine in: The Musical

Effenaar Disclosure Town of Saints Chef’Special: Sold out

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Dadadan Tenko SATURDAY 22 MARCH

Parktheater

Introdance Ensemble for Youth: Pulcinella & Purple Fools

Effenaar Red Fang Red Fang afterparty: Monomyth + Zamora

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Yundi Nick Lowe Solo

Parktheater

SUNDAY 23 MARCH

Pilobus Dance Theatre: Shadowland

Dutch Dance Theatre: Program B: Leon, Lightfoot & Inger

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Gulnara Shafigullina & Olga Kozlova

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 T/M SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH

WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH

TUESDAY 25 MARCH

Crazy Piano’s: Let’s Go Crazy

Ish: DJ Moz’art

Parktheater

Oude Rechtbank

Evenings: Where art and cafe merge

Parktheater

Parktheater

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

Effenaar

THURSDAY 27 MARCH

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Morgan Heritage

from this date: Nebraska

Dotan The Veils

Natlab by Plaza Futura

FRIDAY 14 MARCH

Menahem Pressler: Masterclass Philharmonie Zuidnederland28 Cuca Rosetta

Natlab by Plaza Futura

from this date: Blue Ruin

Parktheater

Effenaar

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

46

45-48_HOWDO_4-14_Agenda.indd 46

05-02-14 15:11

FRIDAY 28 MARCH

Parktheater

t/m March 30, 2014 Museum of Arte Util

Guido’s Orechstra: Pop Meets Classic

Effenaar traumahelikopter + Afterpartees Suono Culture: Michel de Hey SATURDAY 29 MARCH

Parktheater

International Opera Productions: La Bohème

Effenaar Hunting The Robot Blackout: DC Breaks + State of Mind + Black Sun Empire e.v.a.

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Blue Note Club Sessions: Ben van Gelder Trio Giovanca SUNDAY 30 MARCH

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven Paolo Giacometti MONDAY 31 MARCH

t/m July 11, 2014 Arnoud Holleman Memorial for an artist t/m May 2, 2014 Creative determination permanent exhibition Dan Perjovschi wall Drawings

Natlab t/m February 25, 2014 Baltan Open Lab Exhibition Co - Created Wearables

MU | Strijp S t/m March 9, 2014 Nelly Ben Hayoun Disaster Playground: A Pre- Enactment

Parktheater

Yksi & Expo (Strijp - S )

Neander Theatre Company: Blam!

t/m April 19, 2014 The Second Musical Chairs Made in Eindhoven: Stools Izabela Boloz: Waiting Rooms

EXPO Agenda

CKE , Stratumsedijk 22 February 17 t/m March 15, 2014 CKE Silkscreen Workshop Fantasy does not exist Piet Hein Eek t/m March 15, 2014 James Cauty THE AFTERMATH Dislocation PRINCIPLE Part IV Artspace Flipside 1, 2 , 8, 9, 15 , 16, 22 & 23 February 2014 CKE Neighborhoods in Eindhoven Vincentre t/m December 15, 2014 The Van Gogh family and their special relationship with Nuenen Various locations Eindhoven t/m in mid-2015 PROUD: Co-design: people-friendly design

Van Abbemuseum continuously Once Upon a Time ... The Collection Now

SCH14006-01 adv_Howdo_2.indd 1

45-48_HOWDO_4-14_Agenda.indd 47

t/m March 1, 2014 Two centuries Thonet

IN E IN D H OVEN

27-01-14 16:13

47

05-02-14 15:11

<advertorial>

ABN AMRO International Client Desk: custom-made flexible service As the technology capital of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is an enormously attractive city for expats.

When it comes to all their financial matters, they can expect a warm welcome from the ABN AMRO International Client Desk. ‘Expats want flexibility. We give advice wherever and whenever the customer wishes’, says Erik Gommers, International Client Desk branch manager for the South and East Netherlands region.

Our dedicated team at the International Client Desk in Eindhoven.

The International Client Desk recently assisted a future expat from China. ‘He was still in China and was planning to buy a house in the Netherlands’, recalls Gommers. ‘Our advisor discussed all the various mortgage options with him online, and he made his decision based on that. So before he had even arrived in the Netherlands, he knew exactly what type of mortgage he would have.’

If Gommers could summarise the service provided by the International Client Desk in one word, it would be ‘flexible’. ‘We are there for our clients at any time, and at any location. We also give advice via WebEx, as in the case of the Chinese expat. This online conference system allows our employees and clients to see and hear each other, and to share documents. What makes our advisory discussions unique is that they are always in fluent English.’

Many cultures Expats from all over the world have settled in Eindhoven – from China, Japan, Europe, the United States, and more and more people from India. Everyone brings their own culture and habits to the Netherlands.

‘This means the cultural awareness among our advisors is very important. What does someone from India look for? What do people from the United States want? These aspects are all taken into consideration when holding advisory discussions with our clients. But it is important to provide custom-made products and services in any case.’

Because of the presence of the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the number of expats with a connection to the world of technology is especially large. ‘I suspect that in Eindhoven it is ninety percent.

In the entire south-east of the Netherlands, they account for three-quarters of our client base. Technologists are interested in details – they always want to know the ins and outs. We also have many clients with links to the Eindhoven University of Technology, and of course we hope to be able to assist more employees at the university in the future.’

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 48

Ignorance Gommers has noticed that there is a great deal of ignorance about how the bank can help expats. ‘As soon as someone arrives in the Netherlands, there is so much they have to arrange. That includes opening a bank account. However, many clients do not know that they can also come to us for a mortgage or for help in managing their income and assets. Examples that come to mind are investments and pension products.’

ABN AMRO International Client Desk also assists with practical payment matters. Gommers mentions a service specially aimed at expats: ‘To be able to open a bank account, you need a “burgerservicenummer” (Citizen’s Service Number). It takes several weeks for the government to issue one, which therefore means that expats cannot open a bank account in the meantime. Thanks to the International Client Desk, however, they can, so that their first salary can be paid straight away.’

Many expats are also unaware of the benefits they are entitled to under the so-called ’30 percent tax rule’. ‘This means that they are liable to less tax, and can keep more of their income for themselves.

As a result, they may be in a position to take out a greater mortgage than they originally imagined’, explains Gommers.

Assistance everywhere As many expats are employed on the High Tech Campus, ABN AMRO has an International Client Desk office there. The other branch in Eindhoven, the largest, is on Vestdijk 18, in the centre of the city. ‘But if a client lives in Deurne, for example, we can also arrange to meet them at their home or at the local ABN AMRO office. But of course for simple services such as activating a bank card expats do not have to go to a branch of the International Client Desk – they can simply go to any branch of ABN AMRO bank.

That, too, is all part of the flexible services we provide.’

ABN AMRO International Client Desk, south-east Netherlands Office addresses: Vestdijk 18, 5611 CC Eindhoven Professor Holstlaan 4, 5656 AA Eindhoven (The Strip at the High Tech Campus) Telephone: +31 (0)40 237 90 00 E-mail: internationals.eindhoven@nl.abnamro.com ABN AMRO International Client Desk also has branches in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. For more information, please go to www.abnamro.nl/expat.

05-02-14 15:09

Agenda About the Effenaar If the name ‘the Effenaar’ doesn’t ring a bell – don’t be ashamed. However, if you like music, partying, dancing and tasty restaurants, you might want to get to know the Effenaar a little bit better. Read all about pop/rock concerts, dance nights and more on its website: www.effenaar.nl. Just a bit of namedropping: since 1971 bands like Stromae, Gotye, The Ramones, The Cure, Joy Division, Sex Pistols, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M., Queens of the Stone Age and Lil Wayne have all played the Effenaar!

THE GREEN DOCTOR STRIKES AGAIN!

vr ijDAG 21 fe br uA ri

DINSDAG 18 MAART

JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN

Grote zAAl | AAnvAnG: 23:00 uur | open: 23:00 uur | prijs: € 15,00 | www.effenAAr.nl

Friday February 21, 2014

Tuesday March 18, 2014

A Night With Dr. Lektroluv

Joan As Police Woman

Dr. Lektroluv ‘visual set tour’ + guests

singer-songwriter / rock / main hall

Electro / main hall

This woman steals your heart in seconds with an exciting

The green doctor is back for more electro house, beats and

blend of funk, rock and singer-songwriter music. Joan As Police

spectacular visuals. We still don’t know who’s behind that

Woman (Joan Wasser) shared the stage and studio with Antony

green mask, but what we do know is that he brings the best

& The Johnsons, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Damon Albarn and

and biggest parties in town. You will dance your socks of,

Rufus Wainwright, so we can without a doubt declare she

promised!

knows what she’s doing! This will be a night to remember.

http://www.effenaar.nl/agenda/7768

http://www.effenaar.nl/agenda/7759

49

45-48_HOWDO_4-14_Agenda.indd 49

05-02-14 15:11

THE GREATER THE CHOICE, the more the effort

Make it the perfect choice with Park Plaza Eindhoven WINTER SPECIAL Best Price Guarantee: 5% off* Conference Package from €29,50 Bed & Breakfast Package from €69,00 per room conference package: • 8 hour meeting room hire • Modern conference technology (extra wide screen and projector provided) • Breaks with coffee, tea, pastries and fresh fruit (maximum of three servings) • Three-course buffet lunch or extensive sandwich lunch • Delegate pad, pens, mints and mineral water • Complimentary Wi-Fi *Best Price Guarantee is applicable on the DDR conference package only

For more information visit parkplaza.com/meetings-winter-promotion

PPE Howdo 2 180 x 128 - 12641_v2.indd 1

18/11/2013 13:32

NEW: Professional childcare at the International School Eindhoven (ISE) Good news for parents and children who (want to) start at ISE or want to raise their child in an international environment. Columbus offers professional day care, out of school care and after foundation care at the ISE Campus.

Columbus is part of Kinderstad.

We offer children (0-13 years) an environment where they can explore, develop and just be themselves. We see your child.

Please contact our servicedesk (Servicebureau Kinderopvang) for more information t. 013-583 80 40 - e. info@sbkinderopvang.nl

50

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd 50

05-02-14 15:08

In 2011, Eindhoven was proclaimed as “The smar test region in the world”?

The DAF Museum’s rial building, is an industent? monum

Eindhoven was proclaimed by the Intelligent Community Forum. This we owe to the fact that we have managed to put

It was built in 1884 as beer brewery “De Valk”. Since then it has

up with a lot of different businesses and a new technological

had many different occupants, but has been DAF Museum’s

economy.

home since 1993.

as a In 1816, Eindhoven wuring? ct centre of hat manufa In 1816 there were 20 hat factories which employed a total of 175 people.

Eindhoven is called ‘’ Lampegat” during Carnival?

In the tradition of this festival all towns in Brabant are temporarily nicknamed. The name’’’’ Lampegat refers to Philips, which has been of great importance to the city.

Eindhoven has 158 nationalities?

n The flag of Eindhove hite consists of red and w stripes?

The flag has three red and two white stripes. They represent the former municipalities of Woensel, Tongelre, Stratum,

The city has over 218,000 inhabitants, 50,000 of them were

Gestel and Strijp. Since 1920, all mentioned municipalities

not born in the Netherlands.

are working together with Eindhoven municipality.

51

51_HOWDO_4-14_Did you know.indd 51

05-02-14 15:26

A new kind of global footprint.

Address

Heikant 1 3930 Achel Belgium

00_HOWDO_4-14_Adv.indd Boxx-Howdo_Back_2.indd 1 52

Contact

Claude Debussylaan 187/189 1082 MC Amsterdam The Netherlands

T : +32 11 55 99 10 E : info@boxx-expat.eu I : www.boxx-expat.eu

05-02-14 30-09-13 15:08 17:34