Netherlands Country Guide with Packing List

FACTS, FIGURES, AND A GENERAL OVERVIEWÂ

N E T H E R L A N D S YOUR COUNTRY GUIDE

GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT

SKILLCORPS

E X P E C T A T I O N S

A T

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G L A N C E

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

Capital City Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known its unpredictable weather. Rainfall is fairly common throughout the year with a drier period from April to September. Summers (average 66 F) in the Netherlands run from June to August and this is generally the most popular season for tourists.

Cold Winter (average 35 F) weather tends to run from November to March and brings with it cooler temperatures, snow and fog. The weather is generally warm during the fall and spring. This is also considered one of the most beautiful times of year since daffodils and tulips are in full bloom.

Major Religions Roman Catholicism 23.7%, Protestant 15.5%, (Dutch Reformed 6.5%, Protestant Church of the Netherlands 5.7%, Calvinist 3.3%) Islam 4.9%, other 5.7% (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism etc.) no religious affiliation 50.1%

Population 17,084,719Â

Official Language (s) Dutch, English

W H A T ' S

T H E

B I G

P I C T U R E ?

Political/ social climate Netherlands is generally regarded as a safe place for American tourists and Business travelers.

The country has a relatively homogenous population, progressive culture, and reputation for openness and tolerance.

How will we get around?

Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few dollars a day. However, Dutch cities are also very small and easily walkable We advise that you take public transportation in Amsterdam which is fairly reliable and stick with the travel arrangements made by your group

CALENDAR New Year’s Day / Nieuwjaarsdag January 1 Good Friday / Goede Vrijdag March 30 (not an official holiday) Easter Sunday / Eerste Paasdag April 1 Easter Monday / Tweede Paasdag April 2 King's Day / Koningsdag April 27 National Remembrance Day May 4 (not an official holiday) Liberation Day (holiday every 5 years) May 5, 2020 Ascension Day / Hemelvaartsdag May 10 Whit (Pentecost) Sunday May 20 Whit (Pentecost) Monday May 21 Sinterklaas December 5 Christmas Day / Eerste Kerstdag December 25 Boxing Day / Tweede Kerstdag December 26 New Year's Eve / Oudejaarsavond December 31

GOOGLE FOR THE EXCHANGE RATE, IT CHANGES DAILY!

B U D G E T I N G &

P L A N N I N G

Accessing cash Your credit cards, just like debit cards would work on most ATMs in the Netherlands, particularly VISA or MasterCard, although it has its demerits. Many businesses in Netherlands do not accept credit cards and many stores add a surcharge when using credit cards, since the card issuers would charge them also.

• Note that as a tourist, you stand the risk of being targeted by criminal minded workers, who may swipe your card extra times when you are not watching.

Daily expenses

National Currency | Euro

Expenses will vary depending on individual and situational needs but here is a sample budget for a typical working day at the partner site. We will leave budgeting for souvenirs and gifts up to your discretion

Small meal Bottle of water Taxi 1 mile Taxi 1hour Waiting

€14 €1.86 € 3.22-4.02 €30.00

H O W

W I L L

I

C O M M U N I C A T E ?

Will I be able to use my cell phone?

Cell phone usage is ubiquitous across the country with more people having access to mobile phones. You may wish to look at alternative service providers to avoid high costs.

How do I avoid incurring high costs?

There are three main mobile phone operators in the Netherlands:  Vodafone (Britishowned), O2 (owned by PPF) and T-Mobile (owned by German Deutsche Telekom). All of them offer pre paid option which is  much cheaper in comparison to carrying your native SIM. Internet access Internet connections are generally reliable in most urban and tourist areas however the bandwidth speed may not be as efficient as you are used to. Due to current lack of public funding by the EU the internet infrastructure currently lags other developed nations.

H O W S H O U L D

I

D R E S S ?

What do people wear in the Netherlands?

There are not many restrictions to clothing styles- on the streets, you are  free to wear whatever you like (shorts, skirts, tops etc.). However certain places such as offices, nice hotels and restaurants do expect you to uphold a certain level of decorum. .

As well, as a representative of the organization, we ask that you maintain a modest dress and professional, respectful approach to travel in the Netherlands.

M O R E

T O

T H I N K

A B O U T

LGBTQ+ TRAVELERS What is the legal status of the LGBTQ The Netherlands was one of the first countries in the world to legalized same-sex conduct in 1811 and was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001.

What are the sociocultural attitudes surrounding the LGBTQ and other social issues?

The Dutch are generally progressive on many social issues like gay marriage, abortion, freedom of speech and expression etc.

Autism in Netherlands Autism awareness is widespread in schools and youth-oriented services but inclusion still remains in the future. The future still remains on the children, and adults with Autism are still supported by simple inflexible structures. .Â

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CLIFTON FADIMAN

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M A P S ,

P H R A S E S ,

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M O R E

IMPORTANT PHRASES Yes/no Ja nee

Thank you Dank je

No meat Geen vlees

Have you heard of autism?

Heb je gehoord van autisme?

Hello Hallo

Where is the bathroom?

Waar is het toilet?

No milk Geen melk

Goodbye Vaarwel

Check, please Controleer alsjeblieft

No wheat/no flour Geen tarwe / geen bloem

My name is...

Mijn naam is...

Vegetarian Vegetarisch

Allergy Allergie

W H A T

D I D

O T H E R S T H I N K ?

"I absolutely love it here. The people are amazing, the view is amazing, the culture is surprisingly diverse and full of energy. I had an idea of the Netherlands and I've been surprised by how different it is.

Good surprise!

-Â Katie

"So incredibly picturesque! And the stroll on the beach was a highlight of my entire stay.

"Don't hesitate to try any of the food. The flavors are strong and unique and delicious!

- Sarah

- Allison

"The city of the Hague was beautiful.

Amsterdam always receives all the attention, but for me, The Hague is a city worth exploring.

And, it's on the beach!

- Sami

"Amsterdam has so much to offer, I'd definitely encourage taking the time to explore.

"If you have a chance to ride bicycles through Amsterdam or in The Hague, do it! It's on of the best ways to explore and really experience the culture.

So many people use bikes to get around, and I loved commuting on my own speed the whole time we were there.

- Amy

COPYRIGHT GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT | 2018