The XPAT JOURNAL Spring 2010 issue
Contents
IN THIS ISSUE 3
From the Editor
4 60
From the Point of View of... Stephen Pegg Hold Your Head Up High
8
INTRODUCTION INTERVIEW
EDUCATION
34
Getting an Education in the Netherlands: From Primary to Ph.D. International Education References Pursuing a Mission The Many Elements of ‘Leren’ at the International School of The Hague Hidden Treasures of a Webster Degree International Education at the Rijnlands Lyseum International School of Amsterdam Solid Foundation, in the Past and for the Future ROC Mondriaan - Poised for the Future
12
Study-Related Tax Benefits
18 24 26 28 30 31 32
14 20 23 36 38
TAX
BANKING
ABN AMRO: Giving International Clients Support in a Language They Understand
THE REGION
A Brave New World: Game Industry and Education in Utrecht New Expat Service for Companies in The Hague
HR
Bringing Knowledge Migrants to this Banana Republic The Hidden Costs of Intercultural Misunderstandings
40 46 54
Château, Chapeau Diary of Events No Tip-Toeing, Please
50
Art Diary
54 58
LEISURE
ART
SPORTS
GiroMania! Amsterdam Hosts Italian Extravaganza
EVENT
The Hague Jazz, Great Music, Plenty of Choice
62
ABC Spring Top 5
64 66
Bicycle Mania Photo Contest Expat of the Year Awards
70
Cooking Unites
68
RECOMMENDED READING CONTEST
COOKING COLUMN
Things to Do to Get a Grip on Dutch Literature... Funny You Should Ask About... Education vs. Wisdom
76
SERVICE
74
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letter from the
The XPat Journal ® The premier magazine for expatriates in the Netherlands Published quarterly since 1998 Volume 13 Number 1 March - May 2010 ISSN 1388 932 X PUBLISHED BY The XPat Journal c.v. Bert van Essen Van Boetzelaerlaan 153 2581 AR The Hague, the Netherlands Tel.: +31(0)70 306 33 10 Fax: +31(0)70 306 33 11 E-mail: info@xpat.nl Website: www.xpat.nl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Dijkstra E-mail: editor@xpat.nl CONTRIBUTORS Shirley Agudo, Stephanie Dijkstra, Patricia van der Hut, Nette Menke, Suzanne Schreve, Angela Tweedy, Deborah Valentine, Hayley Wakenshaw, Tijmen Wisman, Pierre Wind ADVERTISEMENT INFO The XPat Journal c.v. Tel.: +31(0)70 306 33 10 Fax: +31(0)70 306 33 11 E-mail: sales@xpat.nl TRANSLATIONS Across Borders, Driebergen GRAPHIC DESIGN Studio Ferry Bridié BNO, The Hague PRINTED BY Koninklijke De Swart, The Hague SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe for € 19.50 per year visit: www.xpat.nl For subscription service, change of address, termination and back issues, e-mail: subscriptions@xpat.nl © 2010 The XPat Journal c.v. All rights are reserved. No part of The XPat Journal may be reproduced or used in any form without permission in writing from the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. However, the publisher and writers cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information included. The content of The XPat Journal is not intended to serve as legal, immigration or tax advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with professional advisors for advice concerning specific matters.
Editor
Doing interviews for The XPat Journal gives me the privilege of meeting some wonderful, fascinating, insightful people. One of the great things that you learn when conducting these interviews is that, eventually, most people find their place in this world - be it by following a straight path from the minute they can crawl, to the long and laborious road over mountains and through valleys. This time, I had the special joy of meeting Stephen Pegg, who teaches four subjects in the bilingual program of a high school just outside Utrecht. Here is a man whose path in life led him through alleys, over bumpy roads, and on highways, and brought him to a job for which he is exceptionally well suited - precisely due to the course his adventures took. Yet we would be naïve to think that he has found his final destination; Stephen is a man who was born to learn every day of his life and to let his knowledge always lead him to someplace new where he will be able to share his life lessons to the benefit of others. A few years ago, I met someone who was on the path to where he was at the time of the interview from the moment he could toot - the oboe that is. As a young child, Alexei Ogrintchouk already showed great talent and through sheer force of will and musical gift he made his way from Russia to the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, winning a number of awards along the way. Other people have been given a shove by fate, such as Tasoula Georgiou-Hadjitofi, for whom a series of traumatic events as a young girl growing up on Cyprus pushed her into a life worthy of a Dan Brown novel, as she went in search of justice and her country’s cultural history. All of these interviewees have a story to tell and a gift to give - be it wisdom, compassion, passion, inspiration, talent, or a drive to do what’s right. Which makes every interview not only an adventure, but also a reminder of the fact that there are a lot of wonderful individuals out there who take away your cynicism about the fate of this earth. Which brings me to my own, modest, slice of life’s lesson for today: if you’re feeling blue, and the skies are grey, and the newspapers are depressing, and CNN is running that same discouraging story for the umpteenth time - why not grab your raincoat and step out into the big wide world in search of a seemingly ordinary person who, if you ask a few pertinent, or soul-searching, or thought-provoking questions, might turn out to be a font of wisdom and wit to brighten your day and your view of the world. And, if you see someone in need of a little soul-boost, don’t hesitate to share the good things that you have distilled from life either. I once heard someone ask: “What’s worse, a half-empty glass, or a half-full one?” To which the other answered: “It depends on what you are afraid of.” “Huh,” said the first. “But the glass is still the same.” “Exactly,” said the second. Whether the world is a good place or a bad place, depends on your point of view. And sometimes it takes a simple insight to change your perspective.
VISIT WWW.XPAT.NL THE XPAT JOURNAL
3
INTERVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHY ELLEN GROOTES
In the articles entitled “From the point of view of...”, we tell the story of an expatriate who is living in the Netherlands. In each edition, we interview an expatriate, each time from a different country and each time in a different position (the person who was placed here by the employer, came here on his or her own initiative, the partner, the family members, etc.) For this issue of The XPat Journal we interviewed Stephen Pegg, teacher of, a.o. Drama at a Dutch
W
bilingual high school in Zeist. When we raise our children, we hope to spare them the pain
impressive,” he observes. Then he moved back to England,
and heartbreak that life will inevitably bring. We want to stand
where he had a part in a West End show (On Your Toes), as
at all crossroads with them, and steer them in the right direc-
well as in a few productions of the Tricycle Theatre. “I also did
tion. We want them to recognize their own potential and to
voice-overs, commercials, some modeling. I even had small
go after getting the absolute most out of it, without hesitation.
parts in TV shows, such as Eastenders, and Young Sherlock
But the wisest, most valuable people often turn out to be
Holmes - but still nothing very significant.” During this time,
those who had to do this all by themselves. They take what,
aside from working at the restaurant The Pheasantry in King’s
at first sight, might seem to be the wrong road. Or, at the very
Road in the evenings, Stephen also worked at an antique
least, a long, long detour. They go for the excitement of a life
store on Pimlico Road, in Chelsea, from 1985 to 1989. “The
shared with people whose life, perhaps, has no real direction.
store, which I managed for Richard Mills, was at Holbein
They exasperate the ones who love them by veering off on
Place, right in among the shops of Nicholas Haslam, Nina
another course, just as their promising future seems within
Campbell and David Mellor. This was a time when interior
reach.
design shops were really taking off and it was wonderful to
But who are we to determine what our child’s future is?
be a part of that.”
And why is it that our full potential has to be quantifiable in terms of salary, corporate position, and degrees? We declare
Stephen smiles wistfully and says; “But the reality was that
that all we want is our child’s happiness - and then we go
I was a waiter, waiting for a part. And that was very pain-
about mapping a rigorous preparation for a life that is so full
ful. Theater is my love. I had been to the Central School of
of achievement that it leaves little room for fulfillment.
Speech and Drama in London and had friends in the Royal Shakespeare Company who were very successful, while I
And we really do mean well.
was not. So I forced myself to be honest with myself; was it going to happen for me? Because if it wasn’t, then it was
4
Stephen Pegg, at the tender age of 15, took responsibility
time to make a change.” Having worked too hard and partied
for his own life. Not because his parents weren’t there, didn’t
too hard - “My life revolved around being the life and soul
love him, or didn’t mean well. Stephen had his own inner
of the party” - Stephen lost his job with the antique store.
guide, whose voice he chose to listen to.
Deciding it was time for substance in his life, he went to
In 1978, when he was 15, Stephen came to Amsterdam
Kingsway College to get his secondary school diploma, and
to approach a Kibbutz agency, where he arranged to stay in
then on to London University where he studied History of Art
a kibbutz near Haifa for a year. At age 16, he went back to
at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Always in for
England, where he got his first ever job in theater, working
a new adventure, Stephen also became a butler. “This gave
with Chicester Festival Theatre, in Sussex. “I did small roles,
me access to the most interesting people and houses,” he
in Much Ado About Nothing, Terranova, Old Heads Young
gives a shy grin, and confesses: “There is a part of me that
Hearts and a few other productions,” he tells. Having dis-
suffers from grandiosity. My job as a butler totally appealed
covered the theater, he went to Los Angeles, where he went
to this - but it also paid for my art history studies. This was
to acting school at UCLA’s CalArts, while working at Carroll
in the late 80s, early 90s and I worked at a lot of corporate
O’Connor’s restaurant Ginger Man. His life in the US took
and high-brow events, in my penguin suit, hosted by anyone
him to Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, where he
from the Scottish Office’s Ministry of Agriculture to Princess
did advertisements, bit parts and walk-on jobs - “Nothing too
Margaret at Kensington Palace.” Yet also this life had him
THE XPAT JOURNAL
From the Point of View of...
Stephen Pegg
INTERVIEW
back in the party scene. Determined not to let this happen
one there was speaking English - for my benefit. It was very
again, he put this aspect of his life behind him, and in an
embarrassing. I decided that if I was going to integrate into
aim to help others make a change too, he went to prisons
society, I had to learn the language. So I enrolled at James
and institutions to talk with drug and alcohol addicts, both in
Boswell Institute in Utrecht, a brilliant language school, and
England and abroad. In the meantime, he graduated with a
got my Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal. Around
degree in History of Art.
that time, I was invited by friend to come a give a guest lecture at the school she worked for and I loved it so much
“When I got my degree in History of Art, I had a partner who
that I was reminded that this was something I had always
was a barrister, whose father was also very high up in the
wanted; to become a teacher. In London, I had decided
legal world. It was all very respectable, and my friends told
against it, because 17,000 students graduated per year from
me that as I was - as they summed up - eloquent, articulate,
the Institute of Education and that didn’t seem very promis-
outspoken, and convincing,” his voice lilts with light self-
ing. So I decided to go back to school to get my Education
deprecation, “I should become a barrister too. I decided to
Master’s.” First he needed a master’s degree in a subject
convert my Art History-degree into a law degree and followed
he was going to teach. “I decided to get a Master’s degree
a conversion course at the BPP Law School in London. I did
in Art History. I followed the course in Dutch and the first
the three-year program in one year; it was very intense, and I
couple of weeks I felt I was in over my head. At the Boswell
drove myself to the limit, but I made it through. I was accept-
Institute, I had managed fine, conversing in Dutch - with
ed into Bar School at Lincoln’s Inn, and did my pupilage. It
other non-Dutch students. But studying in Dutch among
was what I knew my parents had been waiting for. I was the
Dutch students is a different story! After I got my degree, I
prodigal son, who had returned home and was successful.”
went to IVLOS Teacher’s Academy in Utrecht, where I did the
Stephen pauses here, and stares into space for a while. “I
BITEP program, which qualifies you to teach at bilingual and
was sitting behind my desk during my second pupilage one
international schools.”
day when I decided; ‘this is not what I want from life. This is what other people want from my life.’ I left my desk, walked
Stephen now teaches at the Christelijk Lyceum in Zeist. “I
home, packed a small bag, went to the airport, and boarded
love the school,” he remarks. “It is a beacon of culture and
a flight to South Africa, where I did the Thelma&Louise thing;
I have enterprising, diligent, hard-working colleagues, who
driving across the country, and doing a lot of soul-searching.”
have joy for what they do. Here I teach Art & Culture (CKV),
He pours us a cup of tea and comments drily: “My father was
Drama, Theory of Knowedge (TOK) and Art, Craft & Design. I
exasperated. There I went again, 38 years old, throwing away
have the freedom to write my own program and I get to work
my life, as far as he was concerned.”
with kids - which I love doing.”
“I came to the Netherlands for a while, and worked for
If anyone is qualified to work with kids, one could argue,
Michael van Gessel, who is a landscape designer. This
this would be Stephen Pegg. Been there, done that is an
allowed me to travel across the world, working with him on
incomplete summary of what his life has been like. He knows
his projects. Through him, I met my partner, Pascal.” Stephen,
what it is like to be a teenager and to feel that you are mis-
clearly moved, takes a moment to search for words. “I believe
understood. He knows how tempting the big wide world is,
in synchronicity. I have traveled a lot, been to a lot of places,
with its charms and illusions, promises and let-downs. He
met a lot of people. But in Pascal I have found someone
understands what makes a teenager tick, and how to redirect
who loves me for who I am; my eccentricities, my friends,
them away from temptation and towards realizing their poten-
my madness, my zest for life. My good points and my bad
tial - taking into account their dreams and what more there is
points. Together, we have bought a beautiful little farm house
to the world, other than the corporate jungle.
and I can scarcely believe my good fortune. I have risked a lot, achieved a lot, lost a lot. But that, after all the unusual
“I believe in people who are a life source, who give you
roads I have taken, I am allowed to buy my dream house and
energy. And I believe in selflessness; in putting yourself
live there with the person I love - sometimes I am at a loss
towards helping others. And in humility. People tell me how
for words. I only wish my mother, who passed away last year,
knowledgeable I am, how educated. But I feel very modest
were here to enjoy this with me. I miss her very much and feel
about that. The things I know are a coincidence of life. How
the absence of her presence every day.”
can I be lauded for what life has taught me? I don’t want to be judged by what I say, I want to be judged by what I do; shar-
In 2003, after having been together for a year, Stephen and
ing everything I have learned. I want to use my experience to
Pascal went out to dinner in Amsterdam with mutual friends.
make a difference in other people’s lives.”
“We were all sitting around a table and I realized that every-
6
THE XPAT JOURNAL
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education
Getting an Education in the Netherlands:
From Primary to Ph.D. When you move to the Netherlands with children, there is at least one big decision you will be faced with; what school do you want to send your child(ren) to? Do you want to send them to a Dutch school, to an international school - or do you hope to find a so-called
A
nationality-based school, such as German, French, or British? A lot depends on what your further plans are when your stint in
Preparing for University
the Netherlands is through; will you be going back, will you be
If it is likely that your child will (want to) go to university in
moving on to another country? Or perhaps you plan on staying
your home country, then your best bet would be to find out
here indefinitely. Another important question is; what are you
whether there are any national schools from your home country
child’s academic capacities? And, what are his or her plans
here. As there are so many different types of international /
upon graduating from school? A practical matter is, of course,
nationality-based schools in the Netherlands, we would be hard
where will you be living; are there any non-Dutch schools
put to provide you with information on each and every one of
nearby? And then finally, to what degree do you want your child
them. We therefore advise you to contact the various interna-
to integrate into local society?
tional schools for more information on their program (for a list of all international schools in the Netherlands, visit the follow-
International Schools
ing website: www.sio.nl, of Stichting Internationaal Onderwijs,
In the Netherlands, you have a choice between sending your
the International Education Foundation). You can also find their
children to a Dutch school or to an international school. There
addresses through the websites listed at the end of the chapter.
are various ways for your children to get an international (or at
If there are no schools that offer your home country pro-
least, bilingual) education here, being the following. You can
gram, check whether the school you want to send your child to
send your children to a(n):
offers the ib (International Baccalaureate)-program, as almost
1. nationality-based international school: in the Netherlands, you
all, if not all, universities accept the ib-diploma. Particularly the
can choose between at least German, French, English,
international schools and the Dutch schools with an ‘interna-
American, Iranian, Japanese, Polish, Indonesian and Korean
tional stream’ are likely to have this program. You can find an
2. international school: there are several international schools.
overview of the schools that offer the ib-program on www.ibo.
These schools offer the option of obtaining an ib-diploma, see the following paragraph
org. Another option would be to send your children to a fully
3. school with an ‘international stream’: these schools have both
Dutch school. This will qualify them for a Dutch university, and
a Dutch and a parallel international program: this way, your
chances are that if they want to go to a university in another
child goes to the local Dutch school in your neighborhood,
country, all they need to do is pass an aptitude (and language)
where he or she follows an international program. This could
test. Of particular interest would be if your child were to follow
be an interesting option as it allows the children to become
the bilingual program (TTO), in which case the English-language
part of both the international and the local community of
aptitude requirements for studying abroad would likely be
peers
implicitly met.
4. a dual-language school: an increasing number of Dutch sec-
8
ondary schools also offer tto; tweetalig onderwijs, or
Fees and Taxes
dual-language education in which some of the courses are
The fees of the various non-Dutch schools vary considerably.
offered in Dutch and others in English. This is, of course,
In order to obtain information on these fees, please contact
only an option if your child already speaks Dutch.
the schools in question. Many companies pay or reimburse
THE XPAT JOURNAL
the tuition fees for expat children, and the payments and
interested in a study that will provide you with more practical
reimbursements are exempted from income tax. However, it is
experience, by means of traineeships, then your best bet is a
important to know that (reimbursed) tuition fees for attendance
university of professional education, also referred to as HBO.
at an international stream of a local school are not always
hbo-bachelor’s degree programs are longer, due to their
tax-exempt. Tuition fees and taxes are a complicated issue,
focus on practical experience, requiring students to follow in-
as there is also the 30%-reimbursement ruling, under which
company training.
tuition fees are deductible (though, again, not for all Dutch
Upon completing a HBO-study, you are awarded a Bachelor’s degree in a particular field, but not a Bachelor’s of Science or Arts. In the case of a wo-bachelor’s degree which is obtained after three years of study - this is a Bachelor’s of Science of Arts. The same distinction is made for master’s degrees, which take one to two years to obtain.
Tuition The
institutions
offer-
ing higher education in the Netherlands are divided into government-funded and government-approved.
Study-
ing at a government-funded institution will cost anywhere upwards from € 1,600 a year, for eu/eea-students. Non-eu/ eea students generally pay higher fees. The tuition fees schools with an international stream!) to be taken into account.
at government-approved, but not funded, institutions can cost
To be brought entirely up-to-date on this issue, we advise you
anywhere between € 1,200 and upwards of € 15,000 or more,
to contact your tax consultant.
depending on the length and level of the program. As of last year, the Netherlands government no longer funds study
University-Level Education / Ph.D.
placements, occupied by non-eu/eea students. Nonetheless,
What are the options for a university-level education? This is a
tuition fees in the Netherlands can be considered reasonable,
question that can arise either because your child has graduated
compared to international education options in other countries,
from secondary school, or because you yourself have come
while the level of education is excellent.
to Netherlands to study - either as a young student, or as an accompanying spouse.
Grants
The options are myriad. On offer in the Netherlands are more
There are specific grants for EU-students, North American
than 1,450 English-language courses, ranging from complete
Students, or Asian students. Other grants, for students from
bachelor’s and master’s programs to short two-week courses,
Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, include the
as well as Ph.D.-programs. Visit www.studyinholland.nl for an
Netherlands Fellowship Program, mena Scholarship Program,
overview of your options, which include Arts and Humanities,
and Libertas Support Fund, and - for all students, regardless of
Agriculture, Medical and Health Sciences, Mathematics and
their nationality - there are the Erasmus Mundus, hsp Huygens
Computer Science, Tourism, Law and countless more.
Program, Ford Foundation, Jean Monnet Fellowships Program
Specific to the Netherlands is the split in the type of
and Tempus. To find out more about these scholarships, and
university-level education available. For those more interested
whether you qualify, visit www.grantfinder.nl. Also contact your
in getting a ‘traditional’ university education, there are the so-
university in the Netherlands to find out whether it has a grant for
called WO-universities, of which there are 12. If you are more
international students, as some have their own grant programs.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
9
Education
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Loan Tuition Fees
Those who have refugee status or are asylum seekers and are
If you are an eu/eea national (listed below), but do not qualify for
starting a higher education can approach Stichting uaf Steun-
Studiefinanciering, you can receive a loan to cover your tuition
punt (www.uaf.nl, in Utrecht, 030 252 08 35) for more informa-
fees. In the case of legal tuition fees paid in connection with
tion on the possibilities of a grant. On their website, click on the
a government-funded institute of higher education, the total
little British flag in the top left-hand quarter to access a leaflet
annual amount of the loan is € 1,565 (for some or other reason,
listing the conditions you must meet.
the amount for the academic year of 2009-2010 had not yet been listed on the website). In the case of tuition fees paid in
Studiefinanciering
connection with a non-government-funded institute of higher
If are younger than the age of 30 and are starting your stud-
education, you can apply for a loan for the total amount of fees,
ies at a university or university of higher education, you have
up to a maximum of five times the so-called legal tuition fees.
a right to so-called Studiefinanciering, which is made up of a
To qualify for this, you must meet the following conditions:
basic grant, and additional grant, and an interest-bearing loan.
l
you are between the ages of 18 and 30
You receive Studiefinanciering during a period of four years (for
l
you are from: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech
some studies, such as medicine, the period during which you
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
receive the grant is longer), after which you are allowed to take
Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lat-
out a loan for an additional three years. The basic grant and
via, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway,
additional grant will be converted into a ‘gift’ if you successfully
Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Swe-
complete your studies within ten years - the name for this is prestatiebeurs, or ‘achievement grant’.
den or Switzerland l
The basic grant does not depend on your parents’ income,
you are enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited course at a funded or recognized institute of higher educa-
but it does depend on whether you live at home or not (it is
tion or university
lower if you do). The additional grant does depend on your par-
l
you have a Burgerservicenummer (citizen service number)
ents’ income. On top of these two grants, you can take out the
l
you have your own bank account in the Netherlands
studiefinanciering loan. Once you have completed your stud-
l
you have completed a ‘Restitution of tuition fee’ form, to be
ies, you pay back the loan, including interest, over a maximum
downloaded from www.ib-groep.nl.
period of 15 years, paying back a minimum amount per month.
Five Years of Legal Residence Studiefinanciering for Non-Dutch Nationals
As of May 9, 2005, any citizen of the eu/eea or Switzerland
If you are a non-Dutch national, legally residing in the Nether-
who has legally resided in the Netherlands for a period of five
lands, you have a right to Studiefinanciering if:
years (with interruptions not exceeding six months) is entitled
l you
are an eu/eea national and work(ed) in the Nether-
to a study grant (Studiefinanciering) or contribution in the study
lands during at least 32 hours a month (either on a tem-
costs. All you need to do is submit proof that you have been
porary contract, permanent contract, on call, free-lance or
living here for at least five years.
self-employed) - check the website for further applicable l
l l
l
l
rules
In short, like many countries, the Netherlands has a wide range
you have a type i (temporary) residence permit issued on a
of choices for those seeking an education. From kindergarten
variety of grounds (for an overview, please visit the site of
through Ph.D., you can get your entire education in English,
the ib groep)
while there are primary and secondary schools available in
you have a type ii (permanent) residence permit
several other languages as well. What seems to be reasonably
you have a type iii (temporary) residence permit or type iv
specific to the Netherlands is the option of obtaining a bilin-
(permanent) residence permit, for asylum seekers
gual secondary education as well as the option of attending
your parent(s) or partner is an eea-citizen and works here
the international stream of a Dutch school. These are not only
at least 32 hours per month (either on a temporary contract,
rather unique, but also quite attractive, as they allow you the
permanent contract, on call, free-lance or self-employed)
best of both worlds. All in all, be sure not to overlook all the
you or your parents (on your behalf) have already received a
options available to you, from primary to Ph.D., when looking
study allowance at an earlier point in time.
into obtaining an education in the Netherlands.
eu/eea nationals who do not qualify for Studiefinanciering, can, however, apply for a tuition fee loan, to be repaid upon completing their studies, see the following paragraph.
10
THE XPAT JOURNAL
For useful education references see page 16-18.
t: 06 147 60 597 e : m o n i q u e @ q u a l i t y r e n ta l s . e u w w w. q u a l i t y r e n ta l s . e u
Language
learning
for life
The BSN Language Centre is a dedicated department of The British School in The Netherlands, providing quality language courses for adults and children. Dutch Language Courses all levels • NT2 exam training • Dutch for business • private tuition • in-company courses • intensive summer courses
English Language Courses general English • Cambridge exam training • business English • in-company courses • CELTA • private tuition •intensive summer school for adults & children
For more info call 070 315 4080 New ion in t a c o l en henve c s d i Le open now
www.britishschool.nl
Tax
Study-Related Tax Benefits In these economically turbulent times it may be a good idea to take up a study and see if you can expand your knowledge and improve your opportunities on the labor market. As following a study can be an expensive endeavor, the Dutch tax authorities have created a substantial tax advantage that may give you that last nudge towards taking
I
the plunge and going back to school. If your study meets certain requirements, the expenses
ing the terms of repayment of the loan will be sufficient too. This is also the case if, for instance, your parents gave you a loan to pay for the study, but transferred the money directly to the training center or university. In this case, you will have to deliver proof by means of a written loan agreement between you and your parents. If your employer has contributed to your tuition fee, you can only deduct the amount you have paid yourself.
Definition of Study Expenses Besides the tuition fees, the costs of books and syllabuses are also eligible for tax deduction. The following expenses are excluded from deduction: l
cost of living, such as expenditures in connection with housing, food, beverages, and clothing
l
rent for study space, including inventory
l
travel and overnight expenses, including excursions. If you have bought a computer, the depreciation of the
incurred are tax-deductible. These requirements are:
computer is tax-deductible. In general, a computer has to be
l
the study or course is followed for the purpose of improv-
depreciated over a period of three years, taking into account
ing your position on the labor market
a final value of 10% of the purchase value. This calculation
you (or your fiscal partner) have borne the cost of the stud-
can also be used for second-hand computers. For instance, if
ies yourself.
you buy a computer that is one year old, you can write off the
l
computer in two years.
Improving Your Position It is not necessary for your study to actually result in a better-
Thresholds and Limits
paid job, as long as it is likely that by following this study you
Study expenses are deductible insofar as they exceed a
will be able to find a good position on the Dutch labor market.
threshold of € 500. The excess is deductible up to a maxi-
Not every study will be considered an improvement of your
mum of € 15,000 per year. For those who follow an expensive
opportunities. The courts, in judging the importance of learn-
course it may therefore be worthwhile to pay the tuition fee in
ing Dutch, following a course in fast reading, or taking driving
two or more instalments over two different years in order to
lessons, have ruled that these courses are too general to
fully benefit from the tax advantage.
qualify and that the related costs are not tax-deductible.
If you are older than 18 and younger than 30, you can opt for an exemption from this maximum amount of € 15,000 for
Bearing the Costs
a period of 16 calendar quarters, in which case the entire
You have to prove you have borne the cost yourself. This can
amount of study expenses can be offset against your income.
be proven, for instance, by means of a bank transfer from your
The threshold of € 500 remains applicable.
account. If you have taken out a bank loan to finance your
12
studies whereby the bank transferred the loan directly to the
Government Allowance
training center or university, a statement from the bank regard-
In some situations you can be eligible for a provisional gov-
THE XPAT JOURNAL
By Patricia van der Hut
ernment allowance for your study expenses, the so-called
also applies to study expenses. For instance, if you incurred
Studiefinanciering. This allowance is initially granted as a loan.
study expenses, your partner may be able to deduct these
If you complete your study successfully, the loan will be con-
on his or her tax return, rather than carrying forward the
verted into a tax-free gift. If you terminate your study unsuc-
expenses. This can be profitable if your partner is in a higher
cessfully, the allowance will be formally transferred into a loan.
tax bracket than you are.
If you are eligible for Studiefinanciering, you cannot deduct the actual expenses you have made but only fixed amounts
Averaging Your Income
that are set by the government.
Especially when you have followed an expensive course, your
The study expenses you have made are not tax-deductible
taxable income in the year the expenses were deducted may
in the year incurred, but in the year that the government allow-
be quite low compared to following years. You can then file a
ance has been formally transferred into a loan or a tax-free gift. If the allowance becomes a tax-free gift, the threshold of € 500 is increased with this taxfree gift.
No Income What if you have followed a study and incurred tax-deductible study expenses, but didn’t have any income? In that case, you can submit an income tax return and declare the study expenses you have made. Since you didn’t have any income during that year, the balance of your tax return will be negative. This loss will be carried forward indefinitely to the next year you do have a positive income. It is possible to submit tax returns retroactively over a maximum period of five years. This means that, if you incurred any
request to have the income over three years averaged. The
study expenses between the year 2005 and now, you will be
taxable income of these three years will be added up and
able to submit a tax return and claim the relief. If you have
divided by three and the income tax due will be calculated
already submitted your tax returns, you can request a retroac-
over this average income. If the difference between the actual
tive adjustment of the final tax assessment - to a maximum
income tax you have paid in those years and the tax on the
of seven years.
average income is more than € 545, you will receive the surplus as a rebate. Averaging your income is only possible if
Fiscal Partnership
the income tax returns for these years are definite and have
Under Dutch tax law, married people are automatically con-
been settled.
sidered fiscal partners. As of 2010, people who live together and have children or are joint owners of a house are also
As you can tell, the tax situation for students is well worth
automatically considered to be fiscal partners.
looking into, even if you have already completed your studies.
If you are not married but have shared a joint household for more than six months and are both registered on the same
Be sure to seek professional advice, so that you can enjoy the maximum benefit.
address, you can opt, on your tax return, to be considered fiscal partners. If you and your partner are fiscal partners, certain elements of your income tax return can be split between both
Patricia van der Hut is partner at Finsens in Amsterdam. She can be contacted at 020 - 623 44 47 or pvanderhut@finsens.nl.
your returns in order to achieve the maximum benefit. This
THE XPAT JOURNAL
13
Banking
ABN AMRO:
Giving International Clients Support in a Language They Understand Rick Scholten has what many would consider a dream job. In an office that lies right smack in the middle of the Schiphol Airport complex, he offers ABNAMRO’s international clients tailor-made financial services - accompanied by a view of hundreds of airplanes coming and going every day, a background of 25 languages, and an almost daily smorgasbord of exotic
“W
dishes brought in by his international team.
14
“What gives me so much pleasure in my work, is that, in my
of connections, in combination with the fact that we are the
opinion, the ABN AMRO bank simply offers its international
only bank that has a completely English-language website,
clients the best formula. Through the years we’ve grown to fill
make our bank a logical choice for expats. And I don’t mean
the niche we are in. When the bank was founded, its aim was
a website with a few English-language pages that, when you
to serve the international market. Multinationals that came to
click on a link for more information, redirect you to a jungle
the Netherlands opened an account with us - even though
of Dutch gibberish. No, we have somewhere in the vicinity of
their own national bank often had a branch office here too.
1,500 pages on the Internet, in English, including information
And with these companies, came the employees, who opted
on mortgages, regulations, insurances - you name it.”
to open a private account with us as well. Thus we acquired
A few years ago, the ABN AMRO decided to specifically
our extensive group of clients among the international busi-
target the international client market. They opened a 24/7
ness world, but also in the diplomatic world. There was never
telephone line, trained an expat staff and opened an expat
one particular moment in the past on which the bank decided
center. On a good day, they had 20 calls. “Clearly, there was
‘we are going to aim for the expat market’, but our history
something lacking in this concept,” Mr. Scholten smiles. “We
THE XPAT JOURNAL
had the expats, our market was growing, yet no one seemed
When an expat comes to the Netherlands, he is the center of
interested in our service center. Once we discovered that what
a triangle of parties: the relocation company, the employer and
they were looking for was personal contact and that the e-mail
the bank. And one of the first bureaucratic requirements he
traffic was on the increase, we decided to change our con-
must meet is that of a Burgerservicenummer (BSN), or Citizen
cept. We now offer personal account managers and extensive
Service Number. Without this, his employer cannot pay his
international support.”
wages, and he cannot pay his taxes, arrange insurance, open a bank account, or arrange a credit card. And the employer
Every bank will claim that they offer international support.
does not pay the relocation company for their services. “We
So what distinguishes the service that ABN AMRO offers,
meet the needs of our clients, making it possible for them to
from that of other banks? “We have two offices, one here at
open an account, arrange a credit card, and arrange con-
Schiphol and one in The Hague. In this office alone, there are
sumptive credit - so that they can take care of any immedi-
50 people who, among them, speak 25 different languages.
ate needs that require cash. And while we’re doing this,” he
The majority of these people are second-generation immi-
adds, “we keep an eye on that the Burgerservicenummer is
grants, who not only speak their native language and Dutch
actually arranged. Once this has been done, our client has
fluently, but are also well at home in the Dutch culture as well
met the most basic requirement for functioning in this country
as in their native culture. This means that they understand
and is well on his way to having all the necessary paperwork
not only the language that is spoken to them, but also the
completed.”
culture behind the needs of their clients, and the differences that might exist between what their clients are familiar with
The International Clients Desk has sent an informational pack-
and how things work here. Our office in The Hague offers the
age to local ABN AMRO banks, informing them of the services
same depth of support.”
they provide to expats and requesting them to forward any
How about the fact that the expat office is located at
new clients to their desk. “Of course, if you live in the bigger
Schiphol, in an external building; don’t the clients find that
cities, chances that you will find an office that has experience
inconvenient? “In fact,” Mr. Scholten answers, “this is the per-
with expat matters are reasonably great. But if you visit a
fect location. Our clients, remember, are expats or diplomats.
smaller office in, say, Goirle, they won’t be able to offer you
Most of them fly home several times a year; for vacation,
the services that we can. Not because they aren’t good at
to visit the grandparents, to celebrate national holidays, to
what they do, but because expats is not part of what they do.
attend meetings. We have meeting facilities both outside and
And welcoming expats and providing them with service while
inside the customs area, where we can meet with our clients.”
they are here, is one thing. But how many local banks know
He adds: “Of course, we are not limited to this location; we
what to advise an expat when he leaves the country again to
meet with our clients wherever it is most convenient for them.”
live somewhere else? Do they know that a year-round travel insurance is only valid if you live here? Do they know that
This year, as a result of the merger between ABN AMRO and
there are limits, in other countries, on the type of investment
Fortis Bank, the two banks will be consolidating their expat
you are allowed to make? Do they know whether or not you
services. “This is a great opportunity,” Mr. Scholten remarks,
can ‘export’ your pension plan? And do they know whom
“to learn from each other’s experiences. We might have the
the expat should contact in their new country of residence?
greater client base and the more extensive services, but you
Most probably not. And we feel that it is important to help the
can never assume that you know everything better and there
expats, also when they leave. Not only because this is in their
is no better moment to combine experience and knowledge
best interest; it is in our best interest too. Because if we make
than when you bring together two knowledgeable teams such
a mistake, we pay too. And what good does that do anyone?”
as ours.” In short, Mr. Scholten summarizes: “If you want to position “Time is money,” Mr. Scholten observes. “And I’m not talking
yourself as the best on the market, then it is one thing to claim
about our bank. I mean that our clients, either companies or
that you cover all bases. You have to prove that you are worth
private clients, don’t have a lot of time to spend reinvent-
the label; the best, the most extensive and the most customer-
ing the wheel. Particularly the knowledge migrants, rapidly
friendly.” And judging by the 50 employees sitting behind their
becoming our biggest group of private clients, have come
desks in the office: the most fulfilled.
here to work - hard. When they trust us to arrange things for them it saves them a great deal of worry and time - and once we have proven to be a trustworthy and capable partner, we
For more information on ABN AMRO’s services for international clients, please visit: www.abnamro.com/internationalclients.
develop a valuable relationship of trust.”
THE XPAT JOURNAL
15
International
Education References ORGANIZATIONS
P.O. Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam
List of Dutch Schools www.scholenlijst.nl
Endepolsdomein 150,
Visa For Students
6229 EP Maastricht
www.study-visa-holland.nl
Tel.: 043 387 08 08 - www.msm.nl
INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES
Nyenrode Business University
Tel.: 020 568 87 11 - www.kit.nl
Straatweg 25, 3621 BG Breukelen Tel.: 034 629 12 91 www.nyenrode.nl
Mauritskade 63, 1092 AD Amsterdam
The Ministry of Education, Culture And Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap)
Maastricht School Of Management
European University Laan van Meerdervoort 20,
Rotterdam Business School
INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION
2517 AK The Hague
Kralingse Zoom 91,
Tel.: 070 360 44 79 - www.euruni.edu
3063 ND Rotterdam
Europe Business Academy
Tel.: 070 412 34 56
Nuffic, The Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education
www.minocw.nl/english
For information on higher education
www.europe-ba.eu
Tel.: 010 452 66 63
Rijnstraat 50, The Hague. P.O. Box 16375, 2500 BJ The Hangue,
www.rotterdambusinessschool.nl
Delftweg 65, 2289 BA Rijswijk Tel.: 070 305 02 61
Kortenaerkade 11, The Hague, P.O.
Rotterdam School of Management Burgemeester Oudlaan 50,
Association For Public Education (Vereniging Voor Openbaar Onderwijs)
Box 29777, 2502 LT The Hague
Fion
3062 PA Rotterdam
Tel.: 070 426 02 60,
The Federation of Institutes for
Tel.: 010 408 22 22 - www.rsm.nl
e-mail: nuffic@nuffic.nl,
International Education in the
P.O. Box 10241, 1301 AE Almere
www.nuffic.nl
Netherlands: www.fion.nl
Tel.: 036 533 15 00 - www.voo.nl
Saxion Hogescholen with locations in Deventer, Apeldoorn
Nuffic Publications
The Hague University
and Enschede
Informatie Beheer Groep
See the complete list of Nuffic´s
Johanna Westerdijkplein 75,
www.saxion.nl
P.O. Box 30151, 9700 LB Groningen
publications in English:
2521 EN The Hague
Tel.: 050 599 77 55 (general info) -
www.nuffic.nl/publications
Tel.: 070 445 88 88
University Of Phoenix
www.thehagueuniversity.nl -
1e Riviumstraat 1,
www.ib-groep.nl
WEBSITES
www.haagsehogeschool.nl
2909 LE Capelle a/d IJssel
Informatie Beheer Groep
Study in the Netherlands
www.uop.nl
Productgroep Studiefinanciering
www.studyinholland.nl
HES Amsterdam School Of Business Fraijlemaborg 133,
050 599 80 36 (diploma recognition)
Tel.: 010 288 63 40
International Schools
1102 CV Amsterdam
Tiasnimbas Business School Utrecht
www.intschools.nl: National
Tel.: 020 523 64 29 - www.hasb.nl
Kromme Nieuwegracht 39,
P.O. Box 30154, 9700 LE Groningen Tel.: 050 599 77 55 - www.ib-groep.nl
Hbo-Raad
organization for Dutch schools with
Information on the higher professional
an international stream
ISS, Institute Of Social Studies
Tel.: 030 230 30 50
education and the universities
www.sio.nl: Stichting Internationaal
Kortenaerkade 12,
www.tiasnimbas.eu
of professional education in the
Onderwijs (International Education
2518 AX The Hague
Netherlands
Foundation) website with a list of all
Tel.: 070 426 04 60 - www.iss.nl
Prinsessegracht 21, The Hague
international schools
Tiasnimbas Business School Tilburg
Inholland University
Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg
The Official Masterguide
with locations in Alkmaar, Delft,
Tel.:013 466 86 00 www.tiasnimbas.edu
P.O. Box 123, 2501 CC The Hague www.hbo-raad.nl
3512 HD Utrecht
for a complete overview of the
Diemen/ Amsterdam, Haarlem,
The Royal Tropical Institute (Kit)
master’s degrees available in the
The Hague and Rotterdam
An independent center of knowledge
Netherlands.
www.inholland.com
and expertise in the areas of
Internet:
International graduate school of the
international and intercultural
www.theofficialmasterguide.nl
University of Twente
cooperation
16
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Tsm Business School
Hengelosestraat 583,
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
7521 AG Enschede
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Tel.: 053 489 80 09 - ww.tsm.nl
De Boelelaan 1105,
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
1081 HV Amsterdam
Den Deloch 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven
Tel.: 020 444 77 77
Tel.: 040 247 91 11
www.vu.nl
www.tue.nl
Tel.: 0317 477 477
Universiteit Leiden
Technische Universiteit Delft
Anthonie van Dijckstraat 1,
www.wageningen-ur.nl
Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden
Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL Delft
1077 ME Amsterdam
Tel.: 071 527 27 27
Tel.: 015 278 54 04
Tel.: 020 679 78 40
www.leidenuniv.nl
www.tudelft.nl
www.britams.nl
Universiteit Leiden Campus The Hague
Universiteit Twente Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede
Amsterdam International Community School
Wageningen University & Research Center
British School of Amsterdam
P.O. Box 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen
Webster University
THE RANDSTAD AREA
Boommarkt 1, 2311 EA Leiden Tel.: 071 516 80 00 www.webster.nl
Lange Houtstraat 5 - 7,
Tel.: 053 489 91 11
Primary School
INTERNATIONAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
2511 CV The Hague
www.utwente.nl
Uiterwaardenstraat 263,
Mondriaan International Business School
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
Tel.: 0317 477 477
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50,
www.wau.nl
Helenastraat 11, 2595 HA The Hague
3062 PA Rotterdam
Tel.: 088 666 54 17,
Tel.: 010 408 11 11
Open Universiteit Nederland
Tel.: 020 577 12 40
e-mail: business@rocmondriaan.nl
www.eur.nl
P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen
www.aics.esprit-sg.nl
Tel.: 070 302 10 76 www.campusdenhaag.nl
www.rocmondriaan.nl
1079 CR Amsterdam
Wageningen Universiteit
Tel.: 020 642 82 46
P.O. Box 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen
www.aics.esprit-sg.nl
Secondary School Wodanstraat 3, 1076 CC Amsterdam.
Tel.: 045 576 28 88
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
www.ou.nl
International School of Amsterdam
Mondriaan International Hotel & Management School
Comenuslaan 4, 6525 HP Nijmegen Tel.: 024 361 61 61
The Open University
Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen
Koningin Marialaan 9,
www.ru.nl
Lange Houtstraat 11,
Tel.: 020 347 11 11
2511 CV The Hague
www.isa.nl
2595 GA The Hague Tel.: 088 66644 44,
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Tel.: 070 360 74 43
e-mail: ihms@rocmondriaan.nl
Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen
www.open.ac.uk
www.rocmondriaan.nl
Tel.: 050 363 91 11 www.rug.nl
International School Almere Sas van Gentlaan 6, 1324 CT Almere
Open University in Europe
Tel.: 036 845 35 00
Eldon House - Regent Centre -
www.internationalschoolalmere.nl
Mondriaan International Tourism & Leisure Management
Universiteit Maastricht
Gosforth
Helenastraat 15, 2595 HA The Hague
Minderbroedersberg 4 - 6,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne - NE3 3PW
European School Bergen
Tel.: 088 66633 50,
6211 LK Maastricht
England
Molenweidtje 5,
e-mail: leisure@rocmondriaan.nl
Tel.: 043 388 22 22
Netherlands co-ordinator, tel.: 0044
1862 BC Bergen N.H.
www.rocmondriaan.nl
www.unimaas.nl
191 284 1611
Tel.: 072 589 01 09
www.open.ac.uk
www.europeanschool.nl
UNIVERSITIES
Universiteit Utrecht Lundlaan 12, 3584 EA Utrecht
OU Business School
VSNU
Tel.: 030 253 91 11
Walton Hall - Milton Keynes
International School Hilversum ‘Alberdingk Thijm’
The Association of Universities in the
www.uu.nl
MK7 6AA England - R. Ensor,
Emmastraat 56 - 58,
tel.: 020 412 19 62
1213 AL Hilversum
Netherlands, internet: www.vsnu.nl
Universiteit van Tilburg
E-mail: r.ensor@open.ac.uk
Tel.: 035 672 99 31
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg
www.open.ac.uk/netherlands
www.klg.nl/ish
Sarphatistraat 104,
Tel.: 013 466 91 11
1018 GV Amsterdam
www.uvt.nl
Tel.: 020 525 91 11 www.uva.nl
THE XPAT JOURNAL
17
Education
Violenschool International Department
2592 XH The Hague,
International School Eerde
tel.: 070 315 40 40
Kasteellaan 1, 7731 PJ Ommen
The Japanese School of Amsterdam
Rembrandtlaan 30,
www.britishschool.nl
Tel.: 0529 45 14 52 - www.eerde.nl
Karel Klinkenbergstraat 137,
Tel.: 035 621 60 53 - www.ipsviolen.nl
American International School of Rotterdam (Aisr)
International School Maartenscollege
Tel.: 020 611 81 36 - www.jsa.nl
Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest International School
Verhulstlaan 21, 3055 WJ Rotterdam
Rijksstraatweg 24, 9752 AE Haren
Tel.: 010 422 53 51 - www.aisr.nl
Tel.: 050 534 00 84
Stichting The Japanese School of rotterdam
www.maartenscollege.nl
Verhulstlaan 19, 3055 WJ Rotterdam
1213 BH Hilversum
1061 AL Amsterdam
Apollolaan 1, 2341 BA Oegstgeest
Rotterdam International Secondary School (Riss)
Helen Sharman British School
Elckerlyc Montessori Primary School With International Stream
Blijberg: Dutch and International
Lottingstraat 17, 9406 LX Assen.
Departments, Gordelweg 216-217,
Tel.: 0592 344 590
Le Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh
Klimopzoom 41, 2353 RE Leiderdorp
3039 GA Rotterdam
www.britishschool.nl
Scheveningseweg 237,
Tel.: 071 589 29 45
Tel.: 010 466 96 29 - www.blijberg.nl
Tel.: 071 519 35 55 - www.isrlo.nl
Tel.: 010 422 12 11 - www.jsrotte.nl
2584 AA The Hague
Joppenhof
Tel.: 070 306 69 20
Wolfert Van Borselen
Kelvinstraat 3, 6227 VA Maastricht
www.lyceevangogh.nl
American School Of The Hague
Bentincklaan 280,
Tel.: 043 367 13 35
Rijksstraatweg 200,
3039 KK Rotterdam
www.joppenhof.nl
2241 BX Wassenaar
Tel.: 010 46 735 22 / 46 603 22
Le Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh
Tel.: 070 512 10 60 - www.ash.nl
www.wolfert.nl
International School of Maastricht
Uiterwaardenstraat 60a,
International Department of Haagsche Schoolvereeniging
OUTSIDE THE RANDSTAD
Nijverheidsweg 25,
Tel.: 020 644 65 07
6227 AL Maastricht
www.lyceevangogh.nl
Nassaulaan 26, 2516 JT The Hague.
Afnorth International School
Tel.: 043 367 46 66
Tel.: 070 363 85 31
Ferdinand Bolstraat 1,
www.ismaastricht.nl
Indonesian School
www.hsvdenhaag.nl
6445 EE Brunssum
regional international school
Rijksstraatweg 679,
Tel.: 045 527 82 20
Humperdincklaan 4,
2245 CB Wassenaar
www.afnorthschool.com
5654 PA Eindhoven
Tel.: 070 517 88 75
Tel.: 040 251 94 37
www.sekolahindonesia.nl
www.elckerlyc.net
International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1,
1079 CB Amsterdam
www.riseindhoven.nl
Primary School, tel.: 070 338 45 67
International Department of Groningse Schoolvereniging
Secondary School,
Sweelincklaan 4, 9722 JV Groningen
Laan van Meerdervoort 158,
tel.: 070 328 14 50 -
Tel.: 050 527 08 18
International Secondary School Eindhoven Venetiëstraat 43, 5632 RM Eindhoven
Tel.: 070 346 10 41
Tel.: 040 242 63 35, internet:
www.iraniancommunityschool.com
2554 BX The Hague
www.ishthehague.nl
British School in The Netherlands
Maartens College International School
Admissions Office: Tarwekamp 3,
Postbus 6105, 9702 HC Groningen.
2592 XH The Hague,
Tel.: 050 534 00 84
tel.: 070 315 40 77
Iranian Community School 2517 BG The Hague
www.issehv.nl
Korean School Amsterdam Elegast 5, 1185 AA Amstelveen
www.maartenscollege.nl
OTHER LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
Vlaskamp 19, 2592 AA The Hague,
Arnhem International School
Deutsche Internationale Schule
Korean School Rotterdam
tel.: 070 333 81 11
Primary Department : Dr. Aletta
Van Bleiswijkstraat 125,
Verhulstlaan 21, 3055 WJ Rotterdam
Junior School Diamanthorst:
Jacobs School, Slochterenweg 27,
2582 LB The Hague
Tel.: 010 418 22 96
Diamanthorst 16,
6835 CD Arnhem,
Tel.: 070 354 94 54 - www.disdh.nl
2592 GH The Hague,
Tel.: 026 323 07 29,
tel.: 070 315 76 20
Secondary Department: Lorentz
Deutsche Schule Budel
Julialaantje 24, 2283 TB Rijswijk
Senior School: Jan van Hooflaan 3,
College, Groningensingel 1245,
Europalaan-Noord 16, 6021 EH Budel
www.szkola.nl
2252 BG Voorschoten,
6835 HZ Arnhem,
Tel.: 0749 549 17 76
tel.: 071 560 22 22
Tel.: 026 320 01 10
Foundation School: Tarwekamp 3,
www.arnheminternationalschool.nl
www.koreanschool.nl
Junior School Vlaskamp:
18
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Polish School in The Hague
Annie M.G. Schmidt's beloved characters Jip and Janneke have been Dutch icons for decades. Now you can read these simple, warm and humorous children's stories in English!
The AICS - provider of worthwhile experiences. We are a unique Primary and Secondary school located in Amsterdam, offering International education in English. We “cause” community-based, international learning for students of all nationalities, abilities and classes living in the Netherlands. We are pleased to offer:
• The International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme (IBDP) for children aged 16 - 19 years • The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) for children aged 11 - 15 years • The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for children aged 4 - 10 years
Spui 12, Amsterdam Lange Poten 23, Den Haag www.abc.nl
• 3 hours of Dutch per week • Additional English lessons (EAL) • Activities organised by the AICS and the Dutch community
• Affordable tuition,
City of The Hague The Hague Hospitality Centre
Primary School (€ 3.900,-); Secondary School (€ 4.800,- 5.800,-)
The IBDP is an internationally recognised pre-university course of study that leads to the acquisition of the IB Diploma, offering entrance into universities and institutions of further education worldwide.
WWW.DENHAAG.COM Your first point of contact for (new) residents of the city of The Hague
Prinses Irenestraat 59 • 1077 WV Amsterdam • T: 020 - 5771240 • E: info@aics.eu
Amsterdam International Community School
THE HAGUE IS JUST A CLICK AWAY! email: xpatdesk@denhaag.com telephone: 070 353 5043, every working day from 9.00 until 17.00 hours visitor’s address: City Hall of The Hague, Spui 70 (Atrium) opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9.00 until 17.00 hours
www.aics.eu
21420_GDH_Xpat_Advertentie129x95.indd 1
Learning to be me, And the best I can be
19-02-2009 13:47:53
admissions@ash.nl
Innovative International Education The International School of The Hague Education from 4 -18 International Primary Curriculum, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and much more...
www.ishthehague.nl
Education
A Brave New World: Game Industry and Education in Utrecht There are many features about the province
Hogeschool Utrecht, Photo Els Zweerink
of Utrecht to draw visitors and investors alike; from its landscape to its history, to its centrality with regards to major transportation networks within the Netherlands as well as Europe, to its
F
educational opportunities. For the business investor, Invest Utrecht, the province’s foreign investment agency, has a dedicated staff available to provide answers and assistance to those interested in setting up or expanding their European operations in the province. The province’s USPs (unique selling points) are quickly and clearly highlighted on their website, www.investinutrecht.com, and the staff at invest utrecht is more than happy to answer any of your questions and provide tailored advice, free of charge, and with full confidentiality.
Utrecht’s Rising Star In this issue of The XPat Journal, dedicated to Education in the Netherlands, it seems only fitting that the educational character of the province be highlighted. With 43% of the province’s labour force in possession of at least one post-
20
secondary degree, it is far ahead of the next runner-up at
ticularly relevant and interesting, namely, the game industry.
37.3%. The prestige and variety of post-secondary facilities
The adage: ‘...it does not matter if you win or lose, but how
are a huge attraction for local as well as international students,
you play the game...’ is perhaps of more relevance to today’s
and, as Ms. Ardi Eleveld of Invest Utrecht points out “...a
‘games’ than those of an earlier era. In fact, with today’s elec-
large percentage of the students remain in the province upon
tronic games, it is almost irrelevant whether you win or lose, it
completing their studies”. They do so for many of the same
is advancing to higher levels of difficulty and competence that
reasons investors choose Utrecht: its location, the opportuni-
keeps gamers going. And, in order to provide higher levels of
ties and the quality of life. Among the diverse variety of study
challenge, dazzling creativity as well as technological skills
programmes on offer in the province, one stands out as par-
are required - in playing the games, but more importantly in
THE XPAT JOURNAL
By Deborah Valentine
designing them; for play or work. According to the Fact Sheet on The Dutch Game Industry prepared by handelsroute.nl in 2009, “...the growth of the games industry in the Netherlands is enormous; 50% faster than any other industry in Holland”. This growth encompasses design, production, and distribution, as well as the educational and research facilities that support the industry. Utrecht is increasingly becoming the centre of all this, due to a variety of factors: an encouraging environment; countless educational opportunities; incubator support for
Wilhelminapark, Photo Willem Mes
one of the largest Universities of Applied Sciences in Europe specialised in Arts and Culture, which besides teaching also has an active knowledge and research organisation. One of its six research groups focuses on Games and Interaction Design. The University of Utrecht (UU) is also at the forefront of teaching and researching information and computing sciences, and is the home base for the multi-partner programme Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE) which aims to extend the benefits of game technology beyond the entertainment industry and demonstrate its relevance to the public sector. Added to the opportunities for studies in this field are those also on offer from Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU). The HKU, together with the UU as well as TNO (an independent research institute), have combined their creative talents and professional skills in the fields of computer science, information science, psychology and game design to create the Centre for Advanced Gaming and Simulation (AGS). The aim of the AGS is to create technology for effective learning and training experiences by applying gaming technology to new developers and initiatives, and relevant research projects.
the simulation of events, thus bringing the application of game technology to a more ‘serious’ level.
Students, Synergy and Creativity
The learning and research environment in Utrecht for the
Among the highly-skilled and motivated professionals contrib-
game industry is further complemented by the growth of small
uting to this upward trend many can be found in Utrecht - as
game developers who have been creating games for local and
students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
international markets. In order to support this increasing trend,
The Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) is nationally and
the Dutch Game Garden has evolved as an incubator for the
internationally recognised for its undergraduate and post-
many small entrepreneurs in the field. Their aim: to accelerate
graduate programmes in digital and interactive media. It is
the growth of the Dutch game industry. They do this through
THE XPAT JOURNAL
21
The Region
Francisco in the Spring and Gaming Industry - Photo Els Zweerink
the Tokyo Game Show in the Fall of 2010.
Science and Society In many of his novels, Aldus Huxley, author of A Brave New World, explored the diverging paths of science and society. While by no means suggesting that Utrecht is that brave new world, there is a link: not in the divergence of science and society but in how science is being used to
contribute
to
society.
Besides the application of the advances made in the gaming industry to projects that could benefit society as a whole, such as anticipating and preparing for natural disasters through simulation games or allowing current generations to relive history through the simulation of historical events, Utrecht has one other ‘science’-based a variety of initiatives, such as the Developers Club, the
sector that is also a draw for the province.
Game Company and Incubator, as well as the Game Business
Time and space make it impossible to present a thorough
Centres. Together, the latter two house 13 organisations; the
analysis of the opportunities within the life sciences in this
biggest concentration of game companies in the Netherlands.
article, but as is the case with the game industry in Utrecht,
According to the Dutch Game Garden, the unique feature of
the same synergy of partnerships exists for the life sciences
the Dutch games sector is that the companies in the games
sector. Here too, academia joins with research and develop-
industry cooperate constructively - rather than considering
ment and industry to contribute to one of the fastest-growing
each other as enemies - creating an ongoing synergy, and
industries in the Netherlands, including the widest range of
making the Dutch Game Garden a natural home for like-
life sciences education in the Netherlands, the only Dutch
minded entrepreneurs.
University to offer Veterinary Sciences as a degree, and the
There are countless supportive, related game industry
National Vaccine Institute, making the province the European
partners located in and gravitating towards Utrecht, and the
headquarters of a growing number of related industries with
rate at which the industry is growing gives no indication that
plans to expand the existing Science Park as well as extend
this trend will be slowing down in the near future. There are
the incubator centre for the life sciences.
many factors that contribute to this, not the least of which are the Dutch out-of-the-box media design, excellent train-
Utrecht: not to be overlooked if your interest lies anywhere
ing and top-notch scientific research, resulting in innova-
near tomorrow’s technology today.
tive entertainment and excellent casual as well as serious
To further explore the opportunities, or to enquire about doing
games. Invest Utrecht is looking forward to representing
business in Utrecht, contact Invest Utrecht at 030 - 258 23 96.
this particular USP of their province at the Shanghai World Expo in May 2010 and are proud of the impression Utrecht will be making with its game companies at such international events as the Game Development Conference in San
22
THE XPAT JOURNAL
For a complete listing of all the Game-related websites in Utrecht, you can download Dutch Games Go Global Utrecht Edition from www.investinutrecht.com.
EXPAT Living
New Expat Service for Companies in The Hague Close Cooperation Leads to Improved Services for International Companies International organizations and companies account for 11% of The Hague’s economy. For this reason, the municipality of The Hague has set up a new Expat
T
Service, which opened on February 1 of this year.
keting, International Affairs, ICT and Organization and Inner City) explained that The Hague is the most international city in the Netherlands. “Consequently, we are obligated to offer our expats and their families excellent support. This is a new step in the Excellent Services program of the City of The Hague,” he said as he handed over an Expat Service Process folder to Frits Köhler, Senior Immigration Advisor of Shell International BV. This new service is the result of a special cooperation
This service is the outcome of a joint effort between the munic-
between the IND, the Bureau of International Affairs (BIZ,
ipality, the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Services), and
Bureau voor Internationale Zaken), The Hague Hospitality
ACCESS, and offers companies a less time-consuming proc-
Center (HHC), ACCESS (the not-for-profit organization for
ess for registering their international employees - by means
expats), and the Immigrations Office of the Public Service
of a simple, yet all-encompassing procedure. Alderman Frits
Department of the City of The Hague. It has resulted in a
Huffnagel gave the opening shot on Monday, January 25.
quick and simple procedure that goes beyond the registra-
Alderman Frits Huffnagel (who is responsible for City Mar-
tion of the employee in the municipal records (known as the gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens, or GBA). The service also includes a ‘Welcome to The Hague’ program, which offers information not only on municipal affairs, but also schools and health care. Currently, the service is offered by the Immigration Office of the City of The Hague, located on Stadhoudersplantsoen 24 in the Statenkwartier (near
the
Gemeentemuseum),
but
before the end of 2010, their offices will move to The Hague Hospitality Center in the Atrium of City Hall.
For more information, please visit: www.denhaag.nl, select English and then click on Expats and Students. Alderman Frits Huffnagel hands over the Expat Service process folder to Frits Köhler, Senior Immigration Advisor at Shell International B.V. This package is part of the renewed Expat Service of the City of The Hague that started on February 1
THE XPAT JOURNAL
23
Education
by Deborah Valentine
Pursuing a Mission: International Families and There is no escaping the glow of the pride of Dr. Martin Coles, Principal of the British School in The Netherlands, when he shares the conclusions of the recently completed
P
Independent Inspection of the BSN. Phrases such as “successfully meeting aims”, “confident and
the positive and diverse environment in which their education
well-planned teaching”, “school’s administration is both effi-
takes place, it is little wonder that the Inspection Report noted
cient and welcoming”, “academic leadership is effective”, and
that “Cultural development is outstanding...pupils are at ease
the regular use of “outstanding” are certainly reasons to be
with each other, and racial and cultural tolerance is evident
proud. And even though the conclusions suggest that “… the
throughout the school.”
school has no significant areas of weakness”, it is clear when
As evidence of its role in the broader community, Dr. Coles
Dr. Coles reiterates the school’s mission that they will not rest
highlights the importance of the relationship it has with local
on their laurels and will continue to “…provide a world-class
authorities and the myriad of international organisations and
education for individual students of all nationalities - devel-
corporations in the area. For, without these contacts and
oping their potential whilst encouraging self-discipline and
network, the BSN would not be able to plan strategically in
mutual respect”.
order to ensure that the quality of education is not under-
A walk through the schools which make up the British
mined by haphazard growth. Anticipating the needs of the
School in The Netherlands, a review of the school magazine
community, its aim to serve is at the core of BSN’s philosophy
BSN Insight, and the overall presence of the school in so
to “...meet the needs of the international community of The
many local, national and international activities, confirms that
Hague”, ensuring that there are no waiting lists, nor a selec-
the BSN is much more than ‘just a school’ for its 2,000 stu-
tive admission policy. The BSN is ready, for the future of the
dents, their families and the staff working at all the locations.
international community of the region as well as the future of
It has come a long, long way since its foundation in the early
its students.
1930s with four teachers and 20 students, but it continues to
An example of this willingness to meet community needs
respond and attend to the growing demand for British Inter-
is the planned English-speaking Day Care facility due to open
national education of the highest standard. The curriculum
its doors on the school’s Leidschenveen Campus early this
offered at the BSN is essentially that of the UK, which focuses
Spring. Offering a high-quality Day Care provision for 0-3
on the integral development of the person, educating the
year-olds, through the use of the UK’s Early Years Foundation
‘head, hand and heart’ of each student.
Stage programme, the centre will be run by Zein International
This broad and balanced education offered by the BSN
Child Care on behalf of the BSN - the same company that
has resulted in 90% of its students being accepted at the
provides the school’s After School and Holiday Care provision.
Universities of their first choice upon graduation, be they graduates of the UK A Level or International Baccalaureate Diploma stream. Qualified and experienced teachers recruited locally as well as from overseas - with experience in the British system as well as possessing a familiarity with the ebb and flow of students leaving and arriving - are critical to the success of the BSN. With the assistance of the student body, itself used to coming and going, and the active contribution of parents, new students are quickly welcomed and shown the way around - no lost souls roam the halls of BSN, and given
24
THE XPAT JOURNAL
The British School in The Netherlands consists of four Junior Schools in the Hague area (Diamanthorst, Vlaskamp, Leidschenveen) and a small satellite school in Assen. The BSN’s Senior School is located in Voorshoten close to The Hague. In addition there is an active Language School offering language courses in English and Dutch for both children and adults, including the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). For more information about the different locations of The British School in The Netherlands, please visit www.britishschool.nl.
For Students, the Wider Community Dr. Martin Coles
Malelaars Ass.pdf
22-05-2007
10:58:31
Malelaars Ass.pdf
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global employment solutions
> Dutch tax returns > Corporate tax returns > Payroll > Business set-up > 30%-ruling > Tax advice
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14:02:17
WE KNOW HOW TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME!
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21-05-2007
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As an expat you want to feel at home and settle in as soon as possible. Finding yourself a suitable house or apartment is priority number one! Due to our personal touch and extensive experience, the Rental Department will be able to find you the appropriate accommodation and advice you on all aspects of the rental market.
Time to move forward? Considering buying or selling your property? The Makelaars Associatie offers you professional advice on all aspects of real estate: selling, buying, rental, letting, property management as well as mortgages and insurances.
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Utrecht Headoffice T. +31 (0)30 - 246 85 36 Amsterdam Office T. +31 (0)20 - 403 76 80
info@expatax.nl / www.expatax.nl
Stevinstraat 201, 2587 EG Den Haag T (070) 352 68 00 F (070) 352 22 61 E info@makas.nl W www.makas.nl
THE XPAT JOURNAL
25
Education
by Deborah Valentine
The Many Elements of ‘Leren’ at the International School of The Hague At the ISH it is all about the students - not simply teaching them ‘stuff ’, knowledge, but also providing them with the opportunity to learn the skills required to make future transitions; of
E
countries, in life.
Established
in
the
early
1980s as a school for internationally mobile families living in and around The Hague, the International School of The Hague has since grown to be one of the largest educational institutions offering primary as well as secondary education in English to the ever-increasing ‘internationally mobile’ population of the greater Hague area.
International Curricula... Both at the Primary as well as the Secondary level, students at the ISH follow internationally established curricula. For the Primary level, the standards as well as content are
26
set by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which is used
to bring back supplies for the library to ensure all languages
by over 200,000 children in more than 800 schools worldwide.
within the student body have a home in the school. English
Designed and created by Fieldwork Education, the IPC was
may be the common language of study, but the ISH is more
launched in 2000 and is “...helping to engage and inspire
than aware that it is by no means everyone’s native tongue.
children of all abilities by means of stimulating, child-centred,
For the older students, 12-18 years of age, wishing to pursue
thematic, cross-curricular units of work which encourage col-
a post-secondary education, the ISH offers both the Inter-
laborative learning and address learning styles and multiple
national Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) as
intelligences”. According to Graeme Scott, Principal at Pri-
well as the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB is an inter-
mary, “learning really is at the heart of our school, you can feel
nationally-founded curriculum which is regularly monitored
it in the corridors”. This is helped by the open architecture of
and adjusted to ensure that it meets its goal to “...promote
the school’s new facilities as well as the ‘extra’ learning oppor-
intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative
tunities provided at the school. Among these extras, which are
to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an essential
central to the philosophy of teaching Third Culture Kids, are
part of life in the 21st century”. The ISH, where 80% of the
the mother tongue groups which regularly gather and ensure
student body is made up of non-Dutch passport holders, is
that children keep in touch with their own mother tongue and
a natural home for such a curriculum. Within this commu-
home country culture, and by initiatives such as asking parents
nity of Third Culture Kids, a curriculum that responds to and
THE XPAT JOURNAL
acknowledges their particular ‘identity’ is essential to their learning potential. Peter Kotrc, Head of Secondary, adds “...it is all about the students and how we can improve the learning process”.
...In a Local Setting Recognition and acknowledgement of native tongues, mixed backgrounds and mobile experiences does not mean that the ISH is an island in The Hague. Dutch is integral to the school’s curriculum, at all ages, and from its new location in Kijkduin, the school has established close ties and exchanges with many of the
NOVA Relocation, The brighter alternative Experts in providing assistance in national and international mobility of employees. We offer the following services: • Immigration Services • Destination Services • Departure Services • International Assignment Management • Move Management
local sporting facilities nearby. The ISH is by no means a ‘gated
• Consulting Services
community’ and offers its students, and their families, more than the ‘best of two worlds’; it offers the best of many, including the host country, the Netherlands. In Dutch there is one word for what in English requires three: “leren” is the verb to study, to learn and to teach. While this may be a challenge for translators - to ensure that the right nuance is captured - at the ISH it streams in well with their approach, and the experiences of its students, staff and families.
For more information about the IPC, visit www.internationalprimarycurriculum.com, about the IB www.ibo.org, and about the International School in The Hague itself, www.ishthehague.nl, or call them on 070 - 338 45 67 (Primary School) or 070 - 328 14 50 (Secondary School). Wijndaelerduin 1, The Hague.
www.nova-relo.com NOVA Relocation The Netherlands Tel. : +31 (0)70 324 25 24 - info@nova-relo.nl The Netherlands - Belgium - France - United Kingdom
THE XPAT JOURNAL NOVA Relocation Xpat journal 93x260_fev2009-def.indd 1
27 3/02/09 15:26
Education
Hidden Treasures of a Webster Degree In reality, a picturesque setting and old world charm should not be high on the list of selection criteria for a post-secondary education. Yet, if these are added to the list of strong academic reasons for selection, then Webster University’s Leiden Campus has found a formula, and location, to make pursuing an undergraduate or graduate
W
degree in English as rewarding as possible.
ally do business. Among its international campuses is that of Leiden, located between The Hague and Amsterdam, in a city that boasts housing the Netherland’s oldest university, the University of Leiden. Here students can pursue undergraduate as well as postgraduate degrees in Arts and Business Administration.
Academic Inspiration Lecture groups are small and the lectures are given by a faculty made up almost entirely of practising professionals in their fields, allowing students not only personal interaction, but access to the active knowledge and experiences of these faculty members who teach because they love to and are motivated to give back what they have learnt and experienced. Course programmes can be pursued here or at any of the many Webster campuses in Geneva, London, Vienna, Cha-am (Thailand), Shanghai, and the US, thus providing
Webster University, an accredited US university based in St.
students with broader views and dynamic debate. To further
Louis, Missouri, has as its mission to “...ensure high-quality
boost the appeal of Webster in Leiden is the fact that some
learning experiences that prepares students for global citizen-
of their degrees carry dual accreditation - in the Netherlands
ship and individual excellence”. As part of this mission, inter-
as well as in the US - thus providing Dutch citizens with local
national campuses have been set up overseas and throughout
student benefits.
the US itself to provide students with the opportunity to learn
Essentially a business-oriented university, Webster’s is “...
and to discover the global world in which they will eventu-
passionate in (its) conviction that being a business leader is not just about having a broad understanding of business. It is also about people”, which explains the emphasis placed on topics such as communications, people skills and personal development. Based on the Liberal Arts tradition of the American educational system, undergraduate students are required to cover a broader range of subjects before focussing on their chosen area of study. As a result, the diversity found among the professions, as well as backgrounds, of the faculty mirrors that of student body itself. Of the 350 students currently enrolled in Webster’s undergraduate and graduate programmes, 30% are from the US, 30% carry Dutch passports and the rest, 40%, represent 40 other countries. Among the faculty are artists, authors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, marketing managers, media communications professionals, composers, psychologists, designers, and more, each providing their unique expertise. Interacting, through study and social activities with students as well as faculty from around the world and from all disciplines, enhances Webster’s attraction.
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THE XPAT JOURNAL
by Deborah Valentine
Webster University, Leiden
Opportunity and Flexibility
By choosing an inspiring location, providing a dynamic form
Bachelor students follow a full-time study programme, which
of learning, welcoming students from around the world, offer-
can be started or completed in Leiden or at any of Webster’s
ing experienced-based teaching, and being attentive to the
Study Abroad campuses. For masters-level students, a full-
needs of its students, it is safe to say that Webster University
time, one-year Global MBA can be pursued through a struc-
in Leiden is truly pursuing its mission, “...to enrich the lives of
tured programme offered at five of Webster’s international
global citizens by offering a flexible, innovative and practical
campuses. Alternatively, for the professional balancing work,
education in a culturally diverse setting.”
study and home life, Webster’s has been providing a parttime programme to accommodate their schedules. Besides lectures in Leiden, lectures are now being offered at the WTC in Amsterdam as well.
For details about the programmes available at the bachelor as well as the masters level please visit www.webster.nl, or call 071 - 516 80 00. Webster University, Boommarkt 1, Leiden.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
29
Education
by Deborah Valentine
International Education at The Rijnlands Lyceum in Oegstgeest International education has many forms and different connotations as well as implications for students and teachers alike. At the Rijnlands Lyceum in Oegstgeest (RLO), it is embodied by a faculty and student population that embrace each other’s diversity in its
T
most positive manifestation. Tagged as offering an international education with a Dutch
ence of the international students, but also of their Dutch
Touch the school has created and continues to foster an
students. Difference and diversity are not ‘issues’ at RLO,
environment in which learning goes far beyond the class-
they are simply facts of life, and the intermingling of the
room.
students in non-academic programmes and after-school
Centrally located for residents of Amsterdam, Haarlem,
activities creates a cosmopolitan and dynamic environment
The Hague, Wassenaar and Leiden, the Rijnlands Lyceum
which Mr. Mathijs Hekkelman, Head of the International
Oegstgeest has a tradition of breaking borders, offering
School, believes prepares students better for the world
something new. As a Dutch secondary institution, it was
ahead of them, and makes for a more memorable all-round
founded in 1936 by Leiden University professors who were
educational experience.
dissatisfied with the quality of education available in the
In total, there are 1,300 students at the RLO, spread over
area and who wanted to offer secondary school students
their Dutch (600), Bilingual (450) and International streams
greater possibilities for reaching excellence. Continuing
(250). In order to teach in the international and bilingual
the tradition of providing new and challenging environ-
departments, non-native English speakers are required to
ments to students and teachers alike, it was one of five
obtain a level of English which is at least at Cambridge First
schools worldwide in the 1990s that developed and piloted
Certificate level. The 12 native English speakers on the fac-
an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
ulty teach in both the international as well as the bilingual
(IBMYP) for children between the ages of 11-16. This pro-
steams. In keeping with the high standards imposed by the
gramme feeds into the IB Diploma Programme, which has
IBO, IB faculty members are regularly sent on training pro-
been offered at Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest since 1983
grammes organised by the IBO in order to ensure that they
and prepares students (16-18 years of age) for acceptance
meet the benchmarks set for each subject.
to universities worldwide. An IB education is not based on
For students for whom English is not their first language,
any one national education system, but rather combines
the RLO provides additional English language support and
the best elements of many and is constantly and consist-
in some cases exempts students from a second language
ently monitored by the IB Organisation (IBO) for quality and
requirement. Each applicant is reviewed individually on the
relevance.
basis of his or her academic history and at what level they
The availability of an international education in the
want to enter the school. For those entering the IB Diploma
Netherlands has been on the rise for many years, and for
Programme, Mathijs Hekkelman states they must be inde-
many reasons. The increase in international organisations
pendent learners of English, given the requirements and
and corporations coming to the Netherlands has led to an
standards of the programme.
increase in demand for education by the families accompanying the internationally mobile employees. To meet this demand, Rijnlands Lyceum in Oegstgeest made a conscious decision to develop an international stream within the same physical environment as their Dutch activities in the belief that this would enhance not only the experi-
30
THE XPAT JOURNAL
For more information about the Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest please contact them at 071 - 519 35 55 or admission@rijnlandslyceum-rlo.nl, or visit www.isrlo.nl. International School Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest, Apollolaan 1, Oegstgeest.
Education
By Angela Tweedie
Thinking on a Higher Plane: The International School of Amsterdam A longstanding collaboration between The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) and a world-renowned project from the Harvard Graduate School of Education is shedding light
F
on thinking processes. Fostering creative, effective thinking is an obvious goal for any educational establishment, but ISA has gone one step further, to set up a “culture of thinking”. ISA first became involved
in the Project Zero research network in 1998, when several
teachers
attended
a
Teaching for Understanding summer seminar at Harvard. Each year more teachers attended
these
seminars,
and in 2003 the school was invited to participate in Harvard’s Visible Thinking Project, an
course in schools”. The benefits of people thinking, individu-
initiative to develop students’ thinking skills and deepen their
ally and collaboratively, means we can share and build on our
learning by making their thinking ‘visible’. A culture of thinking
individual strengths. Ritchhart says that there is a “dynamic
was born at ISA. “We did not realise how transformational it
interplay” between an individual’s understanding and the
would be,” says Lisa Verkerk, 5th Grade teacher and Project
group’s - the “group’s understanding can lift up and support
Zero Coordinator at ISA.
the individual’s”.
Dr. Ron Ritchhart, senior researcher at Project Zero and
According to Lisa Verkerk, a culture of thinking exists for
author of Intellectual Character, What It Is, Why It Matters
all members of the school community. “It’s an ethos which
and How to Get It (2002), has offered a Cultures of Thinking
should benefit students, teachers, parents, administrators and
Seminar at ISA twice yearly since 2004 for both staff and
other participants. By providing opportunities for discussion
visiting educators. For Ritchhart, a key premise of the Visible
about teaching, thinking and learning, a school-wide culture of
Thinking approach is to seek ways to uncover and document
thinking can exist from Kindergarten to Grade 12.”
students’ thinking so it can be discussed, reflected upon, and pushed further.
Creating a culture of thinking in the classroom has “powerfully enhanced” students’ thinking and learning at ISA. “It
Dr. Edward Greene, Director at ISA, says, “We encourage
helps the students become aware of their own thinking and
curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning at the school.
has pushed it farther,” says Stephanie Martin, Kindergarten
But most of all, the school aims to develop the habits of mind
teacher, adding: “Although knowledge and skills are valu-
that lead to deep levels of knowledge, understanding, and
able, learning how to think is vital for our students in a world
empathy.”
flooded with information”.
Ritchhart argues that “any time people come together and learning occurs, cultures are created,” so a culture of
To learn more about ISA and Project Zero go to www.isa.nl.
thinking can exist at the “football club, in the office and of
THE XPAT JOURNAL
31
Education
Solid Foundation, in the Starting this fall, Nyenrode Business University in Breukelen will be introducing a tailormade English-language programme for mid-level professionals preparing for (international)
C
management functions. Compact, concrete and to the point, the Foundations of
porations such as KLM, Shell, Unilever, Phillips, and Akzo who
International Management (FIM) is a year-long course tailored
sought to create an educational institute for young, talented,
to meet the needs of young executives on the verge of pro-
internationally-oriented students. The goal remains to provide
motion or interested in further preparing themselves for an
an extensive business education experience which strives to
international career.
bridge the gap between “...academic rigour and daily business practice�.
Focus and Application The Foundations of International Management-programme offers the framework of key business and management knowledge and is structured in such a way as to allow working executives to combine their studies with their current career. The programme is broken down into three blocs covering the essence of international management: Financial Analysis & Value; Team Leadership & Organisational Effectiveness, and Strategy & Market Leadership. It is characterised by an innovative combination of solid academic theory and practical application. Each bloc concludes with a Business Encounter in which Guest Lecturers are invited to speak - inspiring entrepreneurs, executives and CEOs from international organisations, who contribute to discussions about critical international business and management issues. Each session within each bloc has an assignment on a related topic which is used as the basis for an international consultation or plan to be presented in order to attain the Certificate of Participation. Spread over 15 weeks and taking place every other weekend (Friday to Saturday), the entire programme can be completed within a year, and can be embarked upon on one of three start dates in September 2010 or January or April 2011. With small group sizes (max. 25 participants) and access to Nyenrode’s business and alumni networks, participants are ensured an interactive business experience that will benefit them long into the future of their careers.
Prestige & Experience Nyenrode Business University was established in 1946 as a private university, the only one in the Netherlands, offering graduate-level programmes in general management, accountancy and controlling. Rooted in the business sector, Nyenrode was initiated by the captains of industry of leading Dutch cor-
32
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Nyenrode Business University, Breukelen
by Deborah Valentine
Past and for the Future One of the important pillars of the University is that of its
Nyenrode’s commitment to high-quality programmes is
research and knowledge centres, one of which, the Executive
reflected in its position on several global ranking scales for
Management Development Centre (MDC), offers non-degree
business education. In the 2008 Financial Times Ranking for
management programmes, such as the FIM. The research
European Business Schools, Nyenrode ranked 28, out of 65,
carried out by Nyenrode’s faculty is of immediate, practical
and in 2009, Nyenrode achieved the first position in the Finan-
relevance and is actively supported by the business communi-
cial Times Global Ranking for Executive MBA programmes in
ty. Its involvement in actual and current trends and practices,
terms of career progress. Furthermore, in the same year, its
combined with its solid foundation as an educational facility,
Master’s in Management (MSc) was rated as the Netherlands’
has allowed Nyenrode to create a programme which is cur-
top academic master’s programme.
rent, based on expertise, responsive to the current demands of young executives, and provides access to highly qualified experts on the faculty.
For more information about the Foundations of International Management contact Ms. Sanne Zweers on 0346 - 291 469, e-mail: s.zweers@nyenrode.nl , or visit www.nyenrode.nl/fim.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
33
Education
By Deborah Valentine
ROC Mondriaan Poised for the Future Increasingly, employers are recognising that the importance of ensuring employee performance lies not only in theoretical knowledge, but also in
V
competency-based, practical training.
34
welcome them back as young professionals, transformed... almost a metamorphosis.” It is not the possibilities alone of Mondriaan that surprise; its role in forging international relations with institutions overseas and what this offers the students, in terms of internships and learning experiences, as well as what it offers Mondriaan itself, in terms of institutional recognition, is also remarkable. In its advisory role to the City of Istanbul, Mondriaan shares its expertise and experience in developing ‘work-based learning’
Vocational schools which have traditionally provided job-
programmes and policies for equivalent schools in Turkey. In
specific skills are also moving with the times and since the
Beijing, students who were studying Mandarin at Mondriaan
1990s have been broadening the scope and content of the
were able to follow a programme allowing them to exchange
programmes they offer.
knowledge, culture and industry skills with counterparts in
The trades or industries for which they prepare students
China. For a select few, ten to be exact, this meant a three-
are also evolving, and with them the skills required. At ROC
month internship at the Holland Pavilion in Shanghai during
Mondriaan in The Hague a foundation in competency-based
the World Trade Expo in 2010. Here students will be involved
teaching allows the institute to be a prime supplier of young
in a variety of functions from VIP care, to serving, cooking and
executives of the future, and a stepping stone to further edu-
being ambassadors for the Netherlands - applying the skills
cation for those interested in pursuing a higher degree.
they have learnt at Mondriaan.
More Than Meets the Eye
Multiple International Streams
As with the art work of Piet Mondriaan, the ROC Mondriaan
From its inception, in 1995, the International Stream at
in The Hague offers much more than meets the eye. It is one
ROC Mondriaan has been demand-driven; the then growing
of the largest providers of vocational training in the Nether-
international community of The Hague was looking for more
lands, and in The Hague offers a series of English-language
options when it came to non university-level English-language
International Stream programmes for students 16-17+ years
higher education. Due to the combination of a growing inter-
of age. What is striking about the programmes is that
national community, as well as the increasing ‘internation-
graduates of Mondriaan are often able to attain a university
alisation’ of the Dutch educational system, the programmes
Bachelors’ degree within 1-3 years after completing their
available have since expanded and increased in number - at
studies. Prerequisites vary from university to university, and
Mondriaan and elsewhere.
from country to country, but Marian Crone, Tutor in HRM and
The first of the courses offered by Mondriaan in the Interna-
responsible for International Placement, proudly states that
tional Stream were those of the International Hotel & Manage-
it is one of the options and that an average of 65% of their
ment School (IHMS). These courses focus on the Hospitality
students take advantage of this. Students can continue their
industry, an industry which currently employs approximately
studies in the Netherlands at Universities of Professional
215 million worldwide! The four-year programme equips grad-
Education in English or abroad from the UK to Australia.
uates to enter a broad variety of positions within the hospitality
Some students go on to obtain a masters´ degree. For those
industry from Front Office, Food and Beverage departments to
students for whom further study is not in the cards, following
Sales & Marketing, Finance and HR. While students have to
their studies at Mondriaan allows them fulfil junior manage-
learn how to cook and serve as part of their study in Interna-
ment positions straight away. According to Olaf Weissman,
tional Hotel & Management, their end focus is on the business
Department Manager of the Mondriaan International Hotel
management - purchasing and ordering; health and hygiene,
Management School “...we see young students leave, and
law, creating a Business Plan, etc. As well as, of course,
THE XPAT JOURNAL
modern languages, which are essential for this industry. For
A Future for Everyone
students with a flair and love for cooking and a desire to
The line differentiating vocational training from education, in
pursue such a career professionally, the IHMS is introducing
the sense of the liberal arts, is slowly becoming less clear. As
a new two-year Chef’s Course in the fall of 2010. Besides the
times change so do the skills required for a future career or
intensive and practical experience students gather in all these
profession - as do the forms of preparing for these. Not eve-
areas during their overseas placements from Europe to the US,
ryone is suited to pure academic study, just as not everyone
the Caribbean and Australia, they are also able to display their
is suited to pure vocational pursuits. ROC Mondriaan provides
skills in Mondriaan’s own Restaurants and Hotel (Front Desk as
a stepping stone from which careers can be launched or the
well as the five rooms) and Conference areas.
spark for further study ignited. Either way, what it offers has
Graduates of the Mondriaan International Business School
something to reveal and something to be discovered. What it
(MIBS), which also offers a four-year programme specialised
offers are opportunities for the future of each and every one of
in marketing and communication, are ready for a future in
its graduates. Whichever way you look at it, the International
both the public and private sectors, or as young entrepre-
Stream is a good start for an international career in Business,
neurs themselves. According to Jarijn Nijkamp, Manager of
Hospitality, and the Tourism and Leisure industries - each a
MIBS, the programme is growing exponentially and many
growth industry in its own right.
graduates continue their studies at a university level or apply their entrepreneur skills immediately. A more recent addition to the International Stream at Mondriaan is the International Tourism and Leisure Management (ITLM) programme in which students spend half a year in the classroom, and half a year on a placement. Graduates have the added advantage of receiving two diplomas upon completion of their studies: a Dutch Diploma as well as the International BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) Diploma, which is equivalent
For more information about any of ROC Mondriaan’s International Stream programmes, visit their website www.rocmondriaan.nl or call the relevant departments: Mondriaan International Hotel & Management School (IHMS) 088 - 666 44 44 (including new Chef ’s Course) Mondriaan International Business School (MIBS) 088 - 666 54 17 Mondriaan International Tourism & Leisure Management (ITLM) 088 - 666 33 50
to A Levels (UK).
THE XPAT JOURNAL
35
EXPAT Affairs
Bringing Knowledge Migrants to this Banana Republic For years, the process surrounding the legal entry of expats in the Netherlands was a generous
T
feeding ground for irritation.
On their website, the IND announced on November 4 of last year that the change in fees would be introduced on November 15. Those who had entered into a contract with the IND to make use of the accelerated procedure were informed of this change by e-mail on November 13. Being as how some of these companies bring in in the vicinity of 100 knowledge migrants annually, this entails an substantial increase in costs. 20% of
The process took forever, it was costly, its various stages were
the respondents have indicated that, as a consequence, they
to be carried out by different parties, and family members often
will be reducing the number of knowledge migrants they bring
had to wait months to follow their expat ‘emigrant’.
in this year.
The Dutch government, realizing how much the economy of
The ARPN, a non-profit organization that represents the
this country would benefit from an influx of highly-skilled peo-
interests of relocation companies such as NOVA Relocation,
ple, introduced changes - step by step. Family members who
Settle Service, and Personal Relocation, serves as an interme-
succeeded in submitting a complete application together with
diary between its members and those government organiza-
the expat were guaranteed the same (shorter) processing peri-
tions, and spin-offs thereof, that are involved in relocation. Their
od. IND Service Desks were opened, offering centralized sup-
aim is not only to keep their members up-to-date on new devel-
port and procedures. The concept of the knowledge migrant
opments in the tax and bureaucratic world surrounding expats,
was introduced in 2005; anyone earning a particular minimum
but also to provide the IND, municipalities and expat centers
income could be considered a knowledge migrant, eliminating
with valuable feedback regarding the needs and experiences of
the need for a work permit and allowing the employer to send a
the relocation companies’ clients; multinational organizations
request for an Authorization Temporary Stay (MVV) to the Dutch
that bring in anywhere from 1 to 100 knowledge migrants a
embassy / consulate abroad (if an MVV was required at all).
year. Says Paul van der Smissen, president of ARPN, “Raising
Also their partners did not need to apply for a work permit. The
the prices of the required documents by 300% is not a mat-
procedure was made even more attractive: employers could
ter of adjusting the price to accommodate for inflation. There
enter into a contract with the IND that made it possible for them
is no reasonable explanation for this increase in price other
to access application forms online. This so-called accelerated
than that the government is free to make this decision. Who
process helped the IND process the requests within two weeks.
says that our clients will not feel this? Companies that bring in
In the first year, after the introduction of the new regulations,
100 knowledge migrants a year face an increase in costs of €
1,600 employees acquired knowledge migrant status. By 2008,
50,000 a year. During the current economic crisis, our country
6,800 knowledge migrant visas were issued - an increase of
needs more knowledge migrants not fewer. Companies are
approximately 400%. In 2009, due to the economic crisis, this
already cutting back, for economical reasons, on the number of
number went down by 25%. Already, these numbers were
knowledge migrants they bring in - the last thing they need is to
threatening to negatively impact the Dutch economy. It was at
face in increase in costs of, on average several thousand euros
this point that the government decided to increase the costs
a year! And then to blithely remark that these companies won’t
related to the entrance visa and the authorization temporary
even notice the difference... as if we live in a banana republic.”
stay of a knowledge migrant by 300%. Their argument was: the
ARPN has sent a letter of protest to the Standing Commit-
employers won’t really notice. ARPN, the Association of Relo-
tee of Social Affairs and Employment and Justice, with a copy
cation Professionals in the Netherlands, decided to do a survey
to the IND and the State Secretary of Justice. “So far, they’ve
among its members’ clients, which include companies such
acknowledged reception of our letter,” Mr. Van der Smissen
as KLM, Nokia, Ericsson, DHL and Logica, to find out whether
remarks. “Let’s hope they think this through better and realize
they truly didn’t object. 68% answered that they did not think
that they are not acting in anyone’s best interest.”
the raise in the related fees was fair. Of the 27% who though it was fair to raise the fees, 100% answered that the amount by which these had been raised was unfair.
36
THE XPAT JOURNAL
For more information on ARPN and its members, visit www.arpn-relocation.org.
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VAN DORP VERHOOG RENTALS Tel. 088 – 3 52 51 03 www.vandorpverhoog.nl
Groot Hertoginnelaan 166-II, The Hague Fully furnished apartment 70m2 on the second floor with terrace; modern kitchen and bathroom. Close to shops, public transport and international organisations. Rental price € 1,375 inclusive of utilities and internet.
Property Management and Housing Agents Amsterdam Living de lairessestraat 107 | 1071 nx a’dam the netherlands | t +31 20 6760788 info@amsterdamsemaatschappij.nl www.amsterdam-living.com
VAN DORP VERHOOG RENTALS Tel. 088 – 3 52 51 03 www.vandorpverhoog.nl
PERSONAL SERVICES FOR EXPATRIATES We offer a complete range of services and support for foreign nationals coming to live and work in The Netherlands. Our services are based on flexibility, individual attention and unrivaled experience. Specialized in work permit and MVV applications. Available through bookshops and:
Internet: www.personalrelocation.nl Email: linda@personalrelocation.nl
PERSONAL RELOCATION Mollenburgseweg 88 4205 NB Gorinchem
Tel. +31(0)183 - 622 903 Fax +31(0)183 - 628 525
HR
The Hidden Costs of Intercultural Misunderstandings
38
THE XPAT JOURNAL
By Leo Salazar
What is culture costing you? Due to the rapid increase in globalization, the frequency with which company employees interact with national cultures other than their own has increased dramatically over the past year. Companies that ignore intercultural dynamics among their employees are running a huge risk - miscommunication,
T
inefficiencies and, potentially, the loss of talented people. These conflicts are very often rooted in basic value percep-
It has been clearly demonstrated that the vast majority of
tions, and are therefore hard to grasp. Even though most
companies that have introduced a proactive and comprehen-
people equate cultural differences with what they see on the
sive corporate training program enjoy long-term benefits that
outside - the symbols, rituals and visible behavior - these are
far outweigh the initial investment of time and resources in
often determined and driven by what is not seen. Issues such
the training.
as emotions, perceptions about oneself and the world, and the norms and values that define one’s culture, are what shape
The Human Side of Enterprise
and drive the visible behavior. Although the roots of a conflict
Leadership,entrepreneurship and personal development are
may be known, it remains difficult to properly address these.
the themes of training institute De Baak. At the center of these
For organizations that are active in the international arena,
abstractions is the individual. Stripping away the superficiali-
the benefits of at least becoming acquainted with the visible
ties, they find the leader, the entrepreneur, the person seeking
aspects of a different culture have long been clear. One only
to cultivate abilities and gain relevant insight. This process is
has to visit the average airport bookstore to see evidence of a
a decidedly personal endeavor, its essence is unquestionably
small industry that thrives on teaching travelling executives the
human.
tips and tricks of business etiquette in various countries. Yet
De Baak is dedicated to the human side of enterprise. Their
the deeper, invisible aspects of culture are frequently glossed
commitment is to the individual: to helping people become
over or ignored. Often, they are neglected for budget-related
their most effective selves and to meet their potential. They
reasons or due to the lack of a clear plan on how to approach
explore with them - and help them to reveal - the depth and
the problem. And this despite clear evidence that ignoring
richness of their talents. In doing so, they allow the individual
the friction that can occur when two cultures meet can lead
to become an agent of change, growth or innovation within
to costly failures: technology projects that are discontinued
their organization, thus creating a stronger, more resilient
when the skills and competencies of the local staff are not
organization that can contribute to forming healthy societies.
acknowledged; massive investments in product launches in
De Baak is an initiative of the largest employers’ organiza-
new markets that fail because the cultural aspects of the new
tion in the Netherlands; the VNO-NCW. Thanks to their his-
market have not been taken into account; new international
tory and continuous development, De Baak is considered a
executive staff appointments that are turned back because
leading training institute in the Netherlands. Their method of
they offend the host country’s culture; or even the abandon-
teaching appeals to the intellect and the imagination, as well
ment of entire merger plans because insufficient attention has
as to the pragmatic and creative sides of human nature. De
been paid to the ways of doing business in the host country.
Baak offers both ‘open’ and tailor-made programs to both
Even at the most basic level of communication there is still
(international) individuals and companies. Individuals can par-
the risk of cultural conflict. For example, in the world’s busi-
ticipate in a broad selection of international programs, events
ness language, English, a simple, seemingly innocent phrase
and one-on-one coaching. Organizations are offered custom-
can contain what comes across as a value judgment. For
ized programs, from large management development projects
instance, very basic business terms such as “effective”, “effi-
to short one day-workshops. And, for society at large, they
cient”, “on time”, or “respect” can have dramatically different
foster dialogue through events such as ‘Meet the World’, that
meanings in different cultures. Not taking these differences
address issues ranging from social responsibility and diversity,
into account can create serious misunderstandings, thus
to globalization and sustainability.
reducing the effectiveness of the manager, or the functioning of the team.
For more information, visit www.debaak.com. THE XPAT JOURNAL
39
Leisure
by Tijmen Wisman and Suzanne Schreve
Château, Chapeau
Limburg Rises Up From the South, But What Lies Buried at Its Feet? The easy meadows and slow-moving cows that exemplify this tiny backyard of Europe might just get a bit boring after a while. But, when spring breaks through, most of us are already yearning for summer holidays in Europe’s front garden. Lush hills, pastoral towns, medieval churches and stately Châteaux down south lure us in like honeybees. But don’t be fooled by
G
the caravan trail, we have a down south as well and it’s called Limburg. Granted, the sloping landscapes alternating with woodlands,
Château St. Gerlach and its Baroque church with original
winding roads, trickling rivers and soft-spoken accents do not
frescoes unique to the Netherlands.
seem to represent what you might think of as being Dutch, but
The story actually began some years earlier when a medi-
it just so happens that a long time ago, we were wise enough
eval knight, Gerlach, suddenly had an epiphany. After years of
to keep a little wedge of Belgium to ourselves. We fought
delving into frivolous pleasures and violent tournaments, Ger-
long and hard for it, 80 years to be precise. And what we kept
lach decided he had merely been feeding his own ego. With
still resonates of a past long gone. That’s one reason to visit.
equal fervor, he rid himself of all his wealth, built a church,
Another reason is Château St. Gerlach. Just read on, there are
became a hermit and lived out the rest of his life in a hollow
many more reasons to come.
tree. Religious admiration had people from far and near flock-
The One About the Hermit and the Boy
asked for his blessing. Not that he would actually give it to
Driving down from the Randstad, you’ll notice straight away
them all. Especially knights with long hair still reminded him of
when you’ve crossed over into southern Limburg; this land
his own grim past, and the story goes that he would cut their
of rolling countryside on Maastricht’s doorstep with castles,
hair off before breathing a single word. After Saint Gerlach
Roman remains and vineyards is different from any other
died in circa 1165, his popularity only increased and it was
province. And it’s nice to be able to call this the Netherlands,
decided that for the many visiting pilgrims, a monastery was
especially when it feels as if you’ve just slipped into France.
to be built. It was the year 1202, and since then the estate,
This however, does not apply to the village you will be
comprised of the monastery, church and a farm, underwent
crossing through on the way to the Château, even though
several changes of ownership and severe damage during the
the countryside is dotted with rustic towns. If you’ve already
turbulent years of religious wars. In the late 18th century, the
seen the pictures on their site, or on the opposite page, you
complex switched hands again from Spanish sovereignty to
wouldn’t expect a rather dull street with a couple of bland
Dutch rule, which meant the nuns were forced to leave and
houses to be the leading village up to the Château. I would
the monastery was converted into a noble residence. From
even go as far as to say it might dim your curiosity to see
here, the residence slowly disintegrated into ruins until finally
what’s beyond. But when you do turn that corner and find
its last inhabitant could no longer afford the upkeep and gave
yourself at the electronic gate waiting to be let in, it is pretty
the estate away to the council of the neighbouring village of
amazing to know that what once started with a holy oak tree
Houthem.
some 800 years ago, has now flourished into the majestic
40
ing to hear the hermit’s advice, to the point that even knights
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Enter a man with a vision. As a boy, Camille Oostwegel
Geuldal, Limburg
had played on the estate during the residence’s silence, when
down to the orchard at the back of the estate, you can hear
nature was seeping back into the building as trees surged
the rush of a little river filtering romantically through spring’s
through the roofs and moss bled through the stones. Since
musical choir.
then, he’d dreamt of restoring the estate to its former glory,
While wading through fresh grass with local birds of prey
which led to his handing in his first proposal in 1979. Sure,
flying overhead and little robins tweeting alarm calls, we
buying a fairytale castle, even if it is decayed, may still be the
immediately set out to explore Ingendael, the nature reserva-
stuff of dreams. And unless you’ve won the lottery, you’re not
tion that is wrapped around the side of the estate. With res-
going to snap it up for a snip. But for Camille there are ways
taurant picnic basket in tow, we set out on one of the walking
to obtain a piece of the champagne lifestyle without robbing
routes set out by the hotel. The main path leads us through the
a bank. From a young age, he’s lived his life according to the
forest along an old gravel pit, which has become a safe haven
motto; “anything can be fought, all can be won”. It took him
for many amphibians, as is evidenced by the loud squawk-
a while, but finally in 1995 the project was to be realised. The
ing which echoes in our ears. The path winds up and down
restitution of the monastery, the farm and the church became
guided by buzzing insects, which seem to team up at various
one of the most expensive restoration projects of the 90s. And
intersections for a surprise mass attack. While I kung fu fight
out of the ruins rose a luxurious hotel with amongst many fea-
my way through, Tijmen tries to escape by jumping a fence,
tures two restaurants, an award-winning Kneipp spa, a beauty
failing miserably, so I’m left trying to nurse his scratched leg
salon, a herb and rose garden, an orchard, a small vineyard
while he hobbles back to the Château. In desperate need
and a natural park.
of some relaxation, we dip our toes into the pool and sweat it out in the steam rooms of the Kneipp Spa. Restored and
Château St. Gerlach
refreshed, we make our way to the restaurant and en route
For all its architectural elegance, Château St. Gerlach has a
stumble upon Philip Geervliet, the managing director of St.
comfortable plainness that makes it seem almost homelike.
Gerlach. He tells us a little bit about the opening years of
Driving up to the hotel, a sprawling English lawn adorned with
the estate. In less than ten years, St. Gerlach has already
sculptures by different artists ease your way in. At the back of
become nationally and internationally renowned, something
the hotel, masses of basil, thyme, mint and rosemary perfume
that became clear when it was visited by George Bush Jr. in
the herb garden and a vigorous growth of roses planted in
2005, turning the hotel into the best-secured building for the
symmetrical French-style flowerbeds peek out from behind
time being. Famous people visiting are no exception, nor are
a sturdy stone gate flanked by hedges. Following the smells
they the focus of the Château. For that reason, there is the
THE XPAT JOURNAL
41
Leisure
main restaurant and the Bistrot de Liège. Both restaurants
borders on the herb garden. Our advice: take your coffee out
are situated in the former monastery, but where the Bistrot is
for a walk and find your own quiet spot amongst the flowers.
informal and rustic, the main restaurant is beautifully flamboyant, with art deco lamps and sturdy wooden stairs set against
What Lurks Beneath
an early 20th century décor restored to resemble its original
From the Château, there are several gorgeous cities to visit,
interior decoration. We have been invited to the latter, where
notably Maastricht, Limburg’s capital at only a stone’s throw
four canapés, four courses and four different types of wine
away. But underneath Maastricht, a seemingly dormant world
await us. Much time is spent on selecting the right combina-
has woken up to tourists and after breakfast, we are on our
tion of ingredients, either grown on the estate or produced
way to find out why.
locally. There are plans for creating an own brand, while there
Our destination, a little hut around which several groups
is already a lovely special editions publication Joie de Vivre,
of people have gathered, mainly resembles a chip shop gone
on the different Châteaux owned by Oostwegel and the variety
popular. Although there’s no grease in sight, the situation
of specialty dishes they serve. As could be expected, the food
does provide food for thought, as everyone seems to be a lit-
and the service are impeccable, and a reason in themselves to
tle nervous. This proves to be contagious and soon results in
visit - but we’re also sleeping in the now-famous Bush room.
an atmosphere reminiscent of an elementary school trip. The
It is, to say the least, an unexpected and weird experience to
reason for our titillating nerves lies buried beneath our feet. We
know that George Bush slept in the same bed, used the same
have arrived at the marl caves of Limburg and we are going
shower and, well, you get my drift. Either way, we sleep on
to bike them. Over centuries, these caves were created by the
a bed of roses and are pleasantly surprised by the fact that
extraction of marl, resulting in a stone maze of 70 km, making
breakfast is served till 11. The breakfast room, or the sunroom,
them the largest underground corridors of Europe. Still spin-
Château St. Gerlach
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THE XPAT JOURNAL
ning from the spiral staircase that has taken us forty meters
into a side road that ends in front of a fence. Behind it awaits
below ground, we are welcomed by our guides who accom-
a subterranean chapel, which was in use during the French
pany us to the bikes. First we are given safety instructions.
occupation. Several paintings glowing yellow in candlelight
Everyone must remain in the group, every so often we must
adorn the walls of this tiny chapel. The place exudes a mysti-
check that the group is indeed complete, and at all times,
cal atmosphere emanating both peace and conflict. This feel-
we must wear our helmets. As soon as we are underway, it
ing finds its origins in history. During the French occupation,
becomes clear that this isn’t your average Saturday morning
the French government demanded that all officials, including
bike ride to the baker’s. It is completely surreal. While we ease through narrow corridors, it soon feels as if we are little blood cells gliding through Mother Earth’s veins - on a mountain bike that is. But safety before madness. This is not a competition, so we can take it all in at a leisurely pace. In front of me, Suzanne rides, every so often calling out “duck!”. I might have been looking up for a flock, if it weren’t for the difference in our length, which becomes painfully obvious to me as my helmet scrapes the ceiling of the cave twice. Halfway through the trip, our guide leads us
THE XPAT JOURNAL
43
Kapel Sibbe
the clergy, swore an oath of allegiance to the French republic’s
the back. If you want to know the finer details of this little
regime and an oath of hatred against the monarchy. For many
piece of engineering, take a walk alongside Arnout Sluijs-
clergymen this was one demand too far and some of them
mans, who co-owns one of the last three family-run firms still
decided to continue their services underground.
operating today. Arnoud, who’s just in the middle of giving his
The marl caves have had their use over the years. At St
cousins a tour, tells us that his company provided the marl
Peter’s in Maastricht, the caves also served as a hiding place
used for the restoration of Château St. Gerlach. At one point,
for many pieces of art during WWII. But foremost, the caves
Arnaud comes running up with a bucket for his nephew. The
were and still are used for the extraction of marl. It is proc-
bucket holds a diverse collection of many different kinds of
essed in blocks and at the next stop the guide shows us how
teeth. In the late Cretaceous period, about 65 million years
this is done. Nowadays, one person can handle three blocks
ago, Limburg was a shallow tropical sea. Towards the end of
a day, but before chainsaws were invented, this still labor-
the 18th century, a skull with big jaws full of sharp teeth was
intensive chore allowed for the production of only one block
discovered in the quarries of St. Peter. When, in 1794, the
per person per day. Hacking out the front and sides isn’t so
French revolutionary troops occupied the city of Maastricht,
much the issue as making sure you break it off straight from
the French promptly confiscated the fossil and abducted it to Paris. The skull fell into the hands of Baron George Cuvier, a famous anatomist, who discovered that it was the fossil of
Château St. Gerlach
the mesh lizard. The mesh lizard is one of the puzzle pieces in
Joseph Corneli Allée 1 - Valkenburg aan de Geul Tel.: 043 - 608 88 88 - Fax: 043 - 604 28 83 info@stgerlach.com Toll-free number 00800 - 525 48 000 www.chateauhotels.nl (site in English, German and French)
evolution and was an important tipping point for philosophies concerning creation, adaptation and the extinction of species. It is therefore understandable that the Natural History Museum in Maastricht extended a request to loan the skull for an exhibition in 2009. It is also understandable that the French were suspicious and reluctant to transfer the skull back to its
ASP Adventure
original finding place. But for Camille, who’d become aware of
Tel.: 043 - 604 06 75 - info@aspadventure.nl www.aspadventure.nl For a day-visit to Maastricht, don’t miss out on: Bookstore Selexyz in former Dominican Church & Monastery: High-arched painted ceilings drape around three floors of books. It will mesmerize you.
the dispute, it was just another hurdle to overcome. He wrote a letter to Paris with copies to both ambassadors, which partly influenced France’s final agreement to the loan. To recall his earlier quote; anything can be fought and all can be won. There are many ways and places to visit the caves. You can climb, abseil, or simply walk - each approach has its own value and itinerary. If you want to bike them though, ASP is
Classic French onion soup at Restaurant Jean La Brouche. Crusty croutons sunk deep into Gruyere, thyme and onions.
the company to take you and the chip hut is the place to be. When we’ve resurfaced, night-time already looms on the hori-
Boutique shopping, a feast for the femmes. Maastricht’s hidden couture stretches along the alleyways. Dig deep and you will find!
zon, but before we leave the Château, we take a quick hike to the top of a meadow overlooking the estate and Geuldal. Breathing in the final bit of south Limburg air, we watch the
Natural Historic Museum, South Limburg’s flora and fauna spread out
endlessly enchanting panorama spread out beneath us. The
over time. Modern expositions reveal history’s teeth...
soft yellows and dark red of the estate deepen in color while the shadows of wild Konik horses dance in the last sunrays.
44
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Leisure
XPat Reader’ Offer Spring Wellness Package
Overnight stay in a luxury hotel room l Generous breakfast buffet l Delicious three-course dinner in Bistrot de Liège l In the morning, you are treated to various Kneipp treatments at S.P.A. & Wellness St. Gerlach, whereby you are welcomed by you therapist who goes through your treatment program with you while she treats you to a smoothie. The program will include the following: l Extensive ‘ready for summer’ body scrub l Water treatment l
During the course of the morning you will be served a fruit salad l In between treatments: free use of the indoor Roman pool, sauna and Turkish steam bath. l
The price of € 210 p.p. is based on an occupancy of two persons per room. This package can be reserved between March 22 and June 14, 2010, by calling 043 - 608 88 88, or contacting info@stgerlach.com Please mention XPat Reader’ Offer
The BSN is a leading British international school. With four campuses in The Hague area we are a thriving and supportive expatriate community made up from over 80 nationalities, offering a stimulating learning envrionment and the highest standards of education for children aged 3-18 years.
Their
Contact us today to arrange a visit and see for yourself why the BSN is The International Choice.
future is
The l Internationa Choice
Admissions: 070 315 4077 www.britishschool.nl
our focus Your child. Their future. Our School.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
45
informati contact:
For more on
Leisure
Events Diary: Spring 2010 The list of events contained here is only a selection of the many activities, shows, exhibitions, etc. taking place in the Netherlands between March and May. We do not pretend to be complete, but we do hope this list offers you an interesting and varied selection. For a more extensive list of happenings, we recommend that you visit: www.holland.com. erlands Dans Theater II, where young tal-
The Master Pianists Series
ents are trained to become professional
The Master Pianist Series first took place
top-class dancers. Nederlands Dans
in 1987 and is organised by Riaskoff
Theater II is also the place where cho-
Concert Management (RCM), an inter-
reographers take their first steps. Like
nationally renowned management office
Lightfoot León and Alexander Ekman
of classical musicians, including pian-
did. The couple Paul Lightfoot and Sol
ists, conductors, violinists, cellists and
León belong to the ‘top of the crop’ of
various chamber music ensembles in the
choreographers who sprouted up after
Netherlands, Europe and worldwide. This
the generation that brought forth Kylián,
particular series is one of the most pres-
van Manen, Forsythe and Ek. As house
tigious in the world and is sure to guar-
choreographers of Nederlands Dans
antee top-notch performances. This, in
Theater, they have, over the past years,
combination with the famous acoustics
built up a body of work which shows that this duo’s remarkable creative process produces exceptional and awardwinning
ballets.
The
young Swedish multitalent Alexander Ekman works all over the world and expresses his art in varying forms: from choreographies
and
films to art installaPhoto: Joris Jan Bos
Show: True to II Nederlands Dans Theater 2 This programme offers you an evening with three Lightfoot León pieces, a new creation by the young, unconventional choreographer Alexander Ekman and live music by Holland Symfonia. The programme title True to II refers to Ned-
46
THE XPAT JOURNAL
tions for internationally renowned museums.
Dates: through April 10 Location: various locations throughout the Netherlands For more information, please visit: www.ndt.nl
Arcadi Volodos
CPC Walk , Photo: John de Pater
and ambiance of the Big Concert Hall of the Concertgebouw, has contributed to
International Tango Festival Nijmegen
and creation between the musicians and the dancers. On Thursday, fusion day,
the fame of this series. The series also
In March, Nijmegen will be trans-
the famous Tango electro band Tang-
includes at least one young, promising
formed into Buenos Aires on the River
hetto will give their concert, while on
pianist per season and constitutes for
Waal! The 7th International Tangofestival
Friday, the traditional presentation of the
them an important step towards a great
Doble Ocho will transform Netherlands’s
winner of the tango music Contest will
career. This year’s performances include
oldest city into a Tango-City, celebrating
take place. Saturday, GRAN NOCHE will
master pianists such as Grigory Sokolov,
the 200th anniversary of the Republic of
make your feet tired but happy and leave
Krystian Zimerman, Rafal Blechazc and
Argentina. Preceding this event will be a
your ears longing for more music. On
Arcadi Volodos. If you are unable to
special concert given by tango-legend
that evening, Puro Apronte will make you
attend a particular concert, be sure to
Juan Carlos Caceres on March 13, in
dance non-stop, accompanied by well-
check out www.uitburo.nl, to see if you
the Spiegeltent. There will also be a
known Bandoneon player Michael Reil,
can catch a performance at some other
film and documentary archive exchange
and there will be a special fusion floor
venue!
between the Joris Ivens Foundation and
with DJ Arthur. Then, after a few hours
the National Argentinian film Archive.
of sleep, the tango café will offer another
Dates: through June 20 Location: Concertgebouw, Amsterdam For more information, please visit: www.meesterpianisten.nl
Tango Extremo will kick off the tango festival on March 17, with their theatre show Carnaval de Buenos Aires. Also the Tango Fusion Music JAM will take
The Fortis City-Pier-City Walk
place that day, offering an interactive
The City-Pier-City Walk is an internation-
experience and process of improvisation
live music experience, followed by the farewell salon.
Dates: March 17-21 Location: various locations in Nijmegen For more information, please visit: www.doble-ocho.com
al semi-marathon that takes place annually in The Hague, attracting over 18,000 participants every year. The course is flat, fast and traffic-free. The race begins in the city centre, heads out to the pier at the coastal resort of Scheveningen and then returns to where it started. There is also a 10km fun run and other recreational walking and running events varying in distance - also two for kids. Participants in the race are encouraged to give a donation to Right to Play, an international humanitarian organisation that brings sports and play programmes to disadvantaged areas around the world.
Date: March 14, 10 PM - 4 AM Location: The Hague To sign up visit: www.fortiscpcloop.nl
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47
Leisure
photo Angela Sterling
Queen’s Day in Amsterdam
Theme & Variations
the majestic grace of St Petersburg with
Four choreographers who are histori-
his own fluid and emotionally charged
Remembrance Day and Liberation Day
cally interconnected: George Balanch-
dance vocabulary.
The Netherlands has its own way of
ine, Hans van Manen, William Forsythe and David Dawson. Whereas Van Manen (1932) and Forsythe (1949) have always acknowledged their debt to their illustrious predecessor George Balanchine
Dates: April 7-20 Location: Het Muziektheater Amsterdam, Amsterdam For more information, please visit: www.het-nationale-ballet.nl
(1904-1983), the work of David Daw-
and celebrating the country’s liberation from five years of German occupation. Unlike most countries, it sets aside two days to mark this event, Remembrance Day and Liberation Day (all the events
son (1972) clearly reveals the impact
Queen’s Day
are broadcast live on television and
of Forsythe. Showcasing no fewer than
Throughout the Netherlands the Dutch
radio). A national ceremony is held in
two Dutch premieres, this programme
celebrate the (former) Queen’s birthday,
Amsterdam, with a memorial service at
brings together these four generations
known as Queen’s Day, with the party of
the historic Nieuwe Kerk in Dam Square,
of dancemakers.
the year. Boosted by the arrival of over a
followed by the laying of wreaths at
In creating Theme and Variations
million people, Amsterdam holds an inter-
the foot of the national war memorial
(1947), Balanchine paid homage to the
nationally-renowned street party, which
by the Queen, members of parliament
glitter and magnificence of the Court
goes on until the evening of the next
and representatives of those affected
of the Tsars and to his teacher Mar-
day. The main areas of activity in Amster-
by the war. The close of the ceremony
ius Petipa, who for decades held sway
dam are Damrak, Leidsestraat, Rokin and
then signals the start of Liberation Day
over the Imperial Ballet in St Peters-
Spui. Vondelpark caters to children and
festivities, commemorating Germany’s
burg. Dutch National Ballet Resident
bands play on Prinsengracht and Rem-
surrender on the May 5, 1945. Special
House Choreographer and winner of
brandtplein. There are also parades, craft
Liberation Day events are organised all
the Erasmus Prize, Hans van Manen
shows, flea markets, children’s parties,
across the country, but two highlights
brings Two, a ballet-for-two, a genre in
bands, street theatre and fireworks. For
include the official launch of the celebra-
which he excels. This mixed bill also
those who love second-hand shopping,
tions (held in a different part of the coun-
features a Dutch National Ballet pre-
all street trade is unregulated, resulting in
try each year) and the open-air concert
miere, William Forsythe’s In The Middle,
a nationwide yard-sale.
to mark their conclusion (held on the
Somewhat Elevated (1988). Also new for the Company is David Dawson’s Reverence, specially created for the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet in 2005. A magical work which sees Dawson combining
48
commemorating the Second World War
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Date: April 30 Location: Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands
Amstel River).
Dates: May 4-5 Organisation National 4 and 5 May Committee For more information visit: www.4en5mei.nl
North Sea Regatta, Scheveningen
North Sea Regatta
weekend. On May 11, 90-100 boats will
The annual North Sea Regatta features
leave for Harwich in the 100 mile ‘Vuur-
two major sailing competitions; the off-
schepenrace’ and on May 14-16 will be
shore races in the week around Ascen-
the next race; the 180 mile North Sea
sion Day and the 4-day races off the
Race, from Harwich back to Schevenin-
coast of Scheveningen during Whitsun-
gen. The sail regatta, based around the Scheveningen Yacht Club From will take place from May 11-24.
Dates: May 11-24 Location: Scheveningen Beach and Harbor. For more information visit: www.nsr.nl
Holland Festival Innovative stage performances in Amsterdam, with opera, dance, music and theatre. The world’s most celebrated artists perform one whole month in, among others, the Stadsschouwburg, the
Tong Tong Fair, Photo Caro Bonink
Muziektheater and the Concertgebouw. The programme can be found on the website as of
texts are placed in the spotlight on a
March 3.
20,000 m2 festival site in The Hague. It is
Dates: June 4-28 Location: various theaters in Amsterdam. For more information, please visit: www.hollandfestival.nl
a combination of music festival and large
Tong Tong Fair Holland Festival
For twelve days, the Eurasian cultures and their global con-
indoor market, highlighting 3 food halls, 5 stages, presentations, workshops and artists from Asia and Europe.
Dates: May 19-30 Location: The Hague, Malieveld For more information, please visit: www.tongtongfair.nl
THE XPAT JOURNAL
49
Art Diary
Spring 2010 cializes in carefully conceived experiments
Carsten Höller, Singing Canaries Mobile 2009
that play with the physical experience and the messages transmitted to the brain.In the floating room, for instance, the subtly moving walls upset your sense of balance. The division formula is used in this Swinging Spiral too, but in a spiral form. It looks like a snail’s shell, but it is a room where you can walk and test your equilibrium. The Flicker Films are another example of this sort of experiment. Almost identical successive images of African dance groups are projected side by side. The brain fills in the rest of the images and creates a moving picture in the viewer’s head. Are those real mushrooms growing from the museum floor? Where Höller is involved, you can never be entirely sure. His background as a biologist is evident in the extraordinarily true to life replicas. Birds sing-
Carsten Höller: Divided Divided
simple arithmetical formula that repeatedly
ing in the museum? Seven canaries can be
Carsten
divides the space and the objects in it into
seen and heard in a huge mobile composed of
Höller’s extraordinary installations. In the
two, creating an entity that heightens the visi-
seven birdcages. Höller has often worked with
museum’s largest gallery, with more than
tor’s experience: Divided Divided sharpens all
birds in his art in the past. He has also made
1,500 m2 of floor space, he has applied a
the senses. Carsten Holler (born 1961) spe-
a new series of extraordinarily detailed paint-
Experience
contemporary
artist
ings of birds. A rotating hotel room in the museum? During
Kandinsky and Der Blaue Reiter
the Divided Divided exhibition
Just a quick mention of the following exhibi-
anyone can spend an exclu-
tion, already covered in the previous issue
sive night in the museum. If
of The XPat Journal: In the early 20th cen-
you book a night in Carsten
tury, a group of artists caused a huge furore
Höller’s Revolving Hotel Room,
in the Munich art world. Calling themselves
this slowly rotating room in
Der Blaue Reiter (‘The Blue Rider’), the art-
the centre of the museum will
ists produced expressive, brightly coloured,
enable you to wander around
lyrical paintings which were to prompt the
the museum day and night—
development of Expressionism in Germany.
accompanied, of course, by a
The core members of the group were Russian
personal butler.This exclusive
artist Wassily Kandinsky and kindred spirit
room is already booked up for
Franz Marc.
the entire period.
Dates: through May 24 Location: Gemeentemuseum, Stadhouderslaan 41, The Hague For more information, please visit: www.gemeentemuseum.nl
50
THE XPAT JOURNAL
Franz Marc, The Tiger, oil on canvas, 1912
Dates: through April 25 Location: Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam For more information, please visit: www.boijmans.nl
Matisse to Malevich: Pioneers of modern art from the Hermitage
Henri Matisse, The jeu-de-boules players, 1908
Outstanding works by Matisse, Picasso, Van Dongen, De Vlaminck, Derain and many other contemporaries of theirs will be seen in a magnificent display at the Hermitage Amsterdam in the exhibition Matisse to Malevich, Pioneers of modern art from the Hermitage. For this exhibition, about 75 paintings have been selected from the Hermitage St.- Petersburg, which has one of the world’s finest collections of French painting of
the early twentieth century. Apart from the world-famous French masters, such equally celebrated Russian contemporaries as Malevich and Kandinsky will be represented. These artists are seen as the pioneers of Modernism. Almost all the works exhibited are on permanent display in St.- Petersburg. Most come originally from the Moscow collections of Morozov and Shchukin. This is the first time that this extensive collection of avant-garde masterpieces will be on display in the Netherlands. The exhibition explores the origins of modern art as an art historical phenomenon, but also looks at the passion of the artists, when at a crucial moment in art history at the beginning of the last century they initiated a revolution in art.
Kees van Dongen, Lady in a Black Hat, 1908
Dates: March 6 - September 17 Location: Hermitage, Nieuwe Herengracht 14, Amsterdam For more information, please visit: www.hermitage.nl
On the Way South The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam houses an important collection of the works of 16th and early 17th-century Dutch masters. A selection of 50 of these will be on exhibit on the new exhibition floor of the Bonnefantenmuseum, and includes works by painters such as Rubens, who went south - to Italy - in search of inspiration. Others obtained their information on ‘the south’ second-hand and gave it their own interpretation. The exhibition runs chronologically from the last generation of Flemish primitive style, such as Quinten Metsys and Adriaan Isenbrandt, to the three masters of the Flemish baroque-style: Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck. One of the highlights will be Holy Hieronymous, by Marinus van Reymerswaele, which has just been restored.
Marinus van Reymerswaele, Holy Hieronymous
Dates: March 12 - June 6 Location: Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht For more information, please visit: www.bonnefanten.nl
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51
Holland in Full Colour, Frits J. Rotgans
Holland in Full Colour
officer with the Dutch Rhine Mission, a unit of the British army. It was
Dutch photographer Frits Rotgans is famous for his black and white
the beginning of a lengthy project: a photographic inventory of ship-
panorama photographs. Now, his colour photography is on exhibition
ping on the Rhine and other inland waterways.
for the first time.
Shipping, the port of Rotterdam and later Amsterdam were among
Frits Rotgans was known at home and abroad for the cameras
his most important themes. He photographed extensively in Rotter-
he constructed in the fifties for taking wide-angle photographs of
dam’s docklands, where economic growth was booming. The trans-
industrial reconstruction in the Netherlands. In order to test the limits
formation of the port from a shipyard dominated by cranes and ship-
of vision, he shot his pictures - bridges, pylons, cranes and the top of
ping offices into a vast area of oil refineries, petro and bulk chemicals,
Rotterdam’s Euromast - from a high vantage point. Devoid of artistic
was documented in the book Rotterdam, Stad en Haven (Rotterdam,
pretensions, he regarded himself more as a professional technician.
City and Port), 1959. Rotgans also photographed the expansion of
Rotgans started off as an amateur in the thirties. During the Ger-
Schiphol airport.
man occupation he made colour slides, the most important illegal documentation of the period in colour. He embarked on his professional career around 1950, first in Duisburg-Ruhrort as a transport
Dates: March 13 - May 9 Location: Netherlands Photography Museum Rotterdam, Rotterdam For more information, please visit: www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl
Kate, Bob & Luca Kunsthal Rotterdam will be presenting works by contem-
National Museum Weekend
porary artist Katinka Lampe. Her painted portraits are quite
During
irresistible and appeal to the viewer’s imagination. Contrary
Museum Weekend, major
to what the title of the exhibition might suggest, Lampe gives
museums
her works neither titles nor names: this would only diminish
country will be open free
the carefully constructed distance that she wants there to be
of charge (or at a dis-
between her portraits and those who see them. It is entirely
count) as well as offering
up to the observer to come up with an appropriate name for,
visitors something out of
or make up the story behind, each portrait. Lampe portrays
the ordinary. With more
her models, who are generally quite young, with attributes
than
that somehow seem to clash with their youthful innocence: a
museums, you should be
pair of sunglasses, headphones, balaclava, a wig or a hooded
able to find somewhere
sweater. Meticulously and with a keen eye for beauty, she cre-
to spend a culturally rich
ates her portraits. Lampe does not want these to be seen as
afternoon.
an exact representation of a person, but instead as an artistic
Dates: April 4-5 For further details of participating museums, visit the Museum Weekend website: www.museumweekend.nl
concept of which the source can be traced back not only to Katinka Lampe, Untitled 2006
magazines and newspapers but also to Old Master paintings. Lampe’s work is vulnerable and distant, and both realistic and abstract at the same time.
Dates: March 13 - May 30 Location: Kunsthal, Rotterdam For more information, please visit: www.kunsthal.nl
52
THE XPAT JOURNAL
the
500
National
across
the
participating
The European Fine Art Fair The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF Maastricht) is acclaimed as the world’s most prestigious art and antiques fair - attracting over 200 of the most eminent international dealers from 16 countries. The diversity of the exquisite pieces at TEFAF is considered beyond compare. The Fair built its reputation with Flemish and Dutch Old Masters, but today, Italian, Spanish, French, German and English old master paintings are also well-represented, together with an impressive selection of Modern Art. In addition, you will find a dazzling choice of medieval manuscripts, maps, coins, sculptures, French, English and Italian furniture, classical antiquities and Oriental and Asian art, African and South American objects, porcelain, silver, jewellery and 20th century furniture - all in one amazing venue!
Dates: March 13-22 Location: Maastricht Exposition Congress Centre (MECC), Forum 100, Maastricht For more information, please visit: www.tefaf.com
TEFAF, photo Bastiaan van Musscher
Paul Graham, Pittsburgh 2004 Lawnmower Man
Willem van Haecht, Art Cabinet with Antonie van Dycks Mystical wedding of the holy Catharina, c.1630
Paul Graham - A Shimmer of Possibility
Room for Art, in 17th-Century Antwerp
In August of 2004, Paul Graham (British, b. 1956), who had moved from
Only three paintings and several prints by this master are
London to New York in 2002, set out on the first of many trips around the
known. Nevertheless, the oeuvre of the Antwerp painter Wil-
United States to see and photograph the country for himself. This exhibi-
lem van Haecht (1593-1637) is nothing short of remarkable.
tion has been selected from the resulting series of photographic works,
His paintings present so-called kunstkamers, or art cabinets;
which Graham published in twelve volumes as A Shimmer of Possibility
interiors brimming with paintings and other art objects. Van
(steidlMACK, 2007). Each simple but structurally inventive series includes
Haecht’s painted kunstkamers combine reality and fantasy.
varying numbers of pictures, from one to more than ten, and provides a
Virtually all of the paintings that he depicted in these interiors
vivid glimpse into unheralded moments in the lives of individuals Graham
were copies of existing works by famous masters. How-
encountered on his travels. A series showing a woman eating a take-out
ever, they were never part of the same collection. Van Haecht
meal or a man waiting at a bus stop transcends its nominal subjects and
assembled them in his painted world. Moreover, his cabinets
describes aspects of life that, while ordinary, are imbued by the photog-
are full of narrative elements referring to the artistic and cul-
rapher with affection and curiosity. A Shimmer of Possibility is a call for
tural life in contemporary Antwerp.
attention to the brief, indefinite intervals of life. As Graham has said, “Per-
Van Haecht’s three known paintings are in the Mauritshuis,
haps instead of standing at the river’s edge scooping out water, it’s better
the Rubenshuis in Antwerp and in a private collection. They
to be in the current itself, to watch how the river comes up to you, flows
have never before been shown together, and will form the core
smoothly around your presence, and reforms on the other side like you
of a small exhibition that brings to life the fascinating world of
were never there.”
art in Antwerp in the first half of the 17th century.
Dates: April 2 - June 16 Location: Foam Photography Museum, Amsterdam For more information, please visit: www.foam.nl
Dates: March 25 - June 27 Location: Mauritshuis, Korte Vijverberg 8, The Hague For more information, please visit: www.mauritshuis.nl
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53
Leisure
No Tip-Toeing, Please “...(K)nee deep through the flowers we will stray...” suggests the song Tip-Toe Through the Tulips however you would be advised to stay on the
A
paths while visiting Keukenhof in Lisse.
measure 21 by 12 metres. Besides the flowers on display, Keukenhof provides something new to enjoy every year. Throughout the period in which it is open, the Pavilions offer
Aside from the fact that you are forbidden to walk through the
differing displays of specific flowers - such as the world’s
flower beds, wandering along the paths created among the
largest Lily display from May 6-16 in the Willem Alexander
flower beds is by far the best way to admire the full glory of
Pavilion, or the display of thousands of Amaryllis, Fresias
the millions of flowers on display each year.
and Tulips in the Orange Nassau Pavilion from March 19-23.
For first-time visitors, as well as the regulars, the amaze-
Not to be missed is the exhibit of thousands of orchids in the
ment that so many different, yet similar flowers exist is sure
Beatrix Pavilion during the whole period (March 18 - May 16).
to express itself in exclamations of “oohs” and “aahs”, not to
The artists who will contribute their skills to these permanent
mention countless photographs. Whether this is in admiration
as well as temporary displays will also incorporate the theme
of the artistically laid-out flowerbeds throughout the gardens,
for this year, ‘From Russia with Love’.
the fields surrounding them in a blanket of rainbow colours, or the exhibition halls in which intricate, artistic flower arrangements are displayed, Keukenhof is never visited in vain. Though the success of outdoor events generally depends on good weather, at Keukenhof, even in inclement weather, there is enough to see and enjoy.
Reasons to Return On March 18, Keukenhof will once more open its gates to welcome visitors from around the world to admire the wonders of nature as well as the art of bulb cultivation. Each year, Keukenhof has something new to see, to wonder at. China was the country of choice in 2008 in commemoration of the Olympics, and last year’s theme ‘USA, Amsterdam - New York, 400’ commemorated the landing of Henry Hudson from the Dutch East India Company on what is now Manhattan. As part of this show, the Statue of Liberty was laid out in a mosaic using more than 50,000 bulbs. In full bloom, the artistry was truly amazing. The theme in 2010 is ‘From Russia with Love’ which will be reflected in the décor throughout the gardens, such as Russian wildlife in the children’s areas, a dacha and typical Russian dolls (Matroeskas) as well as Russian landscapes. The mosaic of choice for this year will be the famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral which was planted in October of 2009 and awaits its moment of glory. The mosaic, which has been created from almost 65,000 flower bulbs, will include the towers
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of St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square and will
THE XPAT JOURNAL
by Deborah Valentine
For a break from viewing the flowers there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy refreshments - and don’t be surprised if you inadvertently come across wandering musicians, or displays of Russian ballet, or the traditional National Costume Festival, for these too are an integral part of the Keukenhof experience.
A Glorious Past Keukenhof - literally translated; kitchen garden - celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2009 and is recognised today as one of the highlights of a visit to the Netherlands. Founded on the grounds of a 15-century estate, its guests today are still greeted by hosts and hostesses in period dress. The idea of displaying the glories of the Dutch spring flowers was that of a group of prominent bulb growers and exporters in 1949. In that year, the more than 200,000 visitors surprised even the organisers. Today, with more than 93 exhibitors (in 1949 there were 40) and more than 825,000 annual visitors, the 32 hectare-park with 15 kilometres of paths continues to draw young and old alike, ‘green thumb’ or not!
“Keukenhof: new every year, different each day” Keukenhof is open from March 18 through May 16 from 8 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. daily (box office closes at 6 P.M.). For more information on opening times, prices and the agenda of activities please visit www.keukenhof.nl.
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55
Sports
GiroMania!
Amsterdam Hosts Italian Extravaganza Buongiorno, Amsterdam! You’ll hear that a lot in the streets in the beginning of May, when the city will be hosting the start of the 93rd Giro d’Italia cycle race - this time to Rome - with a full festival week of Italian food, fashion, music and other cultural events. Appropriately dubbed GiroMania!, this Italian extravaganza will combine international allure with the intimacy of a true Amsterdam party, all centered around the bicycle as a
“H
means of transportation, recreation and competition. “Hosting the Giro d’Italia in Amsterdam is a once-in-a-lifetime
Something for Everyone
event - a festival that the visitors will never forget,”says Caro-
Major events surrounding GiroMania! include:
lien Gehrels, Amsterdam’s Alderman for Sports. And what a party it will be.
Giro d’Italia or ‘Tour of Italy’
Tropentheater, Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Bethaniënklooster, de Melkweg and Heineken Music Hall. There will also be a
According to the ‘I amsterdam’ organization, “The Giro
concert by the brass section of the Concertgebouw orchestra
d’Italia is one of the world’s leading long-distance cycle races.
before the start of the first and second stages of the race, at
First ridden in 1909, it has been held every year since, except
Museumplein.
during the two world wars. Like the other two great ‘tours’ -
May 7-9, Italian culinary market - the ‘Sapori d’Italia’
the Tour de France and the Vuelta de España - the Giro lasts
or ‘Taste of Italy’, on the historic Nieuwmarkt square dating
23 days and usually consists of 21 stages. The race tradition-
from 1614 - to be dubbed the ‘Mercato Nuovo’ for this occa-
ally ends in Milan, but this year is an exception. As the event
sion. De Waag, the central building on the square and now a
is celebrating its centenary, the 2010 finish is in Rome, the
popular brasserie, is part of a former city gate originating from
Italian capital.”
1488. Official opening: Friday night, May 7, 5-10 P.M.; Satur-
The official ‘corsa rosa’ (yes, the cyclists all wear pink)
56
May 6-9, Music festival, ‘Il Sound del Giro’, featuring Italian and Dutch music at Paradiso, BIM-huis, Trouw, KIT
day and Sunday, May 8 and 9, 11 A.M. to 10 P.M.
will kick off with individual time trials on Saturday, May 8, on
May 8, Saturday night, right after the individual time trial at
Amsterdam’s Museumplein, with a second leg on Sunday,
Museumplein: Crazy Bicycle Tour via the official Giro d’Italia
May 9, from the Museumplein to Utrecht, and the third stage
route to the Olympic Stadium, with some 4,000 Amster-
on Monday, May 10, from Amsterdam’s Zuidas area to Mid-
dammers on crazy bikes, wearing silly hats and pink shirts, to
delburg. Before and during the actual kickoff, all manner of
illustrate that Amsterdam is the number one bicycle city in the
Italian culture and merry-making will flow like a fine Italian
world… and that ‘we love a party!’ Special entertainment in
wine throughout the city. In cooperation with Italian Ambas-
the requisite Italian atmosphere will be on tap at the stadium
sador Franco Giordano, this event will combine the best of
following the bike parade and time trials.
Amsterdam with the best of Italy and is expected to attract
May 9, Sunday, 7-9 A.M., the first of an annual cycle ride
anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 visitors to the city - offer-
over the same route as the individual time trials of the Giro
ing something for everyone: culture aficionados, sports fans,
d’Italia, for as many as 7,000 participants, including a ‘busi-
gourmands and followers of fashion.
ness ride’.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
By Shirley Agudo
May 10, Monday morning, A B2B (Business to Business) event at Zuidas for businesses and expats.
on AT5/RTV NH, featuring the election of the Amsterdam Giro ‘Kiss Miss’, starting mid-March l Theater program about cyclists and bikes, week of the Giro
Ancillary Events
d’Italia start, at de Brakke Grond
l A host of other activities surrounding GiroMania! and
l School program, ‘Bici Scuola’, with bicycle clinics at
sponsored by various organizations will take place before,
Amsterdam primary schools and the Velodrome, with a
during and after the main event. Here is a sampling:
BMX parcours, virtual biking, and a quiz about cycle racing
l Café del Giro, popular program about bicycle literature,
and cycling safety, starting in March.
weekly from the beginning of April at OBA (Amsterdam Public Library)
GiroMania! Kickoff
l Photo exhibit, symposium and school program in Amster-
In conjunction with a three-year cycling campaign called ‘Heel
dam’s Stadsarchief, De Bazel, beginning at the end of April
Nederland Fietst’ (All of the Netherlands Cycles) - a national
Óscar Freire
l A week of old Italian films and a week of new Italian films, at Amsterdam’s Filmmuseum (check schedule)
effort to encourage even more people to cycle on a regular basis - GiroMania! will kick off on Wednesday, March 31, at
l The Four Italian Madonnas, a special exhibit of four
the Olympic Stadium. On that same day, a country-wide effort
recently-restored Italian Madonnas, Rijksmuseum, April 20
will be organized to earn an entry in the renowned Guinness
through June 21
Book of Records for having one million people, including
l Sunny Skies in the Golden Age, an exhibit about the ‘Italianisanten’ (painters of Italianate landscapes), Rijksmuseum-
expats, riding their bikes from noon - 1 P.M.. To register for this event, go to www.heelnederlandfietst.nl.
Schiphol, mid-April to mid-May l Special exhibit at Amsterdam Historisch Museum
For an updated schedule of events for the entire GiroMania!
l Leontiens Ladies’ Ride, May 2, start and finish at Olympic
celebration, visit www.giromania.nl.
Stadium l Bicycle Lifestyle Events, May 7-9, World Fashion Centre, Sloten l Bike polo tournament, classic polo - on bicycles without brakes, May 8, Cruijff Court at Olympic Stadium
Shirley Agudo is the author and photographer of Bicycle Mania, a wonderful book on the Dutch Bicycle culture and a country gone “completely mad about bikes”. For more information, visit: www.bicycle-mania.nl and www.shirleyagudo.com.
l Ciao Bella, a popular Amsterdam-Italian reality soap opera
THE XPAT JOURNAL
57
event
The Hague Jazz
Great Music, Plenty of Choice The Hague Jazz is a perfect weekend out: great music; plenty of choice; people in all shapes, sizes and of all tastes; international atmosphere, yet also a small-town feel; big crowds; yet spacey
M
and pleasant.
Also Wallace Roney (1960) will be performing, with the Metropole Orchestra. Roney didn’t have an easy climb up; at age 7, he began studying with Sigmund Herring of the Philadelphia Orchestra and took lessons from Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie, and is the only trumpet player to be personally mentored by Miles Davis. He made his recording debut at age 14 and in 1979 and 1980 won the Down Beat Award for Best Young Jazz Musician of the Year. A few years later, he was homeless, sleeping at friends’ apartments. It was in 1985 that he started studying with Miles Davis, while in 1986 he career truly took off, leading to performances with musicians such as
Musical taste is, of course, personal, but because there is so
Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Art Blakey, etc.
much to choose from, there is always something - and then
His performance with the Metropole Orchestra is something
some - for everyone. And you know you’ve done a great new
worth looking forward to!
find when you play the CD you bought after that great new discovery, all week - and make copies for all your friends.
Unfortunately, at the time this went to print, not many other
Many will agree that one of the best new groups of last
names had been announced, but one worth keeping in mind
year was Hot Water, from South Africa. One of the ways in which you can tell that a group is a success is when everyone who sort of casually drifts into the room never drifts out again, so that by the end of the performance people in the hallways are craning their necks, trying to look around the corner, and over the heads of the crowds, to see who has them in their rhythmic grip. Also this year is a promising one, with golden oldies, such as Kool & The Gang or the irresistible melancholy, yet uplifting sound of Toots Thielemans, who will be turning 88 this year and has played with great performers such as George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Jaco Pastorius, Natalie Cole, Pat Metheny, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and countless more.
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Toots Thielemans Photo: Jos L. Knaepen
Kool & the Gang, photo Silvia Mautner
Wallace Roney
is Candy Dulfer. Daughter of saxophonist Hans Dulfer, she has been gracing the stages of Dutch and international jazz and other festivals since she was a young teen, starting her own band Funky Stuff at age 14. She became well-known nationally after performing the opening act at two of Madonna’s European Tour concerts in 1987, and became internationally well-known when she was selected by Prince to perform in his video of the single Partyman. Dulfer has since played with many musicians, including Dave Stewart and the band Pink Floyd. In short, there is bound to be plenty, so make sure your agenda is free on June 11 and 12, so that you can spend a great weekend at World Forum Convention Center, by the Statenkwartier in The Hague.
For more information on the location, program and how to get there, visit: www.thehaguejazz.com.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
59
INTERVIEW
Hold Your Head Up High Greg Shapiro and his manager, Wouter Tenger of Barnstormers.nl, are standing outside the agreed place for the interview - which is closed. Greg, a tall, thin American, who looks the picture of composure (which is an illusion) is reaching for his cell phone to see if we can meet somewhere else. Wouter, a tall, less thin Dutchman with an open, jovial face, is looking around
T
him to see if he can spot a good place for a cup of coffee. The seemingly calm demeanor of Greg masks a wildly active
And if you do happen to leave it out on New Year’s Eve and it’s
and associative mind. “Put in a penny, and he’ll give you 100
spread out across your sidewalk, do you clean it up or do you
dollars’ worth,” a friend of mine would say. And never a dull
wait for the municipal services to do this? Well, obviously, the
moment.
correct answer is that you wait for the municipal services. And
Greg Shapiro came to the Netherlands in 1994 to join his
here’s another one; if you come home and smell gas, do you
high school (and Northwestern University) pals Andrew Moskos
a) open the windows; b) close the gas mains; c) call the utility
and Jon Rosenfeld, who had set up Boom Chicago - a standup
company; or d) all of the above? All of the above, right? Wrong.
comedy show that they named after their home town. “Basi-
You call the utility company. Let’s not be safe and proactive.
cally, we were townies with wanderlust, who wanted to set up
No, it seems that in this society that advocates involvement, the
a show somewhere else and then take it back home. However,
passive option is the desired one.”
Andrew was the first to fall in love and say ‘èèèh, one more
“Another one of my pet peeves is the bar that separates
year’,” Greg says mock-accusingly. “Then I fell in love in 1997
your items in the supermarket from the next person’s, once
and ended up staying for love too.”
they’ve gone past the teller. It’s like a game show. You have 30
How does his wife, Inez, feel about being married to an
seconds to pack your stuff - yourself, in bags you have to pay
American? “She hated the idea,” he says, nodding in agree-
for - and the bar is shoved over, crushing your eggs, squashing
ment with himself - or with her, perhaps? “So I took her to New
your bread, squeezing your vegetables. And in the meantime,
York, where she noted that it wasn’t all that foreign after all. At
you’re entering your pin code, instructing your kids ‘no, put that
first, she had issues with the culture of ‘how can I help you, sir?’
chocolate back, we’ve paid already’, and saying ‘yes please’
and ‘how are you today?’ Now she kind of misses it. I mean,
and ‘no thank you’ to the various other pertinent questions,
you tell me; when you call someone to ask for information, what
such as zegels, bonuspas or voetbalkaartjes...”
do you prefer; someone who says, ‘sure, I’ve got time, tell me what I can do to help you?’ or a big sigh with an implied ‘how
the regular Boom Chicago gigs. One is called Going Dutch, “a
much of my time are you planning on wasting?’ This is one of
musical Inburgeringscursus and one-man’s quest for a second
the things I try to teach in my corporate workshops and team-
passport,” and How to Be Orange; “a sort of Inburgeringscur-
building sessions; start with a ‘yes’, instead of with your doubts
sus for the rest of the world”. Greg and his manager are current-
or, even worse, a ‘no’.”
ly busy bringing a combination of these two shows abroad, for
A few years ago, Greg became a Dutch citizen too. “They didn’t call it Inburgeringscursus back then, merely Nederlands
instance in the American Mid-West in April/May this year, Hong Kong (October), Dubai (TBD), Barcelona, and Aruba (April).
als tweede taal - or Dutch as a second language. But we still
“I love it when I do a show abroad, where there are a lot of
had to learn about the Dutch Royal Family and the constitution.
Dutch expats. For years, they’ve been telling their incredulous
You can try the Inburgeringscursus online, on the Teleac site,
pals abroad about how people bring their own lunch boxes with
and it’s really fascinating to see what they think is important to
stale sandwiches to the office in Holland, and I can see them
know. For instance; how long do you wait, before bringing your
nudging their friends in the audience, saying ‘see, I told you
neighbors the birth announcement of your child? Or; do you put
that’s how things go back home!’”
your garbage on the sidewalk before or after New Year’s Eve?
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Currently, Greg is doing two solo shows, over and above
THE XPAT JOURNAL
One of Greg’s most important mottos is ‘don’t wait, partici-
pate’. “If I have a cause, it is to make people vote. There are
deskundigen, or experts. We then do a live poll with the audi-
something like 110,000 English-speaking expats living in and
ence - based on the interview - and the whole second half of
around Amsterdam and most of them have no idea what is
the show we see which of the candidates can predict how the
going on in this country, let alone that they can vote, if they’ve
room has voted. It’s a great way to show the candidates how
lived here legally for more than five years. I tell them; you don’t
little they know their constituents.”
have to sit around and gripe, you can change things. Democ-
What would Greg like to say to the Dutch? “The Dutch are
racy doesn’t work if you don’t vote.” To be able to reach non-
not the type to thump their own chest. But who better to lead
Dutch nationals, Greg has his own weblog; www.thedailygreg.
the world in what the Dutch do best; finding the right balance
com, while the former anchor of Comedy Central News will also
between work, living and recreation? So I would like to say one
be the anchorman for his own news show that will bring Dutch
thing to the Dutch; Hold your head up high!” His eyes twinkle,
news in English on www.zie.nl, and is developing a show that
“…it might be the only way to keep from drowning.”
can be broadcast on local stations such as TV West or AT5. “In two weeks we have the municipal elections, so Boom
To see where Greg will be performing, in the Netherlands (On
Chicago and I have come up with a temporary new concept
March 26 or 27, Greg will likely be performing Going Dutch in
for our show; Political Party. It’s part comedy show, part talk
Het Vitus in Blaricum) and abroad, or for booking information,
show, where we interview actual candidates, ministers and
visit the Dutch website www.barnstormers.nl.
THE XPAT JOURNAL
61
Recommended Reading
ABC Spring Top 5 In 1972, a couple of young enthusiastic Americans came to Amsterdam, the city where anybody, anything and everything goes, and decided to open a store with American erotic magazines and
T
book remainders bought for 10 cents a pound dry weight. That was more than three decades ago. Today the American Book Center has grown into one of the
been coasting along easily on that accolade ever since. After
biggest, maybe even the biggest source of American (and
suggesting at a conference that women are underrepresented
British) English-language books and magazines on continen-
in science because of differences in their brains rather than
tal Europe. For general information about the store and their
gender discrimination he faces a media furore but emerges
stock, visit www.abc.nl. Especially for the readers of The XPat
otherwise unscathed. In fact the debacle leads to an amaz-
Journal, the staff of the ABC has compiled a list of books that
ing discovery that could reignite his career and even help
tell us about exceptional people: ranging from enterprising, to
save the planet. Typically, he has stolen this discovery from a
unpleasant, to mismatched, to brave, to desperate.
younger colleague, but he becomes passionate about it and works obsessively to complete the project. Eventually, after
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet David Mitchell € 16.99
leading a charmed life, his past finally catches up with him at
Mitchell’s first book in four years and without doubt, the most-
really is. It’s a measure of McEwan’s skill that when everything
eagerly awaited literary fiction title of 2010. It is in 1799 in a
that goes wrong for Beard, we manage to feel sorry for him.
Japan which has closed itself off from the rest of the world,
But not much.
a thriller-like pace, and Beard is forced to see himself as he
except for the tiny island of Dejima; here the only westerners
This is the most fun I’ve ever had with an Ian McEwan
allowed are the Dutch with whom the Japanese trade. Jacob
book. Some of the set pieces were laugh-out-loud funny and
de Zoet is a lowly Dutch clerk, charged with uncovering com-
McEwan’s work is crammed with perfect sentences, sharp
pany corruption, a task which requires that he navigate the
observations, meticulous plotting and a satisfying twist. McE-
treacherous waters of company politics and the Japanese
wan is undeniably a great writer. Where Solar disappoints is
culture and language. All de Zoet wants to do is finish his job
in the narrative structure, which is full of fast-forwards and
and earn enough money to go home and get married. Life in a
flashbacks and sometimes bothersome back-stories which
David Mitchell novel is never so simple, however, and de Zoet
needed to be kept track of. After the tightly controlled bril-
finds himself and his faith tested when a mysterious woman
liance of his last three novels which included Atonement, this
with whom he is obsessed disappears, his company collapses
is a change for McEwan, and some fans may find it jarring.
and the island is threatened by foreign invaders.
Had this been McEwan’s first novel, it would have my vote for
Mitchell is a genius in channelling a range of voices; he
the best debut of the year. But as his eleventh novel, I can’t
seems to completely inhabit his characters, even the women.
help feeling that just like Michael Beard, this brilliant author is
With neat narrative tricks, simply gorgeous phrases, and a
resting ever so slightly on his laurels.
masterful control of tone and flow, this is near-perfect writing. Mitchell is an author at the top of his game who can pull the
One Day - David Nicholls € 13.99
reader into his vividly created world and make them reluctant
In England in the late 80s, the hopelessly mismatched Dexter
to leave. Amazingly, despite popularity and critical acclaim,
and Emma have just celebrated their graduation with a one-
he has not yet won a major award; The Thousand Autumns of
night stand. As they lie in bed afterwards, Emma wonders
Jacob de Zoet will surely change that.
aloud what they will be like at forty. They part ways, but we revisit them on the same day, each year for the next twenty
62
Solar - Ian McEwan € 22.95
years, watching them grow older, and grow apart, one of them
Michael Beard is an unpleasant, aging, philandering, self-
soaring while the other descends, until they finally realise that
indulgent physicist who once won the Nobel Prize and has
they are better people when they are together. And then the
THE XPAT JOURNAL
BY HAYLEY WAKENSHAW
story really starts. One Day is a throw-back to the high-concept
neither Joe nor Frankie are perfect or even consistently likable
manchild-becomes-man Bridget Jones-esque romances that
and the ending is rather downbeat. While Wieringa weaves
were so popular at the end of the last century. Nicholls adopts
fantastical and hyper-realistic detail into Joe Speedboat, at
the formula but adds a dash of Thomas Hardy and gives it a
its heart it is a believable kitchen-sink drama about village
hefty twist. There’s no mushy romance here: we spend most
life and the unavoidable pain of being human. It’s really quite
of the novel desperately hoping that the horrid Dexter and
lovely; eccentric and charming, in places very funny and even
lovely Emma will not become a couple.The characters are rich
exciting, but tinged with tragedy and achingly tender. If you’ve
and believable and there’s just enough period detail to evoke
not yet read any books by Dutch authors, start here.
the social and political feel of the 80s and 90s without making accurate observations on the human condition, razor-sharp
Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned: Stories Wells Tower € 16.99
one-liners and devastating emotional punches. One Day is a
In this debut collection of nine stories we meet a cast of
charming and very readable book that will stay with you days
desperate men, all trying to find a little bit of peace in the
after you reluctantly finish the last chapter.
world, including a care-free paedophile, a misfit chess player,
it a book about the 80s and 90s. There are some toe-curlingly
a housebound old man, and a Viking marauder. They are
Joe Speedboat - Tommy Wieringa € 17.99
fathers, brothers and sons in sordid and precarious worlds
In the quiet Dutch town of Lomark, fourteen-year-old Frankie
full of pain, cruelty and horror: A man has his lungs pulled out
has been lured out of a coma by the stories of a newcomer,
through his back, a boy punches himself repeatedly in the
the exciting and unconventional Joe Speedboat. The coma
face, a cat slowly feasts upon a baby pigeon, and animals and
has left Frankie unable to speak and completely paralysed
humans are elaborately eviscerated with bloody relish. These
except for his right arm, but the two boys strike up an unlikely
tales are cynical, gruff and grotesque, but also beautiful and
friendship. Joe is a blur of energy and activity: he builds
bittersweet, shot through with dark humour.
and flies spy planes, and blows things up, including his own
Tower’s is the freshest, most original voice I have come
hand. Frankie is frozen, able only to observe the lives going
across in years; he wields syntax like a swordsman, bending
on around him, which he chronicles extensively in his journal.
language to his will, carving out new meanings for old words.
However, Joe has great plans for Frankie’s one good arm: he’s
Single words explode in a multitude of meanings in sentences
going to make him a World Arm Wrestling Champion. Through
that are full of the sort of metaphors and juxtapositions that
his diary we watch Frankie grow from a bitter and angry ado-
give bibliophiles the goosebumps while still appearing to be
lescent into an adult aware of his own self-worth and place
effortless. His stories are engaging and moving too. This is
in his world. This could have been a run-of-the-mill uplifting
a memorable and moving book that bears re-reading. An
story about growing up and overcoming adversity. However,
astounding debut.
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63
Contest
And These Are the Winning Photos of the
Bicycle Mania Photo Contest! A panel of judges consisting of Bicycle Mania author/photographer Shirley Agudo, Dutch documentary photographer Ben Deiman, Amsterdam photography gallery owner Eduard Planting of Eduard Planting Fine Art Photographs (www.eduardplanting. com), and Bert van Essen, publisher of Bicycle Mania and The XPat Journal, selected these winners of the photo contest of the Winter Issue of The XPat Journal.
First prize Marc van Woudenberg, Family
Cycle Train - Marc won a WorkCycles ‘Secret Service’ bike donated by owner Henry Cutler www.workcycles.nl
Second prize Dejan Kamenski, Snow Day
- Dejan won a deluxe saddlebag from Hans Struijk bike shop, The Hague www.hansstruijkfietsen.nl
Third prize Antton Zubia, Shadow - Antton won a rain jacket also from Hans Struijk bike shop, The Hague The winners also received a complimentary copy of Bicycle Mania
Dejan and Marc received their prizes at Eduards Plantings gallery
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1st Prize, Photo Marc Woudenberg
3rd prize, photo Antton Zubia 2nd prize, photo Dejan Kamenski
THE XPAT JOURNAL
65
Contest
Expat of the Year Awards Honoring the Netherlands’ Exceptional Expats
Given the number of expats in the Netherlands and the ongoing professionalization in the
B
expat sector, it is perhaps surprising there was nothing like it before. But now the Netherlands Foreign Investment agency, Nijen-
Brolin - described by one
rode Business University, website Expatica and the Undutcha-
supporter as “the ideal
bles recruitment agency have set up their own awards for the
expat” - to the Maas-
country’s top expats, expat employers and service providers.
tricht Region Rebrand-
“The aim of the awards is to recognize the efforts and suc-
ing
cesses of the international and expat community in the Neth-
European Patent Office.
erlands and honor exceptional expats, outstanding employ-
“It is a real honor to be nominated for
ers, and excellence in service,” the organizers say.
Expat Service Provider award,” said Robin Pascoe, founder of
After an initial round during which members of the public
DutchNews.nl, which provides local news in English. “And it’s
could suggest their own top candidates, a short list of five
a great initiative for the entire sector, because it highlights the
nominees was put together. The winners are to be decided
importance of quality and service.”
Service
and
the the first ever
by a combination of public vote and expert panel - with the formal prize-giving set for March 23. The nominees range from Crossroads magazine editor Sueli
Young Writers Competition: Update The deadline for entries for the first Young Writers
Competition
was reached with a flurry of last-minute entries at the end of January. 66
THE XPAT JOURNAL
For more information check: www.expatoftheyear.nl Please note that the voting closes on March 14.
In total, over 650 creative young hopefuls from 50 different schools have taken part in the competition. The theme was friendship, and it certainly inspired a lot of creativity. You wrote about best friends, and friends who moved away and friends who turned out to be enemies. There are exciting adventures with friends, stories about the meaning of friendship and some are illustrated with drawings and photographs. The panel of five judges hope to have finalised the winners by mid March. And, if all goes according to plan, the winners and runners-up will be included in a special book to celebrate the success of the competition. They will also be published in the next issue of The XPat Journal (Summer 2010)
Check the website www.youngwriterscompetition.nl for details.
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Column
By Nette Menke
Things to do to get a grip on Dutch Literature... Reading is good for you if you are a language student. The more you read, the more you will understand. But reading literature is something else. You read novels to get a feel for the author’s culture. And you can do this without necessarily knowing the language, because literature can be
F
read in translation.
For instance, I thoroughly enjoy reading Haruki Murakami’s books, although I do not understand the Japanese language at all. There are two books by two important Dutch authors that you can easily get a hold of in translation if your Dutch is not good enough, yet, to read the entire novel in its original language. They are: De Donkere Kamer van Damokles (1958) and De Aanslag (1982), translated as The Darkroom of Damocles and The Assault. These books were written by two of our greatest post-war authors: W.F.Hermans (1921-1995) and Harry Mulisch (1927). You can YouTube the authors’ names, if you wish; there are fragments of interviews with them on the net. I have often discussed the novels with my students. De Donkere Kamer van Damokles is a very interesting story to
Reading is good for you if you are a language student. The
read, and once they’ve read it, we discuss who was right and
more you read, the more you will understand. But reading
who was wrong. Who understood the story correctly? Is it the
literature is something else. You read novels to get a feel for
one group of students, who argue fervently that Osewoudt,
the author’s culture. And you can do this without necessar-
the main character, spoke the truth, or is it the other group,
ily knowing the language, because literature can be read in
who think differently? Both camps are convinced they are the
translation.
ones who know best. And I agree with them. De Aanslag is a book my students also enjoy reading. I like the way the story is built up: it starts in Haarlem in 1945, during the war, then moves on to post-war events: a demonstration against the Russian invasion in Hungary, which took place in Amsterdam in 1956; the anti nuclear demonstration in 1981. It is about the boy Anton, who loses his entire family because of an assault in 1945. But he grows up, life goes on, he lives his own life, and, from time to time, he accidentally meets people who have also had to live with the consequences of that same assault. A movie was made of this book in 1986, by Fons Rademakers, and was awarded an Oscar for best foreign film. I hope you will enjoy reading these novels, and acquiring a little extra insight into Dutch culture. Ik wens u er veel plezier mee!
Nette Menke is a qualified teacher of Dutch as a first, a foreign, and a second language. www.nederlandselesinscheveningen.blogspot.com
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COOKING
Cooking Unites Cooking appeals to many human traits and needs. One could even say that it is the magic glue of this planet. It creates a ‘fraternity’ of people. Or, to be
P
politically correct; a ‘sorority’.
and magazines have sprung up left and right), what is being offered still remains rather limited. The hobby part of cooking might be enjoying a commercial boost, but what you end up doing remains the same.
Common Language Fanatic green thumbs, or gardeners, who read this, will say; “Say what you will, Mr. Wind, but tending the earth side-byside, brings people together too.” To which I will answer “Yes,
Put two arch-enemies in one room and... tell them to prepare
let’s grow a basil plant together and then let’s prepare some-
a meal together. There will come a moment when they are no
thing with it, together...” because, of course, these grass lov-
longer enemies. After the preparation of a good meal, there is
ers have a point. Gardening together, or playing squash - they
always a release of tension, because the cooks have a joint
all require social interaction. But that is not my point. Food
feeling of accomplishment.
is a language everyone speaks. That is why it is the perfect lingo for expressing company issues too. And I am not being
Motor Skills
flippant here; I really mean it when I say that if you can run
It is not without reason that cooking is being introduced eve-
a good restaurant successfully, you can run a multinational.
rywhere, for a variety of reasons. From old age homes to day
The management structure is almost identical. Only, there are
care centers. In nursing homes, cooking with the patients is
fewer links.
valued for its therapeutic effects. And in nursery schools, I have seen kids kneading bread, for the purpose of developing
Hats Off
their motor skills. Food is not only about survival, nowadays.
I had a great culinary learning moment the other day. I was
It is about more.
given a tour of the offices of the Unilever Food Emporium. I am not a fan of their food philosophy, but I can see that, from
Popular
an organizational perspective, they run a tight ship. The whole
Despite the fact that the popularity of cooking as a hobby
office is a collection of open work stations. And each one of
has risen astronomically (the culinary programs, workshops
these stations opens onto a picturesque, informal kitchen, in which each ‘department group’ can come together for breakfast, lunch and in-betweens every day. This is very unifying. Cool. This is the way it goes in small companies: working at the dining table. I thinks it’s very clever, if you can manage to create an atmosphere of social cohesion, involvement and coziness within a multinational like they have. Hats off.
Recipe no. 1: Mussel Satay, on Paprika and Cucumber Sweet and Sour, with a Peanut Butter Dressing Per person, slice 40 gr of cucumber, making the slices not too thin. I always scoop out the seeds of the cucumber, with a teaspoon, before I start. Also cut up 40 gr of bell pepper, into thin ribbons. In a little pan, heat up 1 part honey, 1 part ginger syrup, 1 part herb vinegar with garlic, and some salt and Spanish peppers to taste. Take the pan of the heat and add the cucumber and bell pepper. Let it cool. To make peanut butter dressing, mix together 100 ml of
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THE XPAT JOURNAL
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY: TV CHEF PIERRE WIND
salad dressing to taste. For instance, you can make the following dressing: 1 part honey, 1 part vinegar, 1 part olive oil, 1 part sunflower seed oil, and pepper and salt to taste.
Recipe no. 3: Zeeuwse Bluf with Babbelaars and Red Fruit (for 4) Beat 250 ml of whipping cream, mixing in 35 ml of Zeeuwse Babbelaar liquor, a few drops of lemon to taste and 30 gr of cane sugar, until almost stiff. You can buy Zeeuwse babbelaar liquor anywhere, or prepare it yourself by dissolving Babbelaar toffees in warm brandy (brandewijn) and letting it cool. the sweet and sour fluids (without the cucumber and the bell
Beat 2 egg whites (70 gr), mixing in 35 gr of cane sugar,
pepper) and 50 gr of peanut butter. Use a hand mixer to make
until very stiff. You test this by holding the mixing bowl upside
it smooth.
down over your head. If the egg whites don’t fall out, they’re
Moisten a wooden skewer and skewer on 5 large cooked,
done.
de-shelled mussels. Prepare three such skewers per person.
Then mix the whipped cream and egg white carefully, into
Run them through some flour and then through a basil-batter
a smooth mixture. Don’t mix it too long, or it will curdle. This
(3 eggs and add white wine or water, to make a total of 300 ml.
is Zeeuwse Bluf. If possible, serve immediately.
Then, using a hand mixer, add in 225 gr of flour, salt to taste and 24 leaves of basil. Create a smooth batter). Deep-fry the satay in hot oil, or place them in a generous layer of oil. Let them drip on some paper towel before serving.
Recipe no. 2: Roll of Fillet of Sole, Cooked Ham, Thin Salami and Vegetable (per person) Preheat the over to 150 ° C. On clear plastic wrap (plastic foil), place 1½ slices of cooked ham (30 gr). On this, place two fitting fillets of sole (80 gr), from which the skin has been removed. On top of this, place another sheet of plastic wrap. Using the bottom of a pan, beat the fillets till they are good and evenly flat. Remove the plastic wrap. Place a thin slice of 50 gr of salami on top of the fillet. Roll it all up. Remove the plastic wrap and place the roll in the oven. In the meantime, boil some vegetable bouillon (can be done in the same pan), adding: 30 gr of cleaned pumpkin (60 gr if you don’t feel like cleaning it), 40 gr of cleaned parsnip (remove the stem and peel it first). Cook 20 gr of beet stems in 1 part ginger syrup (gembersiroop, can be bought in the supermarkets) and 1 part water, until they are al dente. Also sauté 40 gr of mushrooms, until they are al dente. Mix in a tuft of parsley. You do not have to serve a sauce with this dish. I do advise you to place a little salad dressing on the table. With a brush in it. This will allow the food lover to cover his or her dish with
THE XPAT JOURNAL
71
new! Dutch
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page 37
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An insider’s guide to the acronyms, abbreviations and weird words used in everyday Dutch.
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page 73
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ACCESS is here to help Questions?
All too much?
Telephone & e-mail help desk
Counselling referrals
Expecting a baby?
Looking for a job?
page 19 page 11
inside back cover
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page 7
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page 25
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page 27
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back cover
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Available in bookstores throughout the Netherlands including: Waterstone’s (Amsterdam), American Book Center (Amsterdam,The Hague),The English Book Shop (Amsterdam), Boekhandel Van Rossum (Amsterdam), Boekhandel Hoogstraten (The Hague), AKO and Bruna shops at major railway stations (Amsterdam,The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Leiden) and Schiphol airport. DutchNews.nl
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COLUMN
Funny You Should Ask About...
Education versus Wisdom Education - the theme of this issue - and wisdom
stances. The mathematics of life don’t always figure.
are two entirely different things. We all want
the classical and contemporary philosophers and other wise
our children to get a good education, with the requisite diplomas and academic degrees added to their repertoire and their CVs. But will they find
N
wisdom in their education? Not necessarily. An even better answer would be: probably not.
Wisdom is a cache that is difficult to acquire.
It’s ephemeral, obscure, and most often not included in a school curriculum. Let’s face it, how many times have you seen ‘Wisdom’ listed on a high school course roster? I thought so. Never. We educate our children to the hilt, and that’s
good. I know, because I have two grown and well-educated daughters - one a US attorney and the other a journalist and budding author and their education has always been a priority. But, I ask myself, have they acquired wisdom yet? Probably not… or, at the very most, a limited amount. Wisdom, I believe, comes with age. You learn as you go. Life experiences teach us what is wise and what is not. Have you ever noticed the look of utter contentment and calm on the faces of the elderly? I believe it comes, at least partially, from wisdom. The wisdom of knowing what is worth worrying about in life and what is not. The wisdom of knowing when to let go of something or someone, and when to hold on… tight. In essence, the wisdom of knowing what is ultimately important in life and what is not. No one teaches us those things in school. One and one sometimes make more than two in real life; sometimes they make three or even four, depending on the circum-
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THE XPAT JOURNAL
One can indeed read about wisdom in all the writings of men and women who have been imparting the wisdom of the ages - for ages. One of my favorites is Marcus Aurelius, born eons ago, in 121 AD. A devoted reader, thinker and Roman emperor, he penned his Meditations, a gem of a book that graces my nightstand, when he was in his fifties - after a very hard life. Marcus Aurelius, considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers, wrote his Meditations in Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement - “to sketch the
By Shirley Agudo
essential traits of human character and describe ways of cop-
in my estimation. If only Meditations, and other philosophical
ing with adversity”. His “richly varied reflections are unaffected
tomes, were required reading for every young student. Usu-
by time,” cites Gregory Hays in his own translation, and have
ally, only those that study philosophy at university - or seek it
been cited as the favorite reading of Frederick the Great, the
out privately for themselves, such as I did - are privy to such
Pope, Goethe, President Clinton - and me.
wisdom. Perhaps some clever high school teacher some-
To quote two of my favorite inspirational passages from Meditations which speak loudly and clearly to my current life:
where is indeed incorporating it into his or her curriculum, but I have a feeling that it’s a rare occurrence.
“Remember how long you’ve been putting this off, how
One such place is the School of Life in London, albeit for
many extensions the gods gave you, and you didn’t use
adults. This unusual school, which opened in 2008, offers a
them. At some point you have to recognize what world it is
titillating array of courses to encourage people “to think about
that you belong to; what power rules it and from what source
the big questions”. Categories include: Love; Nature; Utopias;
you spring; that there is a limit to the time assigned you, and
Vices; Virtues; Bibliotherapy; Good Ideas; and even Play.
if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.”
Specific courses include: How to Survive Your Family; How to Make Love Last; How to Stay Calm; How to Be a Good
And: “Concentrate every minute like a Roman - like a man
Friend; How to Be Wise About Money; How to Think about
- on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine
Death; How to Be Alone; How to Find a Job You Love; and
seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing
How to Make a Difference.
yourself from all other distractions. Yes, you can - if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your
The School of Life’s goal is “to challenge, provoke and inspire
life, and stop being aimless, stop letting your emotions over-
you to think deeply about the issues that matter most…”
ride what your mind tells you, stop being hypocritical, selfcentered, irritable. You see how few things you have to do
Now that’s education.
to live a satisfying and reverent life? If you can manage this, that’s all even the gods can ask of you.” Wow. General education doesn’t even come close to this,
The future of international education…
Shirley Agudo is an American author, photographer, editor and intercultural trainer. For more info check: www.shirleyagudo.com
> First class international education for students 11-18 years in our IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes > Fully integrated into the wider school population > Students are challenged to their full potential in a culturally diverse environment > A broad and balanced curriculum to prepare students for university entrance worldwide > Adjoins the city of Leiden and is closely linked to both The Hague and Amsterdam
with a Dutch Touch
www.isrlo.nl Apollolaan 1, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands. Tel. 00 31 (0) 71 519 35 55
International Education with a Dutch Touch
THE XPAT JOURNAL
75
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