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In the Netherlands people tend to try and recycle items before putting them to landfill. This can either be using the recycle scheme in place in your municipality, or taking them to a second hand store (known as a ‘Kringloop’ in dutch).
On November 3rd, 2016, the International Welcome Center North (IWCN) celebrated its second anniversary!
The IWCN is a one-stop shop for international people living in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe and offers services in three areas: government formalities (residence permits and municipal registration for highly-skilled migrants, scientific researchers, Orientation year applicants, and start-ups); information (practical information and referrals to reliable service providers); and social activities (a chance to start building a social and/or business network during activities and events). All of this happens at one location on the Gedempte Zuiderdiep 98 in Groningen and the IWCN is open five days per week from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.
In October, the IWCN released its first edition of its Welcome Guide to the North. A 155 page handbook full of useful information for the newly arrived internationals living in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe.
The Welcome Guide is a pocket-sized handbook covering many topics that arise for newcomers to the Netherlands. From official procedures when you first arrive in the Netherlands, to finding somewhere to live, organising utilities, health insurance, banking and much more.
Back in June, the UK voted on whether or not to remain a part of the European Union. The outcome was that 52% of voters voted to leave the EU. So what now?
Firstly, it is important to understand that right now, everything is as it was. The UK is still part of the EU, British citizens still have the right to live and work freely in the EU and do not need to rush out and apply for a Dutch residence permit or citizenship (unless you want to).
Secondly, it is completely unclear what the eventual outcome of Brexit will mean. When Theresa May (the new British Prime minster) invokes Article 50, the UK will have two years (maybe more) to negotiate its leave from the EU. In those negotiations the UK and EU have to come to an agreement on many aspects, such as trade treaties and freedom of movement. It is the outcome of those negotiations that will possibly affect British citizens living and working here in the Netherlands.
As things develop and more information is known, Connect and the IWCN will help spread the word about what Brexit will mean for British citizens living in the Netherlands. If you have immediate worries, questions or concerns, you can contact Connect or the IWCN, and we will try our best to inform and help.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good bargain. Each week I check the supermarket action leaflets for what is on offer and stock up on any good deals. But I do have shopping envy for the coupon culture in the USA and UK. One of my favourite day time tv shows is Extreme Couponing on TLC, I watch it and dream of the day I could get anywhere close to 80% discount on my shopping basket.
TED is not the name of a person, but the name of a non-profit organization that is devoted to ideas worth spreading. But what does TED truly stand for, besides sharing ideas and creating waves that have a big impact on our contemporary society? TED means Technology, Entertainment, Design. TED began as a conference with talks that focused on technology and design and brought in entertainment along the way to help make ideas accessible to everyone. These ideas are communicated in short and powerful talks, also known as TED Talks.
Continue reading “TEDx Event for three years now in Groningen”
“Zegels erbij?” or “Spaart u mee voor de actie……?” You probably regularly hear sentences like them when shopping in one of the chain supermarkets. Should you collect these stickers and stamps (zegels is the Dutch word for stamps) and what can you do with them?
Staying in touch with family and friends from back home has never been easier with services like Facebook, Skype and Email. But sometimes it is just nice to send a real birthday card or package of gifts and treats. But how and what can it cost to do that?
Networking is the way to find a job in the Netherlands, but networking can be seen as an art or a science most people need to learn about and practice regularly. Networking to find a job in the Netherlands can be especially challenging for those coming from abroad and struggling to find their way in a foreign application culture. Professional career support is very common in the Netherlands; it varies from group workshops providing more general information to in-depth individual trainings and coaching.
Our Puppy (Appa) is now 6 months old and it certainly has been an adventurous few months.
Continue reading “Getting a Dog part 2”