Hello, I and 2 friends will be visiting Amsterdam from Oct. 11 - 25, from Austin, Texas. We're on a research trip of sorts, as we're all considering a move to the Netherlands in the next 1 - 4 years. Unfortunately, we won't make it in time for the Expat Fair on Oct. 10th. We are, however, very interested in meeting US transplants in the Netherlands for some honest, realistic discussion regarding your experience becoming an expat. We're quite serious about a possible move, have done a considerable amount of research, and will also be meeting with a lawyer while we're in the Netherlands. If you're an expat currently in Amsterdam, we'd love to meet (our treat) for lunch or coffee sometime during our stay, especially if you have successfully used the DAFT to expatriate. Thanks!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Toby, someone, a few months ago, posted a question about moving to and living in Europe and the responders suggested that they seek out the expatriate websites and post a question there. Here are two that I found very quickly. It looks like the second one had a forum. ; ) http://www.transitionsabroad.com/index.shtml http://www.easyexpat.com/ You can try searching the helpline, but I can't remember the exact topic. Maybe someone will respond the recommended sites. Try also googling moving to Europe. That might give you more places to review. Pam
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
You'll find enough information on the rather stringent requirements for moving to the EU elsewhere (to summarize, unless you hold an advanced degree, work for the US gov't, or work for a company that is willing to transfer you to the Netherlands, it is very hard, although not impossible, for a US citizen to get hired in a decent job over here. The rules are the same for the entire EU). But if you are serious, here's the first step: Als je niet Nederlands spreken, je moet het leren (If you don't speak Dutch, you must learn it). Although it is true that English is widely spoken and understood in the Netherlands, most of the services you will need as an expat living here (as opposed to a tourist visiting) are only available in Dutch... such as apartment leases, utility bills, the medical system, etc. And if you want to get hired in any kind of a decent job (don't even entertain the idea of living off your savings, they'll be gone before you know it), Dutch proficiency will probably be a must. So, there's a start.
Posted by
OP
Austin, TX, USA
2 posts
Thanks for the replies! Just to clarify, I'm well aware of the legal requirements for EU expatriation in general, and Dutch expatriation in particular (they are actually different). My family will be utilizing the Dutch American Friendship Treaty to expatriate, and I'm specifically interested in speaking to other Americans who've successfully gone that route. For the most part, I'm most interested in speaking to people about their cultural and social adjustment, along with any DAFT tips they could pass along. Thanks again!
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
I love the Dutch. Never heard of DAFT (http://www.expatlaw.nl/dutch_american_friendship_treaty.htm), but I think it is interesting. _________ Are there other EU countries with similar treaties?