[Megas]

Hi so not sure if this is the right section to put this in or not but here we go.
Curious if any of you have actually given it all up sold everything to move to the Netherlands and if you have whats your story/ experience been with this? Good/Bad whatever I'd like some insight. Also curious if you knew any Dutch before you went too.

[ArcticBlast]

I applied for the paperwork (when i was like 16 haha) to be an expatriate in the netherlands. I knew 2 years of basic high school German.

I got the packet, and from what i read (in english), they want you to offer something of value to their country. So, working in a coffee shop doesnt count, i dont think. Also, i'm pretty sure that many/most europeans speak English nowadays, but its pretty pretentious of us to expect them to know English and put forth no effort to learn their languages. Bottom line, its expensive as hell there, they value their jobs for life, and the "language barrier" is enough to make most rethink moving to a'dam...

Just my two cents
ArcticBlast

[Megas]

Originally Posted by ArcticBlast

I applied for the paperwork (when i was like 16 haha) to be an expatriate in the netherlands. I knew 2 years of basic high school German.

I got the packet, and from what i read (in english), they want you to offer something of value to their country. So, working in a coffee shop doesnt count, i dont think. Also, i'm pretty sure that many/most europeans speak English nowadays, but its pretty pretentious of us to expect them to know English and put forth no effort to learn their languages. Bottom line, its expensive as hell there, they value their jobs for life, and the "language barrier" is enough to make most rethink moving to a'dam...

Just my two cents
ArcticBlast

Understandable, I'm a dual citizen myself so know how much the paperwork can start. I'm also not 18 and looking to move somewhere to work in a coffee shop all day. But if there was something nice or good job offering for people who speak english I'd be tempted.

[ArcticBlast]

you'd better know german and/or dutch, seriously!

But good luck man!
ArcticBlast

[funkervogt]

Why would you go to Holland? There are many more cannabis-tollerant countries out there that don't require so many hoops to jump through and so much money to spend.

Want Europe? Check out Spain or Switzerland.

Australia is another option.

Many parts of Central/S America and of course, Canada.

My point is that the time it will take for you to learn dutch, and the effort involved in finding a company that will sponsor/send you there (almost necessary in this economy) you could easily go somewhere else with just as lenient of laws.

That being said, if you want insights from people who have expatriated to the Netherlands, do a google search on "expatriat amsterdam blog" or similar. You will find plenty, most of whom were transfered by work or had a spouse native to the country.

[Stoner4Life]

petrol taxes mean that europeans have been paying in excess of $5.00per gallon for years already, income tax there will break your heart & wallet.......

I say go for it!

[Megas]

Originally Posted by funkervogt

Why would you go to Holland? There are many more cannabis-tollerant countries out there that don't require so many hoops to jump through and so much money to spend.

Want Europe? Check out Spain or Switzerland.

Australia is another option.

Many parts of Central/S America and of course, Canada.

My point is that the time it will take for you to learn dutch, and the effort involved in finding a company that will sponsor/send you there (almost necessary in this economy) you could easily go somewhere else with just as lenient of laws.

That being said, if you want insights from people who have expatriated to the Netherlands, do a google search on "expatriat amsterdam blog" or similar. You will find plenty, most of whom were transfered by work or had a spouse native to the country.

Canada one city I'm a citizen of is only soso in terms of laws, and it was getting much better but now ehhh.... Maybe if Emery gets let go or we get rid of Harper. Other cities would be interesting. I'm kinda surprised Spain is tolerant of it since they are fairly conservative I thought. I just like gardens and coffee shops in general so I think Holland would be fun. Of course I'd visit before I'd move.

[El_Kabong]

you'll be homesick in a matter of weeks, the novelty will wear off, the language barrier will exclude you from even friendly conversation never mind when people intend to talk around you, i could be wrong here but unless you have a strong friend/family base abroad even some of the smallest failures might be too overwhelming to overcome.

please understand that even the simplest of problems or issues will be amplified, none of that working to your advantage.

[Megas]

Originally Posted by El_Kabong

you'll be homesick in a matter of weeks, the novelty will wear off, the language barrier will exclude you from even friendly conversation never mind when people intend to talk around you, i could be wrong here but unless you have a strong friend/family base abroad even some of the smallest failures might be too overwhelming to overcome.

please understand that even the simplest of problems or issues will be amplified, none of that working to your advantage.

I've been living away from home right now for 5 years, I don't miss it much and I hate where I am now even more. The way I see it I doubt it could get much worse lol

[BiG H3rB Tr3E]

Originally Posted by Stoner4Life

petrol taxes mean that europeans have been paying in excess of $5.00per gallon for years already, income tax there will break your heart & wallet.......

I say go for it!

but they have AMAZING public transit systems>>>

metro,,,taxis,,,,train,,,tram, ,,

you can get around quite easily. most people i know in EU

do not even own vehicles....