Any native English speakers living in the Netherlands near or in Roosendaal? I'm moving there very soon, I've lived in the Netherlands for a year now with my Dutch fiance in Beek, Limburg and am finding it a little tough to adjust.. I'd love to find some people in the same boat as me living in the same area/close by or an expat real life group..... I'm friendly, bubbly, enthusiastic and honestly a genuine person, not one of those strange internet perverts.... get in touch if you want to talk, I'm nice :)
How did you make it work here? and make the most out of living here... Any tips from a native english speakers point of veiw? How did you intergrate and do you prefer living here now than in your native land?
Any response would be greatly appreciated.
lilachoneybee said:
I don't live in that area but I have found it hard to adjust to life here also. While I wouldn't be around for easy meet-ups, I can relate and chat online if you want.
Ah it sucks you're not close, but it's great to hear from someone who's in a similiar situation :), thanks for replying :) it's hard to adjust here yes, and will take alot of time but oh well :).
JJparki said:
Hello, Bryony! Important question - do you speak Dutch? If you don't, based on others' experiences, you'll always be an outsider if you don't learn the language. I'm moving to Den Haag in July, but I already feel very much at home there, and one reason is because I speak Dutch... English comes from Dutch, so it's very easy for us to understand the syntax, grammar & vocab etc. If anything, it helps me speak English better! I truly love the Dutch language. Have you read the book Xenophobes Guide To The Dutch - this little book is a gem! The Dutch can come across too frank & rude at times, but once you familiarise yourself with this virtue they consider so paramount, you will eventualy adapt. If this is your first time living abroad, just give it time, it does take time to adjust to a foreign country, language & culture - but as long as you have the will, you will make it work! I'd recommend trying to be as Dutch that is possible - sticking with the expats could keep you in a bubble, you know? Hope this has helped! James
Thanks for the tips :)... i've done alot of online reading and also tried to get some dutch friends through my dutch fiance... i know what you mean by'being kept in a bubble if you join an expat group' i do not speak dutch yet but have a language learning program on my laptop, it'd be great to actually go to classes and meet some people that way, throw myself in :)... i just want to make the most out of living here and not chicken out and move back to the UK before giving Holland my best shot. Thanks for the reply, it did help and you gave some great tips
