• Sign In
  • Sign Up
Expatica Home www.expatica.com
EXPATICA.COM - NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Home
  • Members
  • Groups
  • Events
  • Forum
  • Blogs
  • Polls
  • Classifieds
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Music

Upcoming Events

  • The Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Collection
    January 23
    Ongoing
  • 24th Guitar Festival BCN
    February 6
    Ongoing
  • Inside the Station: Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Exhibition
    February 21
    Ongoing
  • Member Type: Expatica Member
  • Networks: The Netherlands
  • Profile Views: 2,348 views
  • Friends: 3 friends
  • Last Update: February 11
  • Joined: April 8, 2009

nerissa

  • Updates
  • Info
  • Friends(3)
  • Photos(1)
  • Events(1)
  • Groups(1)
    • Forum Posts (344)
    More +
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    If you want to just get it out of the way, do the new inburgering exams - you can knock it all over in one day.  Staatsexamen might seem cheaper, but like ldyparadox says, unless you're grammar is ace, you might struggle with the intense exams.
     ...  more    If you want to just get it out of the way, do the new inburgering exams - you can knock it all over in one day.  Staatsexamen might seem cheaper, but like ldyparadox says, unless you're grammar is ace, you might struggle with the intense exams.
     
    You could also look into an accelerated staatsexamen course.  I don't know where you live, but where I am there is a school that offers summer courses where you need to be at a certain level of Dutch to qualify, and at the end you should be able to take the exams.  less
    • February 11
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Girls Only in the Netherlands:
    Hi DawnBrit,
    There's a fabulous expat group in Amerfoort who get together all the time. They're on Facebook: Amersfoort Expats and Internationals.  And if you're willing to travel a bit, there is also a really active group in Almere: International Al...  more    Hi DawnBrit,
    There's a fabulous expat group in Amerfoort who get together all the time. They're on Facebook: Amersfoort Expats and Internationals.  And if you're willing to travel a bit, there is also a really active group in Almere: International Almere.
     
    Welcome to NL  
    • February 4
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Family life in the Netherlands:
    Check out http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/.  There is also a fantastic group on Facebook you can join.  Life saver, really.
    • January 15
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    No questions like that. They are all multiple choice and more often than not you can find the answer in the question.
    • November 29, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    ccbe, the exams are in the same vein as the practice exams linked above. The same characters, the same themes everything.
    • November 29, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    It really depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to just get the obligation out of the way, study hard (there are some useful books listed in other threads) and attempt the exemption exam. However, if you want to learn the language, cons...  moreIt really depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to just get the obligation out of the way, study hard (there are some useful books listed in other threads) and attempt the exemption exam. However, if you want to learn the language, consider taking a staatsexamen course. That will get you to a much higher (and useful) level than an inburgering course so you can work or study in Dutch.
    It's correct that the funding is stopping everywhere as of the beginning of next year, so unless you have extenuating circumstances which the Gemeente agrees with, you are on your own in terms of paying for the courses and exams.
    As HappyBird says, don't sign anything upfront. I made this mistake as they pushed me and didn't explain the options (she couldn't even tell me where I could take an entrance exam) and before I knew it I found myself locked into a course that I didn't really want to do. In the end it was beneficial, so I'm not sorry, but I would have appreciated more info... Oh, and you can't do the e...    less
    • October 23, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa created a new event:
    Halloween Almere
    Halloween Almere
    In 2010 Inter­na­tional Almere hosted its first ever Hal­loween event.  It was a huge suc­cess, so much so that in 2011 the party had to move to a big­ger venue!  Now Hal­loween is almost upon us again it’s time t...
    • October 18, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa posted a topic in the forum Americans in the Netherlands:
    Halloween party in Almere
    Hi guys, if you're anywhere near Almere and want to celebrate Halloween, our local expat group is throwing a party on the 3rd of November in the city centre.
     
    Here are the details and how to join:  Halloween!
     
    We'd love to see you there.
    • October 18, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Discuss Dutch Culture:
    Oh goody!  It's been ages since we've had a proper ranty thread.  I've just had a lovely time reading all these posts.
     
    I had a bit of an interesting encounter with a cashier a couple of weeks ago.  It was early on a Sunday morning so there was only about three other people in the supermarket.  There were three checkouts open, two of which had girls shouting "Pinkassa" at everybody who came near them.  Anyway.  The girl was in a bit of a mood and when I asked for the stamps at the end (you know, those spaarzegels at the AH), she gave me a Not Possible.  Why not? I asked.  You can't buy the stamps at a pin counter.  Yes you can, I responded.  I do it all the time.  No.  Not possible.  So I told her that was stupid, paid my bill and then she proceeded to slam that divider across all my groceries, expecting me to just take that and walk off cowed.  Instead I fought back, took her name and made a complaint to her manager.  Not that it w...  ...  more    Oh goody!  It's been ages since we've had a proper ranty thread.  I've just had a lovely time reading all these posts.
     
    I had a bit of an interesting encounter with a cashier a couple of weeks ago.  It was early on a Sunday morning so there was only about three other people in the supermarket.  There were three checkouts open, two of which had girls shouting "Pinkassa" at everybody who came near them.  Anyway.  The girl was in a bit of a mood and when I asked for the stamps at the end (you know, those spaarzegels at the AH), she gave me a Not Possible.  Why not? I asked.  You can't buy the stamps at a pin counter.  Yes you can, I responded.  I do it all the time.  No.  Not possible.  So I told her that was stupid, paid my bill and then she proceeded to slam that divider across all my groceries, expecting me to just take that and walk off cowed.  Instead I fought back, took her name and made a complaint to her manager.  Not that it w...    less
    • October 17, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    Congratulations, that's sensational news. It's just the best feeling when you realise that you're done with inburgering isn't it?
    • October 4, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Shopping in the Netherlands:
    I buy the mon chou cheese blocks from the AH to make cheese cake or icing. It's more like the Philadelphia blocks from home. I've found that the tubs don't really work for me unless I'm making a baked cheese cake.
    • September 26, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    I'm sorry to hear that you think you've failed. Slipping in English words by accident usually means a fail. You might be lucky and get through, but if you do fail you can just reschedule your discussion at a cost I presume. I wouldn't switch to the asse...  moreI'm sorry to hear that you think you've failed. Slipping in English words by accident usually means a fail. You might be lucky and get through, but if you do fail you can just reschedule your discussion at a cost I presume. I wouldn't switch to the assessments now, you've done all the hard work assembling the portfolio! The next time you go in you'll blitz it. Good luck  
    • September 26, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    Financial. You will probably have to pay for the course unless you can offer a legitimate reason. You probably should have contacted your school/gemeente before dropping out to discuss options.
    • September 19, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    Try the practice exams here:  http://inburgeren.nl/inburgeraar/examen/oefenen_met_examens/oefenen_met_examens.asp
     
    If you can get more than 85% you'll pass the real exams.
    • September 18, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    Javid, I think they mean three out of twenty written proofs (so you don't do everything as spoken tasks).
    The telephone appointment can't really be documented - the examiners have to rely on you having done it for real. Beware: because it's not really p...  more    Javid, I think they mean three out of twenty written proofs (so you don't do everything as spoken tasks).
    The telephone appointment can't really be documented - the examiners have to rely on you having done it for real. Beware: because it's not really provable, the likelihood of it coming up in the portfolio interview exam is higher, so don't fake it.
    For the library cards etc, only supply exactly what they ask for. There's no room for improvisation. They probably want to see a completed form for the proof.
    When it comes to preparing for the job interview, all you literally have to do is write four or five bullet points with your experience and motivation. Just take points out of the cover letter and hand them in as notes.
    Good luck!  less
    • September 18, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Family life in the Netherlands:
    Oh gosh! That's madness. There must be something in Bussum or 't Gooi somewhere.
    Perhaps Lynn from Nomad Parents can help.  Or would you consider travelling to Almere?  There is a fantastic playgroup here.
    • September 11, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Legal Problems in the Netherlands:
    I didn't need it when I went in for my visa appointment about 4 years ago. She said I need to ensure I have it when the visa was renewed the following year (although it wasn't requested then either).
    • August 16, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Family life in the Netherlands:
    One thing that I'm not sure was mentioned already that I recommend you getting is extra disposable or net underpants and extra kraamverbanden.  I don't want to do the TMI thing, but there's a very good chance that you will need it!  You literall...  moreOne thing that I'm not sure was mentioned already that I recommend you getting is extra disposable or net underpants and extra kraamverbanden.  I don't want to do the TMI thing, but there's a very good chance that you will need it!  You literally only need the kruik for the first week while the baby can't regulate her own temperature so see if you can borrow one from somebody.  
     
    I found that the rompers from the AH to be really good quality, and cute!  If you're going to be breastfeeding, rent a Medela Symphony from the thuiszorg winkel to help boost your supply in early days and consider investing in a double pump if you're going to continue pumping if/when you go back to work.  You can pick these up on marktplaats or via the classifieds on Amsterdam Mamas.
     
    Congratulations!  less
    • August 14, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Employment in the Netherlands:
    I have a friend who is an editor, you can always contact her via her company FB page https://www.facebook.com/pages/ABN-Editing/141374582574310
    • August 8, 2012
  • nerissa
    nerissa replied to a topic in the forum Learning Dutch:
    An oldcomer is pre-2007. They changed the 5-3 year rule at the beginning of 2010, so it doesn't matter if you're a new or oldcomer any more. You have three years to take either the inburgering exams, Staatsexamen 1 or 2, or the exemption test. There's als...  moreAn oldcomer is pre-2007. They changed the 5-3 year rule at the beginning of 2010, so it doesn't matter if you're a new or oldcomer any more. You have three years to take either the inburgering exams, Staatsexamen 1 or 2, or the exemption test. There's also a vocational training you can take which counts, but I know nothing much about that and is really geared towards youngsters I think...  
    • July 11, 2012
View More
Loading ...

Personal Information

  • Gender: Female
  • Birthday: February 19, 1979
  • * City of Residence: Almere
  • * Home Country: Australia
  • When did you become an expat?: July 31, 2006

Contact Information

  • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-in-Integration/169409013116127
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Miss_Neriss
  • Website or Blog: http://inburgeringadventure.blogspot.com/

Personal Details

  • Interests: Art, Books, Dining out, Film, Travel
  • I am not a tourist, I'm a.....: bit lost.
  • vanissa
  • truely_enigma
  • AmsterdamExpatGroup Amsterdam Expat parties and events:  http://www.laughingatpotatoes.com/
Previous
Next

  • Profile Ph­otos 2 photos

Previous
Next
  • Halloween Almere
    November 3, 2012 9:00:00 PM CET
    1 guest
    In 2010 Inter­na­tional Almere hosted its first ever Hal­loween event.  It was a huge suc­cess, so much so that in 2011 the party had to move to a big­ger venue!  Now Hal­loween is almost upon us again it’s time t...
Previous
Next
  • International Almere
    6 members
    We're an English speaking organization who's main aims are to connect people and form social networks, we also provide useful and necessary information to those living and working in and around Almere and lastly we work to help create a strong international community for those with connections, if not now, in the future, to the Flevoland area.
Previous
Next
  • February 11, 2013 2:02:49 PM CET
    in the topic Inburgeringsexamen or the Staatsexamen NT2? in the forum Learning Dutch

    If you want to just get it out of the way, do the new inburgering exams - you can knock it all over in one day.  Staatsexamen might seem cheaper, but like ldyparadox says, unless you're grammar is ace, you might struggle with the intense exams.

     

    You could also look into an accelerated staatsexamen course.  I don't know where you live, but where I am there is a school that offers summer courses where you need to be at a certain level of Dutch to qualify, and at the end you should be able to take the exams.

  • February 4, 2013 3:50:34 PM CET
    in the topic Brit looking for new female friends in Amersfoort? in the forum Girls Only in the Netherlands

    Hi DawnBrit,

    There's a fabulous expat group in Amerfoort who get together all the time. They're on Facebook: Amersfoort Expats and Internationals.  And if you're willing to travel a bit, there is also a really active group in Almere: International Almere.

     

    Welcome to NL

  • January 15, 2013 12:09:46 PM CET
    in the topic Expat mums in Amsterdam in the forum Family life in the Netherlands

    Check out http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/.  There is also a fantastic group on Facebook you can join.  Life saver, really.

  • November 29, 2012 4:03:15 PM CET
    in the topic Praktijkexamen : portfolio-panelgesprek in the forum Learning Dutch
    No questions like that. They are all multiple choice and more often than not you can find the answer in the question.
  • November 29, 2012 3:54:17 PM CET
    in the topic I have just passed the Inburgering Exam in the forum Learning Dutch
    ccbe, the exams are in the same vein as the practice exams linked above. The same characters, the same themes everything.
Previous
Next
  • About Expatica
  • Advertise
  • Banners & Widgets
  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy
  • Editorial policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of service
  • Refer site to a friend

© Copyright 2000-2011 Expatica Communications BV