Our ‘Navigate the Netherlands’ story:
– Janina, Dominik and Tom –
From Germany via London to Amsterdam
PART ONE: JUST BEFORE THEIR MOVE TO THE NETHERLANDS
New2NL wants to connect with our readers. We want to know where they live, what they do, what their family looks like, and most of all, what brings them to the Netherlands. The best way to do this? Ask our fantastic clients directly!
In this ‘Our Navigate the Netherlands story’ series, we’ll interview a family three times during their process of moving to the Netherlands: just before they move, after their first few weeks in the Netherlands, and a couple of months after their arrival.
Are you planning on moving to the Netherlands too?
This is how Janina, Dominik and Tom have prepared themselves when moving away from London because of Brexit. Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration here.
You must have heard about Brexit in the news. You probably also know that a lot of companies have left the UK as a result.
With these companies, a lot of families had to move as well. After a long period of uncertainty and postponement, Janina, Dominik and Tom have finally been able to settle in Amsterdam. This is their story, which starts in the period before March 2019.
Hello! We are a family of three: Janina (41 years old), Dominik (39) and Tom (4). Janina is a molecular biologist and Dominik is a medical doctor. We both work as scientific officers (civil servants). Our hobbies include family activities like culture and fun sport activities, reading and socializing. Dominik also enjoys flying. Tom goes full-time to Nursery.
WHAT ARE YOUR REASONS FOR MOVING TO THE NETHERLANDS?
Because of Brexit, our employer had to relocate. So, it wasn’t really our decision. We have quickly gotten used to the idea, though.
WHAT PREPARATIONS HAVE YOU MADE FOR YOUR MOVE?
We have been very busy. We needed to find a school in Amsterdam for our son, preferably close to our workplace. Then we had to find an apartment to buy, again preferably in the neighborhood of the school and our work. And then of course we had to organize the physical move.
HOW LONG AGO DID YOU START PREPARING?
About two years in advance, focusing on different parts at different times and with different intensity. The closer the actual move date came, the busier we got.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE NETHERLANDS BEFORE?
We had been to Amsterdam a couple of times, just for short visits. We had no idea we would eventually end up living here!
DO YOU ALREADY SPEAK SOME DUTCH?
No, not yet. But, we are expecting to learn the language. Maybe ask us again later….
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM YOUR NEW HOME TOWN – AMSTERDAM?
We hope that Amsterdam will afford us a high quality of life, despite both of us having full-time jobs. We’ve managed to find a house and school close to work, which will certainly help reduce the logistical burden!
HOW AND WHERE HAVE YOU GATHERED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RELOCATION?
We have searched a lot on the internet. We have done our own research, and also got a lot of support from our employer.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL MISS MOST FROM THE COUNTRY YOU HAVE LEFT BEHIND?
We spent a lot of great times as a family in London, and we collected many good memories there, such as from Greenwich — you can see in the picture how much fun we had there!
HOW LONG DO YOU EXPECT TO STAY IN THE NETHERLANDS?
We expect to stay here for the long term, so it is really important for us to settle in well.
WHAT KIND OF SCHOOL WILL YOUR SON GO TO?
Since we are planning to stay for a long time, we have chosen a Dutch primary school.
HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE PROCESS OF FINDING A SUITABLE SCHOOL?
We had no understanding of the Dutch education system and needed strong support to find the right school to match our expectations and our son’s strengths. We found New2NL through internet research, and Annebet has guided us very smoothly through this most challenging part. She has knowledge around all the aspects that are important to consider, starting from the lottery and how to navigate it, to selecting the right schools, and visiting them. She has provided support, both physically and emotionally, until the end. This was key for us, and helped us gain confidence in the school system as well as in our decisions.
BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCES SO FAR, DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES WHO ARE PREPARING THEIR MOVE TO THE NETHERLANDS?
Be proactive from the beginning. Engage with people who can help. Be honest with yourselves in terms of own expectations. Embrace the unique features the Netherlands offers for families. We are in for a great time!”
Are you curious to find out how this beautiful family is getting on in the Netherlands? We’ll be back shortly with Part 2 of their Navigate the Netherlands story!
Would you like to connect with Janina and Dominik? You may send a message to annebet@new2nl.com and we’ll make sure to pass it on.
Have you also worked with New2NL and would you like to be featured in the next ‘Navigate the Netherlands’ story? Please answer the above questions and send them together with some high-res pictures of your family and some favorite places of yours in your home country to annebet@new2nl.com.
Other stories in this series:
The Schavemaker family from South Africa – part 1 & 2 & 3
