Settling in Eindhoven Region
There are many essential things that need to be arranged in the first few days and weeks after your arrival. Once they are complete you can start to relax and enjoy life in your new home. But there are still some things you need to do. This section describes what they are and how to go about them.
You should also be aware that settling in any new place takes time. Moving to a new country also combines a number of the most stressful of life's events, and you should be prepared for this.
What to expect
- Most people go through the "culture shock curve".
- Your arrival and the first few weeks are exciting - this is the "tourist phase".
- After the tourist phase many people feel their mood dipping - the honeymoon period is over but lots of things are still difficult, and "not like they were back home".
- Happily this dip doesn't last forever. You will come out of it, and then life in the Netherlands can really feel great!
Language Courses
The Dutch nearly all speak good English, and like to show off their skills. If they hear you speak with a foreign accent it may be difficult on occasions to practice your fledgling Dutch. Nevertheless learning some of the local language is highly recommended - not only will it help you in your daily life, but the locals will appreciate that you have made the effort.
If you want official recognition of your Dutch language skills (in order to work for instance) you will need to follow a course that offers exams within the NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language) structure. This is administered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. See www.minocw.nl.
There are many language training organisations in the area. Here is a selection:
Regionaal Educatief Centrum
Dr. Berlagelaan 13, 5600 CK Eindhoven
Tel.: 040 237 9700, or 040 237 9797
De Eindhovense Volksuniversiteit
Postbus 117, 5670 AC Nuenen
Tel.: 040 284 2409
Studiecentrum Talen Eindhoven
Heggeranklaan 1, 5643 BP Eindhoven
Tel.: 040 245 2860
http://www.stetrainingen.nl/ (choose English)
WYO Talen Nederland
Weegschaalstr 3, 5632 CW Eindhoven
Tel.: 040 216 3813
http://www.wyo.nl/ (choose English)
ROC Eindhoven
Postbus 6101, 5600 HC Eindhoven
Tel.: 040 269 4444
www.roceindhoven.nl (in Dutch)
Parasol
Van Aelstlaan 24, 5503 BD Veldhoven
Tel.: 040 253 5532
http://www.de-parasol.nl/ (in Dutch)
Taleninstitiuut Regina Coeli
Postbus 2055, 5260 CB Vught
Tel.: 073 684 8790
http://www.reginacoeli.nl/ (choose English)
More information
www.onzetaal.nl/koppling/dutch.htm (in Dutch)
http://www.minocw.nl/ (in Dutch)
http://www.nederlandsalstweedetaal.nl/ (in Dutch)
For other language courses, see under talenonderwijs in the Yellow Pages (http://www.goudengids.nl/ (in Dutch)).
