I talked to an expat in Amsterdam and recommended me reading a fascinating book called ‘The Low Sky’ written by a Dutch, Han van der Horst. It’s about understanding the mentality, the history and the problems expats like myself could face in times of culture shock. I just recieved a book from my online order. Just skimmed over the chapters which are:
This will no doubt help me in my research on integration v multiculturalism.
Personally, for now, don’t have that kind of contention with the Dutch. I am pretty ‘efficient’ minded myself and don’t want to be bothered when travelling to and from uni. I usually do commute with earphones plugged in and do what i have to do, to fill the schedule i have to stick to. The language and communication is not that a problem. Most speak English and you really don’t need to know Dutch when doing your everyday tasks like groceries, transportation and ordering food. Once you learn how to do it, it is easy to do what the typical Dutch does.
But i do hear that a lot of expats find it difficult to learn Dutch. Not only does the Dutch speak to you in English if you sound like a foreigner, but from what other expats say, are not helpful in learning Dutch at all. I don’t know Dutch. I have uni as a matter of priority and don’t think i really need to learn it since i’ll only be here for the full 12 months. It is a common courtesy to learn the Dutch i know, but in major international firms, they often ask me to have my CV in English and communicate in English. That’s the type of impression i get.
Sure, if i am planning to say in Holland, i will eventually should learn it. But considering i had 4 courses to do last semester including the UNISCA problem, it is impractical to learn a strenuous and profoundly difficult language like Dutch.
I’m a very individual person. I can multi-task, keep myself entertained through personal training regime and do whatever i like to fill time, such as photography and reading books. This has been my regime back in Sydney, and it still compatible in Amsterdam as well.
I’ll leave it as it is, for now.
