All my research points to exactly that. The Dutch are open to expats. One of my family members are leaving soon, and the company is basically paying for all his relocation costs.
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Dutch Development Jobs
- Thread starter Boereraat
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All my research points to exactly that. The Dutch are open to expats. One of my family members are leaving soon, and the company is basically paying for all his relocation costs.
martin
Expert Member
Thanks for the detailed response! My kids are 7 and 5 and bilingual with a good command of both English and Afrikaans. Based on what I've read I should not assume that there's a silky smooth transition from Afrikaans to Dutch. I guess they're still young enough to pick it up fairly quickly though.
At this point, I've not made up my mind on whether to actively pursue a move to the Netherlands. I'm a Developer with a lot of formal experience (15+ years) but no degree (I do have a Diploma and I've been studying part-time for the past year). Most of the job offerings I've come across so far seem to require a degree so I'm not sure what my chances are. If anyone in a similar position has had success in this regard I'd really appreciate your advice.
Watch out. Afrikaans and Dutch share a lot, but it is a more complex language. You can understand it with Afrikaans, but speaking and writing it is a different ballgame.
Regarding kids. The younger, the better. Studies show that children are able to learn new languages easier to about 10 years of age.
Some other things:
Get your CV in the Europe style.
Do a lot of research. Lots of sites.
Visit the place first.
Make sure the whole family is onboard.
I have a rough word doc with essential info Pm me and I will email it.
They will. Afrikaans helps in that you can understand it when people speak to you and you can read Dutch. The grammar is very different, in some ways I wish I could forget Afrikaans, because it does get in the way when you start learning grammar.
They should be more than fine. My son is happier at school here than he ever was in South Africa. His teacher is really fantastic, the school is fantastic, and the best part is, its a state school.
Dutch kids tend to be happy, well-adjusted kids - I see kids of 5 years old riding their bicycles in our street.
I'm in a different situation compared to you (I have two degrees), but having worked here a while I give you my view. Most people I work with have degrees, most people have Masters degrees - but, my company will not disqualify any candidate with no degree who can do the job well and demonstrate that. Most of the developers here (I'd estimate 90%) are expats. If you don't have an EU passport, it makes it harder - but if you have sought after skills you can try approaching an employer who is able to sponsor a highly skilled migrant visa. We have people working with us without degrees - depending on the job, it might be a problem, or it might not.
The job postings will say they require a degree, most people who apply will have a degree but don't let that stop you.
The best advice I can give you is to have an updated LinkedIn profile (I found all the positions I applied for via LinkedIn), have a Dutch format CV (Google it, they don't like the 15 page essays we consider CV's in SA) and make sure your skills are up to date. A few personal projects on Github won't hurt. Whether you have a degree or not, you'll face the same long interview process - if you pass that, it won't matter whether you have a degree or just a diploma.
Most companies do an initial Skype screen, then a technical test (either a mini project, or a few hours worth of Codility/HackerRank challenges), sometimes psychometric tests, face to face interviews and then an offer. Some companies, like Amazon, will have a whole day of back to back interviews with a short lunch break inbetween.
Make sure your paperwork is in order: unabridged, apostilled marriage certificates, unabridged, apostilled birth certificates for the whole family, recent passport, police clearance (some companies require this, I had to provide one)
I can't agree more. Dutch grammar is much, much more complex than Afrikaans and way different
Solitude
Executive Member
So, I went to the Netherlands as part of a Europe trip. And this thread was on my mind the whole time. The people there are so friendly and I really like the country. Well, the bits I saw in any case. I was too scared to emigrate but now that I've actually seen what it's like over there, I'm a lot more keen.
Will be doing some research.
Will be doing some research.
Happened to my brother as well. He went there for a visit and now he is leaving to the Netherlands
I’m going to the Netherlands in a week or two. Any questions / things that anyone want to know? I’m going for an interview, not development, more of a specialist operations role. However, I’m going into the shops and will be walking the neighborhoods to get a feel.
ArtyLoop
Executive Member
Yes... since I am likely going to end up there before long... what is their attitude to those of us with lots of tattoos? I want to know specifically whether this is an accepted thing in public and at work.
Will do.
Hamster
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Mag ek braai?
Haha. You need to ask permission from the fire station. According my cousin.
No, you can braai. Some neighbours don't like the smoke, I've never had complaints. You do get some funny stares when you braai when its 1 degree outside
I work with many people who have extensive tattoos - not a problem.
That might actually be a good idea.
Go on a trip and check the place out first.
Been in eindhoven for a few days. Ended up (unbeknown) in Dutch Design Week. Weather is cold and wet, but not overly unpleasant. Reminds me of the mist rain and weather in PE and East London.
Jobs are plenty here. There are a few big companies here eg Phillips and ASML. Lots of small high tech startups as well. According to my SO, some of the best packaging design companies are here as well.
Went for a job interview for one of the big firms. Not for development role though, but for a more strategic role.
Now the wait....
Jobs are plenty here. There are a few big companies here eg Phillips and ASML. Lots of small high tech startups as well. According to my SO, some of the best packaging design companies are here as well.
Went for a job interview for one of the big firms. Not for development role though, but for a more strategic role.
Now the wait....
So there might be an opportunity for me in Rotterdam. It's probably 100 times safer/better than any city in SA. What is the weather like? I have never been outside SA. I hate prolonged cold weather. I can't even handle PTA winter. I wouldn't mind staying outside Rotterdam if I can find a warmer city.
I'm doing some reading about the city of course, but so far it seems to be generally cold from the little reading i have done so far.
I'm doing some reading about the city of course, but so far it seems to be generally cold from the little reading i have done so far.
It can be cold. BUT they have double glass, central heating etc. So normally you put on some warm clothes, travel to wherever you want to be, then once inside you can take off the warm layers.
It rains a bit too, but you sort of get used to it.
The only thing I didn't like like are when the days get short. You go to work in the morning and it's dark, then when you go home in the evening it's dark again. Winter depression is a thing.