Showing posts with label life in Netherlands. Show all posts

The Dutch Book Exchange Tradition I Love.


In a country as expensive as the Netherlands, there aren't many things you can get for free. But there are a few pleasant exceptions.

10 Dutch Habits That Changed My Daily Life.



I've been living in the Netherlands for six years. People often say, "This country never stops surprising me." But that's not quite how I feel.

Instead, it feels like I've found people whose way of thinking is very similar to mine.

I grew up in Eastern Europe, where people are often described as emotional, spontaneous, and sometimes wonderfully chaotic. I've always been the opposite. I like planning ahead. I enjoy making thoughtful decisions, spending money intentionally, and finding practical solutions to everyday problems.

I've lived in several countries, including Japan. But it's in the Netherlands that I've learned the most about living logically, using my time wisely, and finding joy in ordinary life.

Here are the Dutch habits that have become part of my everyday routine.

How I Passed the ONA Exam: Orientation in the Dutch Labor Market



When I was preparing for the ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market) exam, I kept hearing two extremes: “It’s a nightmare, brace yourself” and “It’s super easy, just chill and wing it.”

The truth? It’s somewhere in the middle. You can pass this exam — if you prepare strategically.

It takes time, attention to detail, and a bit of planning.

How I Passed the Dutch Language Exams for Naturalization 🇳🇱

 

When I started preparing for the Dutch naturalization exams, I realized how much scattered information there was online.

So, I decided to bring everything together — my experience, the textbooks I used, what helped me most, and what I wish I had known earlier.

Groningen round trip

 

At the beginning of the week, I went to Groningen—just to catch my breath and change the scenery. I booked a hotel for two nights. Nothing ambitious, just a short reset.