10 Reasons why I love the Netherlands | Why Moving to the Netherlands might be for you

In this video I talk about 10 different topics that led me to move and stay in the Netherlands for 4,5 years and counting. From how I see the Dutch people to quality of life, the Netherlands could be a great option if you are thinking about moving abroad and change your life.
I hope you find this video useful and gain another different perspective of what life in the Netherlands can look like.
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⏱️Chapters⏱️
00:00 Start
00:06 English
00:54 Expat/Immigrant Community
01:32 Dutch People
05:25 Dutch Culture
06:33 Nature
07:45 Quality of Life
08:41 Work Life Balance
10:45 Safety
11:47 Bicycle Culture
12:58 Public Transport Network
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Links:
➡️EF English Proficiency Index 2022: www.ef.nl/epi/
➡️Demographics in The Netherlands: www.cbs.nl/en-gb/dossier/migr...
➡️Museum Card: www.museum.nl/nl/museumkaart
➡️OECD working hours statistics: stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?Dat...
➡️Working Hours: business.gov.nl/regulation/wo...
➡️Global Peace Index: www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/
➡️About bicycles in the Netherlands: www.euronews.com/next/2022/09...
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DISCLAIMERS
This content is for education and entertainment purposes only. Mafalda does not provide tax or financial advice. The information is being presented without consideration of the financial objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific viewer and might not be suitable for all viewers.

[@dimrrider9133]

Thank you for shaking people from the Netherlands awake again, because many forget very quickly how good we actually have it here, including me lol 🤗

[@mowglikorf2913]

Haha, yeahright

[@ostraaten]

More than 1.000.000 Dutch people in poverty. Young people cannot start their lives because there are no homes for them. That is just to start. Nederland is een kut land.

[@dicknr1]

How great lazy migrants promoting to be lazy and come here without the need to adept. Speaking from the Holland provinces perspectives only. What a awakening.... How great to hear migrants don't need to adept and yet steal our houses.

[@dimrrider9133]

@@mowglikorf2913 Yes i know about the wef plans and agenda 2030 but i know allready the people will win so ;p

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @dimrrider9133, we usually take things for granted! Sometimes I also need a great reminder on how to appreciate more what I currently have. Have a lovely day!

[@KootFloris]

Still, learn Dutch. if you want to stay! Many expats who lose a great job may end up working in bars and restaurants. This is because your most fitting job may be out of reach when you don't speak Dutch.

[@dicknr1]

Exactly or deport this woman. And remove this video from KZbin it promotes laziness for migrants. A message to benefit here without doing shit for the culture to show appriciation

[@mafaldaboers]

@KootFloris, agree I also think it is important to eventually learn Dutch, especially if one is planning to stay a longer period in the Netherlands

[@KootFloris]

@@mafaldaboers Yes, that was my point! Learn Dutch, you said it clearer. I described the consequence if you don't. ;)

[@annekathleen4498]

I've lived here for more than 40 years and have never needed Dutch for work. I do speak the language though.

[@dicknr1]

@@annekathleen4498 dont confuse yourself with the tourist provinces as being NL. You lived probably in the holland regions. Which im born at too. And it went to hell because of migrants who refuse to intergrate. You pick cities that comfort you with english abundance in speakers. That only shows how you keep your backdoor open for when you would fail in society.

[@petersymonds4975]

At the end of 1998 I went to work in the Netherlands. I was on secondment from British Telecom and was posted to Amsterdam initially for 6 months but it lasted 4 years. I was an engineer/technician maintaining a Swedish built exchange system built by Eicsson’s, a digital exchange. I was initially on shift work. My employers arranged for Dutch classes but as I was either working or sleeping I didn’t get to any classes. My Dutch colleagues told me not to bother, they preferred me speaking English! They spoke excellent Engli8sh and best of all they were so good they understood all my jokes, even though I’m Welsh with a strong accent.

[@i.k.8868]

They don't want you to bother learning Dutch because they don't want to teach you. It would take too much energy. Much less work just to speak English to you, and speak Dutch amongst themselves. That way they can also talk behind your back.

[@daarom3472]

@@i.k.8868 this guy is on to us ;-)

[@mafaldaboers]

@petersymonds4975, thank you for sharing your experience, very interesting!

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

Glad you feel so safe and free and welcome in the Netherlands. Thank you for your contribution to this society.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi Henri, thank you for your comment. Have a great day!

[@DenUitvreter]

Which is?

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

@@DenUitvreter Well, she studied in Maastrichty (no idea what but my best guess is medicine since that is a real large part of that University; I did work together with them in the 1990's). Now she lives in Amsterdam; so prob a job in healthcare...that is a bog contribution. If I am wrong than surely she will contribute in another field of her expertise to our society.

[@dicknr1]

@@henrimessinghausen5185 and she doesn't speak a single word Dutch and promotes foreign behavior like speaking English in a nation with it's own language. Then it's on top of that clear she lives in or near the Holland provinces. Which are the most known scam cities of the country. Because in Amsterdam she can be lazy and speak English all day instead of adapting to our culture. Why would she if Amsterdam invites people to be anything they want as long as it's under the name of diversity. Aka anti Dutch in this case. She positive about a nation she shows nearly 0 interest in to adept to. I can almost guarantee you the only reason she went to another city was because of study if not she been camping in the Holland provinces all along. But she choose a city that also teaches in foreign languages. So it speaks for itself I can already guarantee she payed for studies in English language to prevent having to intergrate to our society like we expect from all migrants but none want to do. And the only migrants who you see adept move away from the holland provinces... Hmm coincidence....? So you think this woman has done any effort to integrate? No. She choose the easy way out. These are the migrants who ruin our culture by living here but not adepting here. And they all concentrate into the same provinces so it reinforces them even more to not intergrate. Which then leads to them boasting on KZbin and news outlets on how people can move here and get by speaking only English. And now we went full circle. She promotes laziness.

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

@@dicknr1 Think it is a great idea to switch to English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Finnish, Esperanto, Turkish, Arabic, Swahili, Papiemento in the Netherlands. Internationality is the best thing a community can get. Nationalism the worst.

[@harryvanrijn6366]

If you really want to settle you need to master Dutch. Yes many speaks English although not as good as they think. But in a social setting, eveyone is back to Dutch after 5 minutes. This is personal experience in a highly educated social circle,

[@sannetussch22]

Not that it's okay for people to go to there native language in a social setting. But this happens all over the world, it's not perse a Dutch thing. I have had this situation with Indonesians, Germans, Malaysian etc. Etc. And yes they could speak English but somehow it always goes back to the language they are the most comfortable with.

[@Blackadder75]

It's very OK for people to go to their own language in a social setting. We can use English in a business setting. Any foreigner who wants to be included socially needs to learn the language. That's the same everywhere.

[@kaydesign]

Very knowledgeable observations, compliments! PS My favorite Dutch visit tip; a combination between Art and Nature; Kröller-Müller Museum - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe; Visit the museum with stunning work of Van Gogh etc. After bike around one one of the many free white bicycles tru the stunning nature of the park. Have fun!

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @kaydesign thank you for your feedback! I have been to this amazing museum, the art collection is very good and the nature around it is just stunning! After the visit we took some bikes to explore the surroundings and we encountered wild boars and deers! Just amazing

[@kaydesign]

@@mafaldaboers Very nice to hear! Amazing that you also encountered wild boars. They can be intimidating, specially solo male boars. Thanks & have fun exploring!

[@Treinbouwer]

1:10 It is seen as polite to speak the language of someone you want something from. Then, they are feeling more comfortable, which makes people more likely to trade with you. But, although people are not likely to tell you, in reverse it is rude not to learn the language if you are trying to do so. Outside of Amsterdam and other big cities people will not like it if people keep speaking English when staying permanently. (Amsterdam is just weird. When I was there "Ik wil graag afrekenen", 'I want to pay', was to hard for the staff.)

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @Treinbouwer, indeed when one plans to stay for long or permanently it is beneficial for everyone to learn the native language! From my experience, most of the times I tried to communicate in Dutch, Dutch people switched the conversation to English. Very different from my experience in France, where they just talk in French regardless you understand or not :)

[@jarnobot]

@@mafaldaboers That's indeed something a lot of Dutch people do. I think most people switch to English (almost) automatically out of politeness and efficiency, because they are more proficient in English than most non-Dutch people are proficient in Dutch. We're just really used to doing that. However, this does make it a lot harder for people to learn the language. If you're trying to learn Dutch and people do switch to English, just tell them you're trying to learn Dutch and ask them if you could continue the conversation in Dutch to practice (ex. "Ik probeer Nederlands te leren. Zouden we Nederlands kunnen praten zodat ik kan oefenen?"). Many people will be happy to do so. They might not be aware that they switched to English or that you prefer learning/speaking Dutch. :)

[@BrendonChase_2015]

@@mafaldaboers "From my experience, most of the times I tried to communicate in Dutch, Dutch people switched the conversation to English." Yup, you hear that often from native English speakers in NL. A sure sign you didn't master your Dutch well enough, causing polite Dutchies to switch to English instead. Seems like a convenient excuse to skip learning Dutch. It's not abt "benefit" but more like a sign of respect to learn the language beforehand.

[@pensiveidea]

One of the most detailed and insightful reviews.

[@mafaldaboers]

Thank you for your feedback 🥰

[@SwirlingSoul]

What a very interesting video. I always like it when Dutchified foreigners who moved here talk about how we compare to their original country. It has made me look at my own country with way less complaints. 😁

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @SwirlingSoul, thank you for your comment! I also like when people who visited Portugal share their experience with me! It is good to know different perspectives and it is even better when they make us realize what we have is great!

[@ericvanloon4361]

a very pleasant video to watch, easy to follow and wel spoken. good examples and also well documented. well done.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @ericvanloon4361, thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate your feedback!

[@shift-happens]

beautiful video

[@MartinWebNatures]

Nice video! 👍

[@mhjmstultiens]

Very informative, Mafalda. Hope you're having a good time in our beautiful country. :)

[@alinasri93]

I had doubts, but after this video, I felt I wanted it, I want to move to the Netherlands! going to work on my application now.. thank you Mafalda

[@marcovaneersel4532]

Tnx!!

[@liavanson8687]

We really appreciate you all to make the effort and learn Dutch also. Just polite.

[@Daniboi971]

I’m concerned what’s happening to your great nation. Eventually you’ll all be replaced by non-Dutch 😢

[@marcelmoulin3335]

Impeccable video! Thank you. I must say, however, that speaking Dutch is important if one really wants to become well integrated in Dutch society.

[@richardhltrp1791]

ty

[@edwardbergevoet]

Nou dat betwijfel ik ten zeerste, misschien op het platte land, en bij bepaald banen. Echter voor je sociale leven kom je hier heeeel ver met uitsluitend Engels. Andere talen is het wel verschillend, echter met Engels kun je hier veruit met de meest Nederlanders communiceren.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @marcelmoulin3335, thank you for the feedback :) Yes, I noticed that I feel more at home when I can understand and talk Dutch. It is still very basic, but I will get there :) Have a lovely day

[@marcelmoulin3335]

@@mafaldaboers Keep up the good work! Doorgaan!!

[@eefaaf]

I've been on a few holidays to Portugal, and there are many lovely cities and smaller towns there as well. ... Yeah... good memories.

[@mafaldaboers]

@eefaaf, yes Portugal is an amazing country to visit! I'm happy that you went to the smaller towns as well, because there you can experience the real Portugal as well

[@janvandoren8910]

My and my wife were on holiday in Portugal last month. We were totally taken by the friendliness of the the people ( as long as they are not in their cars 😜 ) We were totally taken by the relaxed atmosphere in Lisbon. If I ever would retire in any other country ( I am Dutch ), I think it would be in Portugal. I hear your appreciation of the Netherlands, but don’t underestimate your own country. Portugese people ( as long as they are not in their cars 😜 ) are the most sincere and relaxed people I encountered.

[@MrDutchVegas]

Nice to see that someone compares us to another country. We tend to forget how good we have it.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @MrDutchVegas, yes I think the Netherlands is a very good country to live comparing with so many other countries. I hope it keeps that way!

[@edwardbergevoet]

You make me (Dutchman) smile a lot, I will share it with all Dutch people who complain, and not just about public transport. We complain a lot. But probably complaining is a universal phenomenon :-)

[@skelejp9982]

Let's just say, because, growing up with a surrounding nature, of sea, and water, constantly harassing our existence, we feel a desperate urge to improve situations. We are such a unique country, recently, I visited Broek op Langendijk. This small village, houses over a 1000 islands.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @edwardbergevoet! Thank you for your comment, I'm happy that the video makes you happy! We all need a reminder at some point to appreciate what we currently have

[@EskiZagra]

Greetings, fellow alumni! Glad you enjoy the Lowlands!

[@mafaldaboers]

Greetings @rahonavis4u! Thank you for your comment

[@squarecircle1473]

i am happy you enjoy life here in the netherlands! :)

[@mafaldaboers]

@squarecircle1473, thank you, it's very nice of you! It's everyone's job to continue to make this country a good place to live. Have a good day!

[@B-Meister]

I agree with everything in this video, except one. I don't think it happens very much, but I always think it sounds very cringy when people call their parents by their first name.

[@Why-D]

Seems to be fun, to live there.

[@retired_in_portugal]

Very interesting video. As a person in the process of emigrating from Canada to Portugal I'm always interested in the insights of a person that has left Portugal to live in another country.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @stevew6407, I wish you all the luck with your move to Portugal! I hope you enjoy the country :)

[@JanneWolterbeek]

My best friend and I are considering moving to the north of Portugal, that’s funny I see this video now. We’re both Dutch! 😅

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @JanneWolterbeek, the north of Portugal is beautiful, with amazing nature and tasty food! Good choice

[@DamaxThomas]

Thanks for the video. I heard the train schedule is worsening in 2023. What do you think? Mostly using bicycle?

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi Thomas, I use the bicycle and the train in my commute and I did not notice a worse schedule in my route. I'm not sure about the other routes

[@dicknr1]

@@mafaldaboers that's because it can't get any worse than the province and city you live in. If you rock bottom you can't go lower. Common sense

[@bertnijhof5413]

I'm Dutch and I have been to Portugal in the early eighties for work, 2 months at the Algarve (Portimão/Praia da Rocha), while working on top of the mountain Foia and 4 month in Cascais, while working in Lisbon Airport. I liked it there, I liked the people, the beaches; the Vinho Verde; the Dão red wine and the fado restaurants in Lisbon. I still play the fado music, that I bought in Portugal in that time.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @bertnijhof5413, thank you for your comment! I'm happy to know that you still have a bit of Portugal with you. You lived in very nice places close to the beach :)

[@jaysimoes3705]

I just returned a week ago. Of course I am Portuguese but always lived in NL. The people there and their attitude are a breath of fresh air compared to NL. ANd that is so even though I completely agree with Mafalda there and have no problem with all these things, like being direct and the lack of hierarchy. It is great. But Dutch tend to be pretty impatient, selfcentered and what I do not share with here is "the smile on their/our faces." I see this more in Portugal a lot more. A nice friendly smile, people taking their time for you and being generally ver kind AND humble. The Portuguese food is another thing, as is the Portuguese tendency (at least in summer) to go out and being able to eat out till 23 hours or so. I met a Spanish couple from Badajoz and we talked about what they did for work etc. We noted they earned a lot less for what they did etcetc. But in the end I told them: "In NL you live to work, in Iberia you work to live." Black and white statement, but you get the picture.

[@joostvanlinge263]

I'm glad that you feel safe in my country, but we do have a problem with organised crime. It generally doesn't spread to the streets: they keep things to themselves.

[@in551125do]

Nice video.......!! I'm surprised on your take on safety in Lisbon........I've been to your capital and walked around at night and never felt unsafe. I know it's a while ago, but has things changed that much....?.......if so, that's quite disappointing....!!

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi thank you for your comment! I shared my experience, hopefully other persons experienced more safety in Lisbon. I did live there for 7 years and would not recommend a woman/girl to walk alone in the street at night. I always advise people who are visiting to always be careful with their belongings and to be alert with their surroundings. It could also depend on the neighborhood.

[@willemjdegraaf]

Nice video! Appreciate your angles. Dutch people should view it so that perhaps we can turn down our criticism a little bit 🤪

[@mafaldaboers]

@willemjdegraaf, thank you for your feedback! Specially about the trains right? There are so much worse out there!

[@palantir135]

There are several ‘mountains’ 😇 in the province of Limburg. Germany with the Eifel mountains or Sauerland is near

[@dicknr1]

Hills they are called. Time to return to school

[@palantir135]

@@dicknr1any idea why there is a certain smiley behind the word ‘mountains’? Back to school for you: St. Pietersberg, Vaalserberg,

[@dicknr1]

@@palantir135 ah yes civilized people speak emote languages. Next up you argue for bingo language with B4 or such. Speak your language properly. The fact you know it's not mountains and yet decide to name them so shows me you don't care to spread valid information. You just want to sound interesting.

[@palantir135]

@@dicknr1 you’re not the one to tell me or anyone how to use their language! There’s freedom of expression in Western Europe. Civilized and learned people by the way know about irony and they know a word has/can have a different meaning when it’s placed between quotation marks; certainly when a certain smiley is used with it.

[@ohhi5237]

@@dicknr1 saba is still part of the netherlands, a mountain with a volcano, still not satisfied?

[@svenn429]

I like your accent so much!

[@kkemp221]

The efficiency and productivity per hour work in the neterlands are better and higher then in many other countries

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

Really enjoying your channel. You look like the actress Anne Hathaway but have a far, far better accent and voice! I'd like to visit the Netherlands some day based on what you say.

[@hardyvonwinterstein5445]

Very enjoyable tube. Well articulated, kind and fairly flattering. I wonder if you learned your English in Maastricht? That would be funny, because native Maastrichters speak something like ''Veer höbbe ore laank mèt ‘ne rögzak op euze pókkel mote loupe''. One slight criticism. ''Mountains are very much missed''. That's not correct. Since Hugh Grant's movie 'The Englishman who Went up a Hill but Came down a Mountain', we all know that a hill becomes a mountain at a thousand feet. About 305 meters. Less than 30 km from Maastricht you could have climbed the flanks of the famous Vaalserberg, which is 322 meters high and mostly covered in icy clouds all year round.

[@lennaertstuij]

Hi Mafalda, the differences in culture has been researched by maastricht professor Geert Hofstede. Calling your boss by its first name is an aspect of the “power distance” dimension of his theory. Netherlands ranks 38, while Portugal ranks 63, explaining this difference. There are 4 other dimensions that really explain some of the differences you mention in this video. Thanks for the video and greetings from a maastricht university alumnus.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @lennaertstuij, thank you for sharing such interesting information! A nice book to understand the cultural differences and how to communicate with people with different cultural backgrounds is "The Cultural Map" by Erin Meyer. I recommend to who is interested in this topic

[@EyesOfGehenna]

A side note for especially the American viewers on the topic of working part-time and vacation days. In the US many secondary benefits are linked to working full-time so over there working part-time would be a bad thing. But in the Netherlands you are considered working full-time as of 32 hours per week and working less than that doesn't make a difference for your secondary benefits. The vacation hours of 20 days is the minimum in the EU and they are paid vacation days. A lot of companies give more vacation days over here, however. Also by law you must take at least two consecutive weeks of vacation per year and the responsibility for this lies with the employer.

[@mafaldaboers]

@EyesOfGehenna, thank you for clarifying, it is also very interesting for me who did not know that the secondary benefits were linked to Full-Time contracts in the US.

[@thepoliticalthinktank]

To to get visa sponsorship ma'am?

[@lolzorkont]

We need more people like you here. Instead of people from muslim countries or with bad attitude dont want to work and have no problem with criminality.

[@JorgePetraglia2009]

Even though your superb command of the english language can help you a lot to live in The Netherlands, I'm sure that an intelligent person as yourself, can and will, overtime, learn the Ducht language.. Some Dutch friends of mine told me that this language is one of the most difficult to learn, but if I was of an age to emigrate there, my priority would be to make a serious attempt to learn it. Learning english from spanish,(in my forties) as in my particular case, was a challenge and a lot of work, though today I'm able to even write in that language, let alone how much I've learned about a culture so different than my own. Good video, keep them coming amiga. Greetings from Toronto.

[@proinsiasbaiceir6580]

I often hear that Dutch tell non-Dutch speakers that their language very difficult, which - as a native Dutch speaker and Dutch teacher I can tell you - is utter nonsense. Often they compare it to the only other language they know well themselves, English. Ask them what is so difficult about Dutch and they will give you features which you'll find in many other languages. If English is someones only starting point, then virtually every other language is 'the most difficult to learn'! Although Dutch is quite different from English, there aren't many languages which are closer to English. So knowing English actually is a great help for learning Dutch. The most difficult thing for practicing your Dutch is that many Dutch speakers tend to switch to English as soon as they hear your foreign accent. If you encounter that phenomenon regularly, then try a little lie and say them in Dutch your English is not very good. If English is not your mother tongue, you could ask them if they can speak your mother tongue. Probably not, but then you at least have politely given them a possible alternative. :-) Then they might be more willing to help you. And even if they are willing to speak English to you, many of them will deep in their heart appreciate your effort. Because even good English speakers prefer speaking their own language, if possible. By knowing Dutch you will understand Dutch society and culture much better than if you experience it only through an English 'filter'. Without Dutch you'll stay an outsider forever. And although many Dutch speak English well, many get annoyed when they have to switch to English in their own county in ordinary situations like shopping or ordening drinks in a pub or food in a restaurant.

[@HelloWorld-cq1sq]

I don't think Dutch is particularly hard to learn.

[@benjackson7872]

@@proinsiasbaiceir6580 Do you speak Dutch back to learners?

[@proinsiasbaiceir6580]

@@benjackson7872 Jazeker (yes I do).

[@mafaldaboers]

@JorgePetraglia2009, thank you for your feedback and good job with your Spanish! I am in the learning process of Dutch and from someone who speaks 4 languages, Dutch is indeed the most difficult! But with effort for sure I will manage to learn it

[@ivarschut2488]

About the dutch jugding your background: the dutch don't particularly judge where you come from or what job you do as you stated. We judge actions/decisions you have made more. And we will bluntly state that it is wrong when we think it is.

[@klaasj7808]

you really do, thats what made the NSB big in world war 2.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @ivarschut2488, the last part of your comment is very true! :)

[@i.k.8868]

What you mean is that in the Netherlands your grade doesn't matter, rather your contacts and ethnicity. If you are Dutch or Western European, you can get a good job just with passing grades, while if you have a non-Western European sounding name, you won't get a good job even if you have very good grades. And it depends on the school if you call your teacher by first or last name. In my school we used last names. Strange that you never experienced people judging you based on your background. I experience that all the time, perhaps even most of the time when I meet someone new. But I don't have a Dutch last name. Typically they don't see me as Dutch, even though I was born here, have a Dutch passport, a Dutch mother and my mother tongue is Dutch. Even in official statistics I am not counted as Dutch! But I guess you may have to live here for longer to fully comprehend how the system works here, or to read the subtleties of exclusion and generalization.

[@Blackadder75]

Dilan Yesilgöz might be our next prime minister.... Ahmed Aboutaleb is mayor of Rotterdam since 10 years .... you can become anything with any name. Maybe you have to work a bit harder in some spots, that is true.

[@i.k.8868]

@@Blackadder75 These are two people that have regularly thrown others with a migrant background under the bus. They are like Uncle Toms. So it is not about how hard you work, rather how racist you are.

[@Man-in-the-green]

Komen jouw familieleden vaak voor in het programma Opsporing Verzocht? Licht- of donkergetint? Procentueel komen dit soort kenmerken heel veel voor. Heeft dat er wellicht iets mee te maken? Ik vraag het voor een vriend.

[@i.k.8868]

@@Man-in-the-green See, these kind of dumb ass racist comments are just the kind I was talking about.

[@i.k.8868]

@@Man-in-the-green Mijn familiegeschiedenis in Nederland gaat terug tot de 16e eeuw. Ik denk niet dat vuilnisvolk als jij een familiegeschiedenis heeft die verder gaat dan 2 generaties. Daarvoor waren het alleen maar bastaardskindjes.

[@daveg8926]

I am impressed by your vlog and very good explanation of the Netherlands and the Dutch people. And by the way, your English is of a excellent standard.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi Dave, thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it

[@dicknr1]

And that's the problem. We live in the Netherlands. And it's below excellent for her on that regard

[@NLKINK]

It is true that the public transport is impressive in the 'Randstad' of The Netherlands, but it is not very good in rural parts of the country.

[@HelloWorld-cq1sq]

It's not as good in the rural parts of the country, but public transport in the rural Dutch areas is still better than the public transport in the rural areas of most other countries.

[@ohhi5237]

@@HelloWorld-cq1sq better doesnt make it good

[@petercoenders8343]

I am a Real Dutchy. Now I realise Holland is not that bad. But we always like to complain and improve.

[@mafaldaboers]

@petercoenders8343 improving is also great, but sometimes is good to stop and appreciate what we have... and then go back to improve even more :)

[@gregggullickson]

Netherlands seems to be the model for the world for cycling, and probably many other areas. All the best with your YT channel. I hope you add some interviews in future videos.

[@richarddikker8473]

At this particular moment the Dutch people suffering you know that right?, We dont want and need you here.

[@mafaldaboers]

@gregggullickson, thank you for your feedback! Yes, I think the Dutch are doing very well in several areas

[@josimack27]

I watched your video Reasons why I love the Netherlands and send invitation for me.

[@masterTigress96]

Hi Mafalda, could you make a video about the things that are better in Portugal? I am a Dutchie who is considering moving to Portugal. Would be interesting to hear what your experiences are as a native Portuguese. Thanks in advance!

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi mT96! Thank you for your suggestion! As someone who moved out of Portugal, it is interesting to reflect on what I miss there!

[@acebutter9241]

I would think the food mabye?

[@klaasj7808]

@@acebutter9241 not the salary hahahaha

[@lilianagatha]

I'm from Kenya I need to come there and work as a manager in a company

[@Blackadder75]

what skills do you have?

[@AdvdW]

As a Dutchman with a disability and using a wheelchair, I'm so lucky that I live in The Netherlands. The Netherlands is good organized and the facilities are very nice. People with a disability, really participate in the Dutch society. Oke ... some parts it can be better. Nice to hear all that positivity about our country. I think you're a really positive person and a realist. I like that. Welcome!

[@mafaldaboers]

@AdvdW thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! You are so right about the accesses and the good organization. The facilities are much more inclusive here

[@bastange8856]

Whilst it is true that the job culture is more flat and more relaxed, I would still be carefull skipping ranks by going to your boss's boss, not because the boss's boss will mind (they usually won't, unless you keep going to them for every small thing), but out of respect for your own boss, which is the person you would normally go to for problems. In emergency situations or situations where time is of the matter, then yes, absolutely go directly to person you need. In University, please don't be afraid to just talk to your professors. Whereas elsewhere they might say they will answer questions and you should respect some social rule not to make use of the opportunity, in Dutch schools the teachers will actually be more happy if you do communicate with them and ask them your questions. Dutch culture is heavily based on the ethos of competence over hierarchy. In your job you will usually be expected to be self sufficient and independent. This is the only reason they will ever look at your diploma. You pass Uni? Congrats, you are able to act independently. 99% of the information you learned in school, you'll never apply in your job, 99% of the social competencies you've had to learn in order to pass Uni you will use every day in your job (giving presentations, writing intellectually, reading scientifical papers and extracting the correct data, teamwork with collegues etc.). Did you pass Uni with honours? Congrats, you still have the same competencies, but you've also shown you are steadfast and driven, giving you a nudge on your job application over other applicants. When you apply for a job, the company will usually first look at your working experience and how well they think you fit into the social structure of the company (this is why your job interview is so important). Your actual grades in Uni is usually only of secondary concern, and sometimes won't even be considered. Only the honours really matter (cum laude or summa cum laude).

[@PrinceWalacra]

Hi, you made a nice review of Dutch society but of course if you used to all this there’s always something different you might miss… and that’s what I’m trying to find in Portugal… some space in a natural surrounding, some social tradition, some sun in wintertime, … I guess NL and Portugal can complement each other in many things

[@dicknr1]

This video represents lazy ignorant tourists who don't want anything to do with our culture but do want our benefitting system.

[@mafaldaboers]

Hi @PrinceWalacra, indeed I love the Netherlands, but I do miss a lot of Portuguese traits, specially when this summer rain does not give us any rest!

[@mz8194]

If you want to integrate into Dutch society, you will have to learn Dutch. When we are amongst other Dutch, we speak Dutch.

[@benjackson7872]

Do you speak Dutch back to learners?

[@ohhi5237]

@@benjackson7872 only if they dont speak english, what people are saying is that a group of people will mostly converse in their native langue so if youre the only one who doesnt speak that language you stop being part of the conversation

[@benjackson7872]

@@ohhi5237 If they’re learning, would you speak it to them?

[@semaph0re]

What I have noticed as a Dutch person (I am living abroad), countries with 'slower' economies (like .pt) creates a culture where, because people are not financially stable (or not have ample opportunities) they will introduce (silly) hierarchies in society where education and family background is valued a lot because it signals upward mobility. Being uneducated in such a country is viewed much worse than being uneducated in the Netherlands. Dutch people do not care about education or hierarchy because the baseline of knowledge is high regardless of completed education levels. Sometimes education is even viewed as 'wasting your time' - depending on your work-field. You can get a good paying job without education in NL. This 'inflexibility' and 'hierarchy' that .pt has, I see this mindset all over Europe - especially the poor parts.

[@user-me6lm5lw8m]

I was told that the Netherlands have officially 2 - languages = Fries(-land boppe) and for the gentiles: dutch right?

[@marcarcarmar9977]

👍🥳 Nice reaction.. We Dutch always complain.. we Have a very nice country.. But we live here.. so we don't appreciate it so much.. Greetings from Amsterdam✌

[@mafaldaboers]

Greetings @marcarcarmar9977! Yes the Netherlands is a great country and sometimes we need to be reminded on how fortunate we are!

[@richardhltrp1791]

hi there . i am dutch and lived all over europe . when i moved to italy i learned italian FIRST ! when i lived in germany i learned german FIRST . and so on .. i dont understand why ppl are moving abroad before learning even basic things in that language .. its a other rule when a business moves you to a diverent country but basic words ... c'mon ((( put in some effort plz !

[@dicknr1]

I also have the same issue with this woman. 4.5 years here and her lazy ass chooses to live in the holland provinces for the comfort of speaking english. Deport this woman. IND is clear to any other country coming here 5 years to learn the language or out. sometimes even 2 years. This woman chooses the area around amsterscam for her convenience. Which is insult to our culture. A lot of foreigners do this knowing North and South holland are tollerant of foreigners giving a big f you to the dutch culture. So its time to make her study or deport her. And with her all those achmeds and whoever also not adept OUT!

[@sjoerdvermeijden]

An employee can not just adjust his hours and an employer can defenitely dissolve your contract if you just start working less

[@mafaldaboers]

@sjoerdvermeijden, indeed an employee can't just adjust the working hours, the employee has to request to the employer and go through some type of process to have it approved. As the Dutch Government states and as I mention in the video: "Does your employee want to work fewer or more hours than is agreed to in their employment contract? Or do they want to adjust their working hours or working location? You must always allow this. However, you can refuse a change in (the number of) working hours if you can demonstrate that your company would suffer serious consequences as a result."

[@user-df3by6pb5g]

Where are you from

[@4GibMe]

Your English is easy to understand. No need for the read-out.

[@mb10kx]

maybe if you can find a place to live for reasonable price!~can be real problem here in netherlands

[@henkbangma3015]

11:57 You say 55.000 but the text says 35.000?

[@No19Name94]

No, she said 35.000, but I understand why you think she said 55.000

[@henkbangma3015]

@@No19Name94 Ah, yes now I hear it. 👂

[@tjerkheringa937]

How come that you have a Dutch last name Mafalda?

[@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267]

if you want to live and work here: learn Dutch... it'so more polite..

[@lilianagatha]

Can you connect me to come there

[@normadesmond6017]

I am truly glad that you like living in the Netherlands. But it is my opinion that, when you live in a country you should learn the language. I am Dutch. And when I go and live somewhere else I can promise you that they will not speak Dutch to me. I will have to learn another language. So - make the effort to speak the language of the country you live in.

[@blodekont5458]

0:26 that does not mean you shouldn't learn dutch though..

[@dutchyjhome]

Just to make sure everybody understands the Dutch perspective on foreign languages, of which English is the best example: Yes we, The Dutch, may speak a little English, but English is absolutely not our mother language. So please try to understand that you actually are putting us, The Dutch, into a very uncomfortable situation when you force us into any other language than Dutch, because we do not know, in general, how to express ourselves entirely in English or any other language but Dutch. The level of English we, The Dutch, speak is only for superficial chitchat and to tell you the way, when you're lost. Exceptions obviously do exist, but they are seldom. Remember that it really is Dutch which we speak here in general and especially among friends and chitchat English to strangers. So for you choosing to stick to English as a language will secure your "stranger" status. Go sit in a group of Dutchies and have a one to one chitchat conversation with one of the Dutchies. It takes just one remark of one other Dutchy and the whole group starts laughing and the conversation continues in Dutch and in Dutch only. Why, you say? : well because we all are Dutchies and Dutch is the spoken language and English is, no matter how you look at it, to us Dutchies a foreign language, just like German, French and Spanish is. So it will take an extra effort for a Dutchy to keep on translating words and form a correct sentence in English and yet, in general, we always prefer to speak our own language. And it is bluntly rude to assume that we, The Dutch, will always convert to the chosen language a foreigner demands. If the Dutch language is a bridge to far, then have a conversation with the Dutch in German: a foreign language to you, and also another foreign language to the Dutch. By the way: to all of you English speakers: Dutch is the closest language to English, so stop whining and learn Dutch. It is after all you visiting us and not the other way around.

[@ohhi5237]

no

[@FlorisDVijfde]

Life will get way more expensive here: the country has gotten more crowded, harder to find an affordable home, food and energy prices will continue to go up thanks to the government. Work life balance will get worse since is the burden of the welfare state rests on the shoulders of a group of workers that is getting smaller in ratio. Atlas is shrugging. More and more Dutch people migrate to cheaper countries within Europe. Farmers (bullied by the gov) and other entrepeneurs in particular. I still want to stay here because of my language, some friends and because I like where I live.

[@HelloWorld-cq1sq]

Yes, the country is certainly declining. Most Western countries are, but still. And on one hand I and the people I know are perfectly polite and sometimes actively welcoming towards immigrants. However from a zoomed-out perspective it's maybe not optimal to have people from all over the world move to a tiny, already-super-densely-populated country that already has a huge housing shortage. There's certainly a trend of foreigners moving in and Dutch people moving out.

[@marinusvos9414]

very nice video and pleasant voice. To be specific; you do NOT have the right to adjust your work hours. You can always work less, not more. Working less is basically quit for part of your job. Your employer can delay it to protect the working proces but not refuse. Take note that a great portion of the part-timers would rather work full-time. The reason being that working more doesn't pay off. This has to do with taxes and the many benefits you lose if you make more money. for example; you work 30 hours an make 3000. You could work 40 hours and make 4000. you would net 150,- euro more. (less than an euro per hour) So most people take the time. You must be aware of the worker shortage, wich is a direct result of this. Expats are the easy solution but shortages in other areas increase. You live somewhere, you make use of social benefits, healthcare etc Anti immigration sentiments are on the rise against all sort of immigrants, as is anti european sentiment. A shame really, could always more people like you.

[@corjp]

As a Dutch guy I like to thank you for your kind words about us. We still can be a difficult people to be around, but mostly when the newcomer is willing to adapt we will be too.

[@mafaldaboers]

@corpol3714 thank you for your feedback! Luckily I have been very well welcomed by the Dutch people. Even when I have friends visiting they always mention how nice Dutch people are

[@Blackadder75]

no rooms available anymore

[@wplaat]

Nice review of the Dutch live style. I am a dutchy. I total agree :)

[@Acoustix77]

Thanks for making me feel proud 😊

[@KENFORD-lr8cp]

What I do not like about the Netherlands is that they allow French Canadians from Quebec to exchange their driver's license, but if your are from English Canada you are not. When I question why this is, the response is "That is so"....? Why be bias?

[@Blackadder75]

maybe quebec has a more strict drivers test and English Canada hasn't? We Dutch (and Germans) have some of the toughest drivers tests in the world, that's why not all foreign licenses are accepted. It's not like in the States where you drive twice around the church in a car with automatic gearbox and pass your test.....

[@KENFORD-lr8cp]

@@Blackadder75 I had a German licence. However, once you return to another cuntry you have to trade them in for theirs. Just recently the Dutch changed their rules and now English Canadian can exchange the DL. It took them over 25 years to make changes!

[@gruttewibe76]

I agree with the positives, but one thing that needs to be mentioned is that there is a real shortage of living space (houses, apartments, etc.) here. Because we live in a tiny country with a huge population, the rents are high, land is expensive, and buying a house is very expensive too. This is causing lots of complaints from the 'native' population, for some time fuelling the rise of right-wing parties, but now the center-right political parties take a tougher stance on immigration to win back votes. Adding to that, the environment is under heavy load, and recent environmental regulations for nitrogen deposition cause big conflicts between government and the livestock farmers plus a large part of the rural population. Due to these regulations and the limited 'nitrogen deposition budget', building activities are often blocked as well, making it hard to solve the shortage of living space.

[@franswiggers601]

If you really want to exclude yourself from Dutch society, insist on keeping to speak English. Although many Dutchmen speak English the country is Dutch speaking, not English speaking. Be aware that the moment that an English speaker walks out of the room English doesn't exist anymore. Lack of speaking Dutch will be considered as a major red flag for lack of commitment.

[@plonss]

So often it is said that the Dutch are "direct". I am Dutchman, but I disagree. Indeed so much is hidden in this country behind this screen of so-called directness. The same is true to an extent for the lack of hierarchy you found. That as well is just an image. In reality in many sectors in the Netherlands a culture of arbitrary decisions by managers gained ground, turning the so-called "inspraak" of employees or civilians in general into a farce. Well of course, compared to many other countries in many respects the Netherlands are a good place to live, but I think you are emphasising too much the positive sides. I hope that stays so. There is nothing more enviable than some one who is really happy .... Success !

[@andrevanderwalt69]

About not being compartmentalised and judged: this is because you're an immigrant, you have a completely different status, you don't even feature in their status ranking.

[@blodekont5458]

10;00 not in production... htere is a lot of overtime, printing store I used to wotk for had no breaks, and overtime was just added to your workday, so, you'd be working 10-14 hours straight... 5 nightshifts in a row, one day off and early shift next,... you are just talking office jobs....

[@willemh3319]

your name is very dutch, so welcome home😂

[@grumbeard]

I am glad you are having a good time in the Netherlands. As a Dutchman I have a far more negative vieuw of my home country than you do. I still hope you like it here and enjoy it, even if I increasingly do not. The only advice I would give you is to not trust Dutch people at face value. You will find especially in a company setting that we are incredibly two faced. As soon as something is a slight inconvenience to them they will let you fall with a smile on their face. Also note that tolerance here is very superficial and most of the time performative. It is expected, nothing more.

[@jwb6583]

Thanks for the positive words about my country. KR, JW B from NL.

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

Do you have a Dutch husband? please forgive me for asking your last name Boers it sounds Dutch. Other than that glad to know that you like it here in the Netherlands and also glad to have you you are more than welcome over here. Great video btw keep up the great work👍 En nog een prettige dag toegewenst😊

[@Wil-70-NL]

You don't know anything about the Netherlands. You were just catching a glimpse from this country with your own safe bubble perspective in Maastricht.

[@jsb7975]

Well she has the bold directness right. In your case : a complaining and probably even anti-western kind of directness . No ?

[@Wil-70-NL]

@@jsb7975 No no no. 😂

[@henkpietersma7521]

Hi Mafalda, Thank you for this nice representation of my country. Most things I can completely identify with and you are friendly and correct. Personally there is 1 topic which applies to me a little less... my contract says to work 38.5 hours a week, where I worked 50 hours or more every week. Just because I love my work. In 2009 and 2010 I even worked 1.5 jobs (60 hours) a week. That was because I had +/- 10.000 euro debts. In less than 2 years I worked that away. And the love comes from both sides: I was always there when I was needed and more. The other side was that if I wished to have a day off, it was granted immediately. It works both ways. To me, one of our strongest abilities is to make people feel at home and at ease. Discrimination is something we abhor and we choose to adapt where ever we are. I was in the Philippines in 2011 and I did not book a hotel, but stayed with the people in their suburb (poor housing etc). The evening I arrived... it was already dark and somebody touched my shoulder and handed me a cold drink. It was like 7-up but an unknown brand. I sat down of the street, took a first zip and it was a really cold drink and tasted good. Children were sitting all around me, so I gave the drink to the child next to me and told him to take one zip and give the bottle to the next child, etc. That way I was able to make many friends and we had a lovely time together. Instead of investing money in an expensive hotel I spent almost everything in the people there. It was amazing how people were drawn to me... they never met someone like me before. And still I am in contact with a young woman, who calls me 'papa Henk' and it is a good contact. Sorry if this response is a little bit long. :-)

[@Ghostdog4]

While I have thoroughly enjoyed my stays in the Netherlands the population was just a little too white for me (a black man) to feel comfortable in. Add in the constant predictions of the Oceans rising and I would think the country is doomed. Beautiful country, beautiful people, needs mountains! JK!

[@andrevanderwalt69]

The Netherlands is one of the countries most prepared for sea level rises

[@Blackadder75]

A) we are world leader in sea barriers... B) we are rich, so we can actually pay for those. C) the sea level rise is unavoidable, but it's also something for around 2100.. so we won't wash away in our lifetimes. Our greatgrandchildren will

[@Man-in-the-green]

Too white 😂 OMG

[@Man-in-the-green]

We are the masters in keeping the sea under controle. Already for hundreds of years. 🎉

[@ohhi5237]

what country, with a lower percentage of white people, have you moved to?

[@erikabee3498]

Oh you beautyful lady... I wish I was 25 years younger... but never mind that. ❤ At this moment our government want us all to work 4 - 5 hours a week to work longer. And somehowe they will manage this. Yes the Netherlands are very inviting... and I wish you the best, for als long as it lasts! But the Netherlands is still getting towards the right wing. No not all of us... but the left wing is decimated now. We are a minority now. So please take caution of the right wing parties. The left party's have less that 40 % of the votes. You can finish your study in the Netherlands probably quite well. But I cannot tell you how our land is, in about 3 years! ☹

[@jaysimoes3705]

I do not appreciate it when you start talking English to me in The Netherlands. At first it is fine, after a while jus learn Dutch. Most Portuguese understand Spnish well, Would you like it when we just kept on speaking Spanish? I don't think so (I am Portuguese too btw). I think Portugal is safer than NL. You could look up the numbers here too. You cannot compare Lisbon to Maastricht, but more to Amsterdam also. And there is a big difference between "feeling safe" and how "being safe." I bike 52 km per day and yes it is a good workout for sure! Otherwise a sensible video.

[@ohhi5237]

thanks for your opinion about what poeple do in their spare time

[@ohhi5237]

netherlands is much safer, please look up the oecd data; amsterdam is one of the safest capitals in the world

[@jaysimoes3705]

@@ohhi5237 Which opinion would that be?

[@basengelblik5199]

Don't tell the Americans, you have to bring good food and coocking skills to our country.

[@scf1jeffrey]

Can i marry you 🙊😍

[@taunteratwill1787]

After this video the Portuguese will be very annoyed with you. 😂

[@mafaldaboers]

I hope not @taunteratwill1787, because I also love Portugal... but for other reasons ☀️

[@taunteratwill1787]

@@mafaldaboers Taunter at will. ☺

[@user-pc5qj2ix2c]

Nature? In the Netherlands? Lol. Every bit of land is cultivated, aside from Veluwe, which is small and full of roads, and Loonse/Drunense duinen, which is about the size of a small city, we don't have any nature. We have parks, there is no real nature here. If you want that, Germany or Poland is where you need to go. About directness you are right, I absolutely have and will tell again my employers when they make decisions in workflow that I find bullshit. I'll not beat around the bush I will just say "your idea won't work, this is why it will be less efficient". Which is I guess not done In a lot of countries. Also if an employer asks me to work overtime, but I already have plans I will tell him no. (and if i work overtime, you better compensate me with either vacation hours or financial, if you don't I will work overtime once and never again) And finally, people here very easily assume to be on a first name basis with their employees, if they do, then it works 2 ways and I will not call you boss or mr so and so. If I'm john, you are mike.

[@Blackadder75]

Veluwe is also 100% man made

[@Man-in-the-green]

@@Blackadder75True, HV is man made. Or gendermade 😂

[@AlexK-yr2th]

Nice video, pity there are so many videos of the same. The 6's culture you make a big mistake. A 6 in the Netherlands, carries a lot more weight than a B or C in the US. We do not do "multiple choice" much and your level is tested in exams and not your knowledge of facts and theories. In other countries, when study well, easily you can get an A, while here a 8, 9 or 10 is nearly impossible because your knowledge is tested, not your ability to study theory. It is the weight of the grade, not the number itself. In the hours we work, we put in much more effort, effectiveness and results. You can compare the output per employee, per country. It will explain it. Most companies have a 36-hour work week while you work 40-hours a week. Some (like government) give you Friday afternoon or Monday morning off, others let you choose a day part of the day, most just add them up to your leave days. So we work less in hours, but our output is much higher. You collected all the facts and stats, but I don't think you put them in the right context I'm afraid.

[@klaasj7808]

you really like this crazy wef government here, crazy.

[@joebar2249]

enjoy it while you can... give it 5 years , and we wil be a muslim state

[@mykimikimiky]

the reasons numbered are the reasons why NL is NOT for me. hence the name of the video.

[@SD-ko4tz]

Not adverrising please. Our children already do not have the opportunity to get a house.

[@user-xi6nk4xs4s]

Oh yes, those "foreigners" will make the difference.

[@DenUitvreter]

@@user-xi6nk4xs4s Yes, they are. It's in the numbers and actually a very simple calculation.

[@user-xi6nk4xs4s]

@@DenUitvreter I don't think the extra influx from these kind of videos (or advertising) are that high. If you're talking about all people coming this way (which are probably the numbers you refer to), yes for sure they are. Without the expats, companies like ASML wouldn't be were they are today. And yes, that's annoying.

[@Mariska2201]

Everyone's equal. Foreigners are allowed to live here just like we are allowed to live abroad. Don't make the separation. One world, one people.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

@@Mariska2201 That is utopia. Not the world we live in. I have rights here in the Netherlands that I do not enjoy in Belgium, or even less so in Brazil. Even within our Kingdom, I will have different rights and social standing on Curacao, for example (they hate white Dutch people there). So, dream on. But please don't interfere with reality. And that is, if 2.5 million people were not born here, they occupy approximately 900.000 houses. Guess what is the shortage of houses right now? Right. 900.000. I would like to live in a world where everybody was equal and free to come here. I think that is good for the Netherlands too. But helas, the reality is different.