When applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands, one crucial factor that lenders take into consideration is your student debt — and yes, this includes any foreign student debt.
Regardless of where in the world you built your student debt, it will be factored into your Dutch mortgage application. However, this doesn’t mean an end to your homeowning dreams.
Student debt and your Dutch mortgage application
Student debt — whether accrued in the Netherlands or abroad — will reduce the amount of money you are eligible to borrow.
This is because lenders assess your overall financial situation to ensure you can meet your mortgage repayments.
International student debt and your Dutch mortgage
Lenders will evaluate all your financial obligations, including debts from studying abroad, to determine your borrowing capacity.
Having student debt doesn’t mean you won’t be eligible for a mortgage in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
As a result, international student debt will be considered like any other debt when calculating your borrowing power.
As a result, you should be eligible for a higher mortgage compared to previous years.
So, if you have taken out a Dutch student loan to fund your studies, the new calculation method will determine your borrowing power.
How is my student debt checked when applying for a Dutch mortgage?
When applying for a Dutch mortgage, you must disclose all financial obligations, including student debt.
Student debt is not registered in the Dutch credit registration system (the BKR), but mortgage providers are required to ask for details of debts during the application process.
There are a number of steps that will be taken when you apply for a Dutch mortgage, one is asking if you have student debt. Image: Freepik
Lenders will look at your credit history and financial obligations to get a full picture of your financial situation.
It’s important that you disclose all your financial details to your mortgage advisor. This ensures that you don’t take on an irresponsible loan and can manage your monthly mortgage payments.
What happens if I lie about my student debt on my Dutch mortgage application?
Not all applicants are thoroughly checked by lenders to confirm whether they have fully disclosed their student debt.
You should always be honest with your Dutch mortgage provider about any student debt. Image: Freepik
However, while some discrepancies might initially go unnoticed, it’s crucial to be honest about your financial commitments. Failing to disclose student debt on a mortgage application can have severe consequences.
One potential consequence of having lied about your student debt is having your mortgage application denied due to an insufficient borrowing capacity.
Additionally, if you want to apply for a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), which provides a safety net for homeowners in financial distress, it’s mandatory to inform them of your student debt.
In short, you should always provide accurate information to your mortgage advisor to avoid potential issues and secure the best possible mortgage terms.
How has your student debt affected your Dutch mortgage application? Let us know in the comments below!
Here’s the key to the puzzle: cannabis in the Netherlands is decriminalised, but it’s not actually legal.
Cannabis use in the Netherlands is tolerated, so it’s neither legal nor illegal to sell or buy weed in Amsterdam. That’s what they call a (smokey) grey area, folks!
This means that you can walk into any Amsterdam coffeeshop, buy yourself some weed and smoke it — without being picked up by the Dutch politie. 👮
That being said, since December 2023, some coffeeshops in the Netherlands are taking part in an experiment where they can sell weed from legalised cannabis suppliers. Depending on how this experiment plays out, the Netherlands may decide to legalise the sale of cannabis across the country — including Amsterdam!
Smoke in moderation, be respectful, and don’t be one of those drunk tourists — and you’ll be golden!
Good to know: While you can easily buy weed in any Amsterdam coffeeshop, there is one rule you should know. You’re not allowed to buy more than five grams at a time! Somehow need more than that? Bring a friend. 😉
2. Where can I smoke weed in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has around 160 coffeeshops! This one is the popular Boerejongens West. Image: DutchReview
You’re out and about in the Dutch capital and wanting to smoke a joint. A coffeeshop is a good option, but it’s sunny out, and you kind of just want to sit at a canal. ☀️
But wait — are you even allowed to smoke outside and in public spaces? Or are there any rules you should know about?
Short answer: Yes, there are! Here’s what you can smoke where in Amsterdam.👇🏻
Coffeeshops 🍁
Wait, is it allowed to smoke in a coffeeshop?! Image: Depositphotos
The most obvious places that allow you to puff away all day are… drum roll, please… Amsterdam coffeeshops! Who would’ve thought? 😂
The Dutch capital is home to about 160 of these établissements, which can be a bit disorienting.
If you’re coffeeshop-curious but new to the game, an easy place to start are the Boerejongens Coffeeshops. There are multiple options around Amsterdam, the staff are well trained in answering all weed-related questions, and the interior is seriously classy — instead of dark and dingy coffeeshops, you’re getting marble countertops and “budtenders” in uniform. 🎩
Another gem is Het Ballonnetje, a real OG amongst Amsterdam coffeeshops located within the lively student quarters. Situated off the beaten tourist track, this spot is also popular with locals. They also pride themselves in their specialty weed selection.
Good to know: There is an official tobacco ban in catering establishments in the Netherlands — Amsterdam coffeeshops included! 🚭 This means, no mixed tobacco-weed joints inside — only “green” or herb-stretched joints.
Public spaces 🤝
Generally, in Amsterdam, if you sit down on any public bench or in a park to enjoy your joint, no one will bother you.
Since 2023, however, the municipality of Amsterdam has issued a so-called blowverbod — a smoking ban — for certain areas of the city.
This affects de Wallen (the Red Light District), the Dam, the Damrak, and the Nieuwmarkt. 🚭
On top of that, it is also strictly forbidden to smoke anywhere near school squares and playgrounds!
Other public spaces are generally fine to smoke in. Obviously, if you get blind high and make it your mission to annoy everyone around you, you’ll likely be asked to leave.
One of the Dutchest sights you’ll ever see: bikes, flowers and smoking joints in Amsterdam. Image: Freepik
Keep in mind that all throughout Amsterdam, there are regular residents going about their daily lives. Would you like to have people smoking underneath your window all day? Exactly. So, mind the neighbours!
Tip: Heading to another Dutch city? Keep in mind that not all municipalities are as accommodating as Amsterdam when it comes to smoking outside.
In fact, 67% of all Dutch municipalities have a total drug ban for public spaces! Luckily, Amsterdam ‘aint one of them (yet?).
3. How expensive is it to buy weed in Amsterdam?
Can you tell whether you’re looking at Indica or Sativa just from this picture? Image: Depositphotos
How much you’ll spend on some quality Dutch weed depends on the strain, the weight, and the form you want to buy. 😮💨
For example, a gram of weed can range anywhere from €7 to €20. Some artisanal, high-class strains can cost you up to €50 or more.
If you’re looking to buy a pre-rolled joint — either pure, mixed, or hash — you can pay as little as €3.50 or as much as €15. A lot of times you can buy bundles of joy-nts (hah!), where you pay €15 to €30+ for a pack of five.
From strawberry cheesecakes to fudgy brownies — there is a treat for every sweet tooth out there looking to get baked (pun intended). 🍰
4. Can anybody buy weed in Amsterdam?
The short answer: if you’re in Amsterdam and are 18 years or older, you can buy weed in any Amsterdam coffeeshop — even if you’re a tourist. Just like with alcohol, you might be asked to show proof of identification, so make sure to always bring your ID!
The long answer: in some other Dutch cities, there is a tourist ban that does not allow non-Dutch nationals to buy weed.
Of course, if you’re a Dutch national or resident above the age of 18, you can buy weed in Amsterdam or any coffeeshop in the Netherlands without facing any issues at all.
5. How can I avoid a bad trip smoking in Amsterdam?
You might have heard of “it” — the dreaded bad trip. A bad trip is a negative mental or physical reaction to smoking weed.
Luckily, a bad trip is generally easy to avoid!
The first trick is to pay attention to what you’re smoking and how much you’re smoking. For example, it could be a good option to start with a weed strain that is lower in THC so that one puff won’t send you flying sky-high by accident. 🚀
Instead, opt for strains that are higher in CBD. Similar to THC, CBD is also a chemical component found in marijuana. But instead of making you high, CBD has relaxing and calming effects. No bad trips in sight!
It’s also never a good idea to mix cannabis with alcohol or other drugs. Weed isn’t really a party drug in the first place. It’s always nice to make chill plans after smoking up and enjoy your high in peace. 😌
That way, you’ll mostly experience giggles, fascinating thoughts, euphoria, relaxation and maybe some munchies.
What does a bad trip feel like?
The good news first: a bad trip where you see scary figures or hear voices is mostly an invention of pop culture. In reality, a bad reaction to cannabis is more likely to lead to vomiting if your blood sugar levels drop too low or just a general feeling of being “too high.”
Mentally, you might experience intense negative emotions such as panic or paranoia. But, again, this is not very common if you consume cannabis mindfully and it all passes eventually!
6. How do I know what cannabis strain to pick?
Just as there are different brands of beer or wine that vary in taste or composition, different cannabis strains and formats will have different effects on you.
Indica vs Sativa
On the most basic level, the marijuana plant is considered to come in two different strains: Indica and Sativa.
Did you know the difference between these two strains? Image: DutchReview
In general, Sativa is considered to have mood-heightening and stimulating effects. If you’re looking for a good time, loads of giggles, and high energy, then this should be your choice.
Indica, on the other hand, is more sedative and relaxing. It’s a good pick when you want to wind down, relax or maybe even increase your appetite.
CBD vs THC
Another, maybe even more important aspect determining the effect of different weed strains is the composition of the cannabinoids CBD and THC.
Without getting to biochemicall-y, cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in weed that bind to your brain receptors and make you high.
THC is the stuff that makes you head-high (or stoned, to put it very simply). This cannabinoid is the reason weed is considered a psychedelic drug. 🤩💫
CBD, on the other hand, is known to have a variety of health-promoting effects on the body. It can be used to treat insomnia, anxiety, stress- or pain-related symptoms.
CBD can also easily be consumed as an oil. Image: Depositphotos
Overall, when thinking about which cannabis strain you want to pick, it is best to ask your trusty Amsterdam coffeeshop employee for advice. These guys are trained to know all the strains on offer and will tell you what and how much to smoke according to your needs and desires.
Good to know: You don’t have to smoke a CBD joint to enjoy the health-promoting effects of this cannabinoid. There is a whole world of CBD-infused products out there from oil to chocolate to coffee.
7. Can I take weed from Amsterdam back to my home country?
Don’t take any unwanted goods to the airport or you might spend a lot of time at Schiphol airport’s customs control. Image: Depositphotos
Here’s a scenario for you — your weekend trip to Amsterdam is over and you’re about to go through customs at your home airport.
You’re reminiscing about what you’ve seen — narrow canal houses, beautiful Vondelpark and a coffeeshop or two — when all of a sudden there is a dog pushing its snout into your coat pocket and an angry customs officer is asking why you still have a forgotten sachet of weed in there.
The charge? You’ve smuggled cannabis from the Netherlands where it’s decriminalised to a country where the possession of weed is a crime. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve technically purchased it legally in an Amsterdam coffeeshop.
The moral of the story is: empty your pockets and smoke up before you leave lovely Amsterdam. Should you be heading right from a coffeeshop to Schiphol airport, you might want to have a peek at the video below. Just in case. 😎
Now that you’ve got all the wheres, hows and whats of smoking weed in Amsterdam coffeeshops, it’s time for you to spread your wings and fly — as high as you can. 😉
Got any questions about smoking weed in Amsterdam we’ve missed? Drop ‘em in the comments and let’s help each other out!
The Netherlands officially snagged the top spot as the best country in Europe to live your best twenty-something life, while Italy landed at the bottom.
Chasing big dreams, while figuring out this whole adulting thing? Let’s see how young people in the Netherlands are doing just that. 👇
Earn more, learn more
Researchers from Alorix, an app focused on travel and culture, analysed the flexibility, stability and cultural awareness of young people in EU countries.
Their ranking uses six key criteria:
💸 Rent affordability: The percentage of salaries spent on rent (in the capital, not the center — they’re being realists).
🍔 Big Mac per salary: A greasy but telling measure of purchasing power, bigger bucks get more Big Macs.
🚨 Crime prevalence: Because high crime means a lower quality of life for young people.
🎓 Education level: All about access — how many young people are rocking at least a Bachelor’s degree?
💼 Job opportunities: More jobs + steadier paychecks = potential savings from a young age.
😊 Happiness index: Because thriving beats just surviving, especially in your 20s.
What the Netherlands gets right
The Dutch regularly place in the top five across the board: education, employment, happiness and Big Macs.
Over half of young adults in the Netherlands have a Bachelor’s degree, and the rate of youth unemployment is just 3.64%.
This puts them in the top five worst European countries regarding rental affordability, along with Ireland and Portugal.
So yes, you might afford hundreds of Big Macs, but you’ll probably be munching them in bed. There’s no space for extra seating in your overpriced studio. 💁♀️
If you’re packing your bags or calling the Netherlands home, spill the tea in the comments below! 💬
It’s valid for two years on the passport you apply with, during which you can visit the country multiple times.
The application costs £10 (approx. €12), but act fast! The price is increasing to £16 (approx. €20) next Wednesday, April 9.
How long does it take?
The approval takes three days, although it’s often even shorter, so no need to say bye to spontaneous travel just yet.
If the application process is speedy, waiting times at the border unfortunately make up for it — the Netherlands is expecting queues with ETAs in place. 🕑
“People who pose a threat”
The ETA is meant for people on vacation, family visits, business trips, and short study periods since it allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months.
We may be well into 2025, but the New Year’s fireworks debate is still blazing hot, with yet another Dutch party backing a full ban. 🧨
That brings the total number of Dutch MPs opposing loud bangs to a very respectable 94, reports the NOS.
Doei doei, Dutch tradition
Support for a national fireworks ban has rapidly increased in the House of Representatives since last New Year’s, when over 8,000 attacks on police and emergency services were reported.
The newest recruit in the anti-fireworks brigade is the coalition party NSC, previously undecided due to the cherished Dutch tradition of blowing stuff up.
Now that they have decided to prioritise police and emergency services’ safety, the only important remaining opponents are the PVV, BBB, and SP — but that’s not enough to block the ban.
Will we see a complete fireworks ban?
Well, we’re likely to see an almost complete ban on the personal use of fireworks, as the finer details are still to be worked out in Thursday’s parliamentary debate.
What we do know so far is that the government wants to extend the ban to the second category (F2) of fireworks available on the Dutch market. These include fonteintjes (little fountains) and grondbloemen (ground flowers), among others.
The most dangerous categories of fireworks (F3 and F4) have been banned since 2020.
A change in policy means that only F1-rated fireworks (such as sparklers and certain firecrackers) would be allowed to be sold.
And what if you love ringing the new year in with a bang? Lucky for you, official fireworks shows will likely still be organised. 🎇
Just when you thought US politics couldn’t get louder abroad: American embassies have sent letters to European companies urging them to ditch their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.
Waarom? Because America said so! Refuse, and say goodbye to those juicy US government contracts. 👋
The DEI crackdown goes global
The letters trace back to an executive order from Trump’s first presidency, banning DEI initiatives in the US federal government, reports Trouw.
US embassies are now exporting that drama overseas, reshaping HR policies via diplomatic pressure.
America has always cheated itself out of accelerate progress, innovation and economic value by discounting the contributions of non-white, non-male talent. The anti-DEI wave is this country’s attempt to default to coddling white men at the expense of collective progress.
According to French newspaper Les Echos (which has the letters), the ban affects all US government contractors, “regardless of their nationality or place of establishment.”
Recipients are asked to sign a certification of compliance with the US federal Anti-Discrimination Act, via an English-language form attached to the letter.
Want a US government contract? You’ve got five days to fill out a form swearing you don’t promote DEI. Should you decline, you’d best prepare to explain yourself to American lawyers. Gezellig. 😬
Dutch reaction: “Wait, what?”
Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, Reinette Klever, called the move “worrying” and warned it could bring “more uncertainty for Dutch companies.”
So far, not a peep from firms like Philips or Boskalis about receiving that letter. 🤐
Meanwhile, the US embassy in The Hague isn’t spilling any tea, giving the classic: “We do not respond to private correspondence.”
I wonder if it has occurred to him that in Europe, Americans are foreigners – WE are the DEI hires. Eliminating DEI in France wouldn’t be “America First”, it would be “France First”.
It’s an awkward clash, as the Netherlands has had a gender diversity law since 2002, while the U.S. seems to say “nah, we’re good.” Mixed signals, anyone?
More than just policy: It’s about people
In conversation with Trouw, Professor Jojanneke van der Toorn uses her research to address how diverse workplaces matter to underrepresented folks (shocking, right?). Without them, people aren’t just quitting jobs — they’re quitting the country.
She says, “What do you lose if you do not implement an inclusive policy? Then you run the risk of missing out on talent.”
And it’s not just the Dutch side-eyeing — France and Belgium aren’t thrilled either. As the Belgian Minister of Finance put it: “We have a culture of non-discrimination in Europe and we must continue that.’’
He followed that up with a rather cutting put-down of the current US president, stating that the country has “no lessons to learn from the boss of America.”
Seriously, who invited Uncle Sam to the EU office party? 🙄
Mental healthcare is more important than ever in the Netherlands, with more and more people coming forward to talk about their struggles with their mental health.
Anyone can suffer from mental health issues, and we should all be able to seek help and get support to heal and improve our well-being.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We understand the difficulty of wanting to seek help and not knowing where to start or how to do it.
Here’s all you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a breakdown or needs help, then contact a GP as soon as possible. This is especially important if it concerns suicidal thoughts or self-harming.
You will then be referred to a crisis intervention team. In the case of an emergency, the following phone numbers are available:
Once you’ve done this, you must register with a huisarts (general practitioner). This way, you can easily make appointments to be seen by a doctor or physician.
Visiting your GP for mental healthcare in the Netherlands
It’s recommended that you visit your GP, as they’ll be the ones who will refer you to a mental health specialist (especially if you have a complex mental health condition).
However, if your symptoms are mild, you can usually just get treated by the GP.
Online mental healthcare in the Netherlands
If you feel like you’re not yet ready to go to see a GP, you can also find support online or from an online mental health specialist.
This is especially recommended if you find it hard to go outside or find social situations difficult and prefer to remain anonymous.
Plenty of options are available if you’re uncomfortable meeting in person. Image: Depositphotos
Workplace mental healthcare in the Netherlands
Some workplaces have a company doctor or welfare support you can visit if you seek professional help about a (mental) health issue.
All in all, it’s important to note there is always someone there to help, and we strongly recommend that you see or talk to at least one person if you are struggling with mental health problems.
Will my basic healthcare insurance cover mental healthcare?
According to the Dutch government’s website, health insurance has to cover all or part of mental health care costs. However, it depends on the insurance company you’ve signed with and the policy you have.
For example, if you have a more severe mental health condition that may need additional treatment, your insurer might not cover all of your primary or secondary care.
Make sure to read up on your insurance policy before undergoing any treatment. You might end up having to pay for additional mental healthcare alongside your basic healthcare insurance.
When you are first referred to a mental healthcare specialist by your GP, you will have a meeting to discuss your treatment.
From this, your total cost of treatment will be estimated.
Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, getting your health insurance sorted sooner rather than later is better. Image: Depositphotos
If your insurance does not cover your mental health treatment, it’s essential to note that you won’t be able to pay per session.
Since doctors can’t know exactly when you will get better, a total bill will be calculated at the end of your recovery journey.
If your mental health is severe and you are admitted to a mental health institution, your insurance will cover the first three years of your hospital stay under the Long-term Care Act. After that, it’s at your discretion.
The difference between primary and secondary mental health care in the Netherlands
There are two different types of mental health care services in the Netherlands, primary and secondary care.
Primary care
If your mental illness is seen as too complex for your GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training, you will be referred to a primary mental healthcare service.
Primary mental healthcare is for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, but whose issues are too severe to be treated without intervention.
Your mental illness doesn’t need to be considered severe for you to seek help. Image: Depositphotos
It consists of services such as online mental health support and counselling services with a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. Sometimes, you can have both, depending on the severity of your illness.
Secondary care
If your mental illness is seen as too severe for the GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training and is more complex than primary care, then you will be referred to a secondary mental healthcare service.
These include psychiatrists or clinical psychologists working in a mental health institution, hospital or private practice.
This service is for very serious disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to name but a few. This care will be different and may require hospital stays.
What happens if you are admitted to a mental health institution in the Netherlands?
You may be admitted to a mental health institution if you have a complex and very serious mental illness.
You will be admitted without consent in serious incidents where you are a danger to yourself or others around you.
In usual circumstances, though, it is voluntary, and there is a meeting with everyone to discuss if this is the right course of action for you.
A long-term plan is sometimes created to provide supported accommodation to ensure that the patient is independent and in a safe environment.
What is mental health support like for young people in the Netherlands?
You may have a child or friend under the age of 18 who’s struggling with mental health problems, and you’re wondering what options are available for them to get help.
Well, the system for youngsters is generally the same as it is for adults. They should first go to their GP and get referred for additional help.
Young people in the Netherlands can access the same help as adults. Image: Depositphotos
They will usually obtain help from the pediatric mental health services (Jeugd GGZ), who specialise in child psychological development and associated parenting and behavioural problems.
Will I come across any issues with mental healthcare in the Netherlands?
Overall, getting help for your mental health problems shouldn’t be difficult if you’re living in the Netherlands.
The main issue you might encounter is a language barrier if you’re not fluent in English or Dutch.
The Netherlands has quite a notorious reputation when it comes to providing health care. Some say the country is known for its amazing healthcare, while others say it’s seriously lacking in this area.
However, the Dutch tend to be very laid-back and down-to-earth people when it comes to mental health. In fact, they’re pretty open-minded about mental health issues.
With that being said, don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any mental illness — whether that be anxiety or depression, an eating disorder, or PTSD.
We should continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues and spread awareness about the importance of mental health to society.
What are your experiences with mental healthcare in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
Update: Hold your horses and look at the publishing date. Hope you had a good laugh, and we’ll catch you next April Fool’s — and remember, always check your sources. 🤭
The souring of Dutch-US relations since the election of Donald Trump has finally hit a breaking point. The Dutch have decided to enforce old legal documents and take New York back.
This decision comes as a consequence of Trump’s recent acquittal of New York mayor Eric Adams for corruption charges.
The straw that broke the camel’s back
The Department of Justice dropped all corruption charges against Adams this February, in a move many see as blatant quid pro quo for supporting Trump, reports The Guardian.
“Adams’ acquittal shows us the US has gone too far,” says the leader of the Nieuw New Amsterdam (NNA) initiative, Marjolijn Jester.
Since the new US administration has been making claims to all sorts of land, the Dutch decided to take a page out of their book and are planning to reclaim New York City.
Is that even possible?
Sounds impossible to just demand a city back, right? Apparently it isn’t.
The British took over the former Dutch colony in 1664; however, British law isn’t codified, while Dutch law is. This means that the only actual records of NYC ownership still call the city New Amsterdam, with the Netherlands as its rightful owner.
The Netherlands didn’t decide to dispute the ownership in 1664, and ever since then it’s belonged to the US solely based on precedent.
America did not build New York. The Netherlands did.
America did not pay for New York. The Netherlands did.
America did not bring thousands of settlers to live in New York. The Netherlands did.
“But all of Trump’s moves show us that precedent doesn’t matter anymore,” explains NNA’s Head of Litigation, “so who’s stopping us from breaking it as well?”
The practicalities
The Dutch announcement is already gaining a lot of support in largely democratic New York, where the civil initiative Save US! was started to work out how a transition to being a part of the Netherlands would go.
In a transitional period of five years, New Amsterdam would have the status of a territory, meaning its residents wouldn’t have full Dutch citizenship.
They wouldn’t be able to vote in national elections, but would get to participate in Amsterdam municipal elections as an introduction into the Dutch political system.
New Amsterdammers would have to take part in an intensive integration course that would include Dutch culture and language lessons, as well as volume adjusting lessons to make these Americans’ reintroduction to the Netherlands more seamless.
A Dutch feel
The Netherlands is investing roughly €7 million into a lobbying initiative to increase support for New Amsterdam.
They’re setting up poffertje stands across the city to showcase the sweeter side of Dutch life, and have promised that the Yankee’s uniform would become orange.
Additionally, Roxy Dekker is set to have a tour of concerts in NYC malls to show a merging of Dutch and American culture.
The Hudson would also be separated into 37 canals, with the new land in between being transformed into a Dutch-style neighbourhood.
Not only would this give the city a Dutch feel, but it would also help accommodate the flow of immigration from other American states if New York were to become part of the EU, says Save US! spokesperson April Lloyd.
If the five-year period proves to be successful, New Amsterdammers would gain full citizenship rights.
If not, they would remain a territory, but that’s okay according to April: “Our rights are getting diminished anyway, we might as well get free healthcare for it.”
What do you think of the Dutch plans for New York? Tell us in the comments!
While some only enjoy a flying academic visit, many international students are staying and successfully finding work after graduating in the Netherlands.
Was it the cheese that made them want to study here in the first place? We can only assume.
But now there’s a clear motivation for them to stay: the cash. 💸
More every year
Almost 26% of international students still live in the Netherlands after five years, and 80% of them have a paid job, Nuffic research shows.
This increases to 39% for students from non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationalities.
And there’s a jump when you look at one year post-graduation. 👇
Back in 2017, 40% of international students were still in the Netherlands a year after graduation.
Since the class of 2022 graduated, that percentage has risen to 60%.
“Every year since 2018, you see that more and more students are staying, compared to the year before”, researcher Ece Arat tells NU.nl. She also predicts that this pattern will continue.
Staying for the salaries
These new Dutch dwellers are not only finding great opportunities, but high-paying ones too. 🤑
Usually, students who stay in the Netherlands come from technological or financial study paths.
These fields have attractive salaries, drawing nearly two-thirds of technical graduates to remain and work in the Netherlands.
Comparing with students from other countries is trickier, but language barriers, like in Germany, can influence where international students live.
Earning more than the Dutch
What’s more, many remaining foreign students already earn more than Dutch graduates.
As we know, there are longstanding tensions around internationals in Dutch higher education.
The current political coalition wants to limit the influx to improve the opportunities for young Dutch people, so we doubt this will ease their attitude.
What do you think about limiting international students? Drop your hot take in the comments below.
As an uncharacteristically dry and sunny March ends, you might be cautiously wondering if the Dutch weather’s gloomy old self is lurking around the corner.
Fear not! April will arrive with even more sun and warmth, reports RTL News.
12 hours of sunlight
If you haven’t quite adjusted to losing one hour’s sleep this weekend, we understand. Luckily, the longer, brighter days are here to cheer you up.
And that starts today! After a slightly cloudy start, it will remain sunny all day.
