Foreign Exchange student: Netherlands, what should i expect?
Im Asian btw. coming all the way from California,USA. I will be going to a Dutch school in Den Haag for a year and living with a host family. i have a couple of questions: 1) Will i be looked down or teased due to my race? 2) What are Dutch students like? Are they friendly? 3) Will i be fluent in Dutch after a year? i plan on using it as much as i can. (I have a girlfriend who speaks afrikaans back home and want to impress her lol.) 4) What can i learn in terms of History,Art,Music,Literature and all those good stuff? Thanks Guys!
Netherlands - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1. I dont think you will be looked at negatively 2.they are dutch 3.Youll understand some of it 4.all that stuff, yeah
2 :
1. You should be ok. Dutch people generally pride themselves on being tolerant, and although there are some racially discriminatory people, I don't think it is any worse than any other country. 2. Yes, generally quite friendly. 3. You won't be fluent, but you might be able to get by. The hardest part about learning Dutch is convincing Dutch people to not speak English to you, as they will automatically switch over when they realise you don't speak Dutch. Considering you are with a host family, they will hopefully accommodate your needs and force you to speak Dutch at home. 4. Well, that really depends on which books you read, what teachers you have, what course you are doing. How long is a piece of string really. Good luck with the trip. I'm sure you'll love it. Peter http://www.travellerspoint.com
3 :
1) The Dutch are very tolerant. If you behave within societies 'normen en waarden' (morals and values) you will get by just fine. I have to warn you though, that the Dutch sense of humor tends to be quite blunt, almost crossing the line, and far surpassing it if you're not used to it. Most races, politicians, nationalities and celebrities get made fun of on (comedy) TV shows or just in conversation, which might, if you are easily offended, be uncomfortable for you. 2) Dutch students are the same as every other student. However, the Dutch mentality might be a bit different. We are friendly people, but we are rarely warm people. We might invite you over for dinner, but after that we might not contact you for a few days because we're busy. We love to tell you all about our country and take you to places as the 'token tourist', but it usually takes Dutch people a while to warm up to someone new. The host family you will be staying with, will probably do everything to make your stay as nice as possible, but I doubt they will change anything in their daily schedule, for we tend to love order and stability. 3) Dutch is a difficult language, yet not impossible to learn. Dutch people however, will switch to English as soon as they hear you are not Dutch, which might be an obstacle. However they tend to get the hint when you are the one starting out in Dutch. I suggest you get a book of Dutch phrases and use them whenever you can. Going to the shops is usually a good way to have short conversations. May I also remind you that Afrikaans is not like Dutch at all. They have similarities, like Dutch and German, but speaking Dutch will not guarantee you getting by in either of those two languages. 4) How much you will learn will depend on yourself. How quick do you learn, how much do you want to know? The Netherlands has a very rich history. Dating from the 13th century (when it was still a part of the seventeen provinces of The Netherlands) it has seen many changes, however many of its history is still visible today, especially in Amsterdam, with its narrow houses and long canals. I suggest you visit the biggest cities and the main attractions there, which will give you a lot of insight on how the people here used to live. EDIT: Nevermind sKetch, he's probably still stoned or something.
4 :
One thing I will say Louise after reading another of your questions http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiR7LVK4lzqZJh5y4VSbEE8jzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080908195424AACL7kC is that although you are young and so partly can be forgiven, you do need to learn a little toleration Your question berates foreigners using English and yet you are concerned how Dutch students will treat you when doing the same? You will be treated in kind - I mean it is like a mirror, the way you treat people is the way you will be treated in return. Typically people are not as fickle as in the US, and if you are rude or condiscending, you will certainly get it back in triplicate. So maybe you can consider this as well and try to be a little more kind about "foreigners" (which is what you will be when you come here).
5 :
I have friends in holland ages 18, 19 I will repost your question to them and get back to you
6 :
I have lived in NL for 5 years and here answers on your questions: 1)not openly,but behind your back- yes,for sure 2)no,you wont have any dutch friends,the dutch society is extrenely closed conservative and racist.But on other hand you will have a lot of foreign friends. 3)No-impossible,out of question.The language is hard to learn and nobody will be willing to practice it with you.99% of population speaks english,they will keep talking to you in English even if you speak to them in Dutch. 4)it depends on you. regarding arts the Netherlands has not much to offer,only 2-3 famous museums,that'sit.Music and literature are not appreciated in this culture,it is very down to earth.
Read more other entries :
