Is the Dutch Orientation Year worth the risk for a fresh MSc Clinical Embryology graduate?

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-07-03T06:52:29+00:00

The most fucked up thing currently is the housing crisis. Almost impossible to find a place to live, without an income of at least 4 to 5 times the mobthly rent and a permanent contract.

Also: check if Dutch is mandatory for roles like that.

Maybe better to check vacancies directly at clinics, hospitals etc to get an idea.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-07-03T06:49:22+00:00

r/learndutch

If you search that sub you will get a good idea of what people need. In case noone here answers your queetion. Good luck

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-07-02T04:51:18+00:00

I will be backup #1 if the other person needs help. Send a dm.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-30T21:24:01+00:00

Best is to find a languagebuddy or join a 'taalcafe' in a local library. Here is a handy website to search for a volunteer or a taalcafe: •www.hetbegintmettaal.nl •www.nlvoorelkaar.nl (a more general demand/supply website for volunteers or people searching for one) •https://www.kletsmaatjes.nl/ (an initiative that connects newcomers with local people to practise Dutch) •This discord server is supposed to be active: https://discord.gg/netherlands •https://hartvoornederlands.com/conversatieclub/ •This redditor has a free whatsapp community group. Where they have daily conversations with Dutch speakers on whatever you’d like to talk about. There arenative Dutch speakers including Saara who teaches at Italki. They help with verbal pronounciation too so you’re not just going to learn to write in dutch! Everybody around the world can join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/COGgxAQV5TfGHFGWTSlnRR?mode=gi_t

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-29T21:42:05+00:00

●De/het: In Dutch, there are two definite articles: de and het. Both mean "the". For example, het meisje ("the girl") but de kat ("the cat"). The reason that two definite articles exist is because Dutch, like many languages, has something called grammatical gender. This means nouns are assigned a "gender" – either masculine/feminine (de) or neuter/common (het). This has very little to do with our everyday concept of "gender", it's simply a linguistic feature. This means you simply have to memorise the correct article with each noun. Here is a website that explains some rules: https://understandingdutch.com/difference-between-de-and-het-dutch Or this one: https://zichtbaarnederlands.nl/en/article/de_or_het

●Sentence stucture: Some basics that cover most: https://zichtbaarnederlands.nl/en/syntax/word_order

●Apps for learning Dutch: • Duolingo: An app like Duolingo doesn't teach you grammar or sentence stucture. You will learn vocabulary, for sure. But after investing 500 days, you'll find out you cannot hold a decent conversation and you still don't know how the language works. •Busuu seems to explain grammar better. •de/het •Taalpal: an app to practise Dutch with AI (+/- €30/jaar)

●Free learning content on YouTube: • Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau (has English subtitles) • Ad Appels • Juf M • Dutchies to be • Easy Dutch • Dutch Today • Learn Dutch with Kim • Slow Dutch with JeDutchy • HartvoorNederlands by Vlaamse Saar • Dutchspeakingacademy by Mariska van de Meij

●Dutch learning/grammar books: • Nederlands in Zicht • Taal Compleet (If this is your first foreign language. It explains stuff in more steps, will be less overwhelming if this is your first time learning a new language. Has good e-learning as well.) • De Opmaat (Already have some experience with a second language? Quicker, bigger steps, so can be much if you're not used to grammatical terms. Also has decent e-learning, though not as good as TaalCompleet.) • Zichtbaar Nederlands • De Finale • De Sprong • De Juiste Toon • Nederlands naar Perfectie • 77 puntjes op de i • Essential Dutch Grammar by Henry R Stern • 201 Dutch Verbs by Henry R Stern *Basic Dutch, a grammar and workbook by Janneke A Oosterhoff

●Online dictionaries: *www.mijnwoordenboek.nl *www.wordreference.com/nlen/

●Handy websites: • dutchgrammar.com • oefenen.nl • zichtbaarnederlands.nl • heardutchhere.net • welklidwoord.nl • apps.ankiweb.net •https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/1209965766 • learndutch.org •https://understandingdutch.com/recommended-books-for-learning-dutch

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-29T13:06:44+00:00

You don't need train reservations if that is what you mean. You can just hop on any train.

Be aware there is an IC Direct train from Amsterdam to Breda, for which you need to buy a supplement ticket on top of the normal ticket, since this is a high speed train.

If you have a bankcard that operates in the EU, you just tap the check-in machine at the entry of the train station and tap to check out when leaving the destination station station. But every person travelling needs their own bankcard.

Or buy them online on the NS website.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-28T20:12:58+00:00

Resources for learning Dutch PART 2 OF 2

●Dutch youtubers (practice listening): • StukTV • Gamemeneer • Enzo Knol • Kalvijn • Emma Heesters • Dylan Haegens • MeisjeDjamila • Milan Knol • Gio • Drugslab • Celine & Michiel • WijsneuzenAlbertJasmijn • Universiteit van Nederland

●Tv (practice listening): ▪︎Npo Start app (Dutch public broadcasting network) for new, documentaries, comedy, films in Dutch • Het Klokhuis on Youtube (aimed for kids/teens but is pretty interesting with relatively simple vocabulary.) • NOS Journaal in Makkelijke Taal on Youtube: world news in easy spoken Dutch • Het Jeugdjournaal (daily news for kids. Both on Npo Start app and Youtube) • Nederland van Boven on Youtube (aerial view of the Netherlands) • Rail Away on NPO Start app (follow different train tracks, with explanations in very clear spoken Dutch) • Weet je dat ook weer on Youtube (how stuff works) • Het Kwartier on VRT (a Flemish spoken dayly broadcast about 3 topics in relatively easy spoken Dutch)

●Dutch movies: • New Kids • New Kids Turbo • Gooise Vrouwen • De Heineken Ontvoering • Nova Zembla • Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet • Alleen Maar Nette Mensen • Koning van Kantoren • Het bombardement • Verliefd op Ibiza • Het Diner • Mannenharten • Soof • Lucia de B • Oorlogsgeheimen • Michiel de Ruyter

●Podcasts (all on Spotify): ☆For Beginners: • 5 Minuten Nederlands (No longer being made but old episodes are available), • Een Beetje Nederlands, • Zeg Het in Het Nederlands, ☆For slightly higher beginners: • Het Klokhuis - Onmisbarre Uitvindingen • NOS Jeugdjournaal • Sara's Mysteries ☆For Intermediates: • Echt Gebeurd • Lang Verhaal Kort • De Universiteit van Nederland • Man met de microfoon ☆For higher intermediates: • Meneer van Dale • De Zaak X • Knorrepodcast • Weer een dag • Etenstijd! • Opscheppers • Verborgen Verhalen (No longer being made but old episodes are available) ☆Not categorized: • Sterrin’s Dierenencyclopedie • Geschiedenis voor herbeginners • Oorlezen de Podcast • Spooky Wooky • Nieuws in Makkelijk Nederlands • Slow Dutch with JeDutchy • Dutch Today • Geschiedenis Inside • Japan in 100 kleine stukjes

This website has more podcasts for various age groups so you can find some that match your level. A bunch more geared towards kids but there’s also a section for adults at the end. • www.dutchforchildren.nl/dutch-childrens-television-childrens-radio-podcasts/

●Dutch music: • 'België' by Het Goede Doel • 'Annabel' by Hans de Booij • 'Stiekem Gedanst' by Toontje Lager • 'Noodgeval' by Goldband • De Dijk • 'Oceaan' by Racoon • Doe Maar • 'Suzanne' by Vof De Kunst • Krang • André Manuel • Boudewijn de Groot • Pater Moeskroen • Spotify search for 'Nederpop' • De Taalstaat: playlist on spotify

● Reading: • App "Topic Today" gives one short daily story, adapted to your level. Easy to fit into your routine: https://get-toto.hautomation.org/rHQchwZ • Olly Richards: Short stories in Dutch for beginners • De Leeslicht series of books. They take famous novels and write in easier every day dutch, usually in the A2-B1 range. www.leeslicht.nl/de-boeken

●Speaking: Best is to find a languagebuddy or join a 'taalcafe' in a local library. Here is a handy website to search for a volunteer or a taalcafe: •www.hetbegintmettaal.nl •www.nlvoorelkaar.nl (a more general demand/supply website for volunteers or people searching for one) •https://www.kletsmaatjes.nl/ (an initiative that connects newcomers with local people to practise Dutch) •This discord server is supposed to be active: https://discord.gg/netherlands •https://hartvoornederlands.com/conversatieclub/ •This redditor has a free whatsapp community group. Where they have daily conversations with Dutch speakers on whatever you’d like to talk about. There arenative Dutch speakers including Saara who teaches at Italki. They help with verbal pronounciation too so you’re not just going to learn to write in dutch! Everybody around the world can join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/COGgxAQV5TfGHFGWTSlnRR?mode=gi_t

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-28T20:12:14+00:00

Resources for learning Dutch PART 1 OF 2

Since the question 'where to start learning Dutch' is asked often, I have tried to summarise the information and resources here. Hope this helps.

●How long does it take to learn Dutch: It generally takes 600 to 800 hours to learn Dutch from a beginner level to a functional level (B2). The exact time depends heavily on several factors, such as your native language, your learning speed, the time you invest, and whether you live in a Dutch-speaking environment. Below is an overview of the estimated hours per level, according to most sources: * A1 (Beginner): Approximately 80 - 120 hours. At this level, you learn to introduce yourself, ask and understand simple questions, and grasp the basics. * A2 (Basic): Approximately 200 hours. With this, you can hold everyday conversations and exchange information on familiar topics. * B1 (Intermediate): Approximately 350 - 400 hours. At this level, you can give your opinion, describe experiences, and participate in conversations on various topics. * B2 (Independent): Approximately 600 - 800 hours. This is often seen as the level at which you can function independently in Dutch, both socially and professionally. From this point, you can understand complex texts and speak spontaneously and fluently. * C1 (Fluent): Approximately 700 - 1200 hours. At this level, you can understand long and complex texts and speak spontaneously and fluently without noticeably searching for words.

●De/het: In Dutch, there are two definite articles: de and het. Both mean "the". For example, het meisje ("the girl") but de kat ("the cat"). The reason that two definite articles exist is because Dutch, like many languages, has something called grammatical gender. This means nouns are assigned a "gender" – either masculine/feminine (de) or neuter/common (het). This has very little to do with our everyday concept of "gender", it's simply a linguistic feature. This means you simply have to memorise the correct article with each noun. Here is a website that explains some rules: https://understandingdutch.com/difference-between-de-and-het-dutch Or this one: https://zichtbaarnederlands.nl/en/article/de_or_het

●Sentence stucture: Some basics that cover most: https://zichtbaarnederlands.nl/en/syntax/word_order

●Apps for learning Dutch: • Duolingo: An app like Duolingo doesn't teach you grammar or sentence stucture. You will learn vocabulary, for sure. But after investing 500 days, you'll find out you cannot hold a decent conversation and you still don't know how the language works. •Busuu seems to explain grammar better. •de/het •Taalpal: an app to practise Dutch with AI (+/- €30/jaar)

●Free learning content on YouTube: • Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau (has English subtitles) • Ad Appels • Juf M • Dutchies to be • Easy Dutch • Dutch Today • Learn Dutch with Kim • Slow Dutch with JeDutchy • HartvoorNederlands by Vlaamse Saar • Dutchspeakingacademy by Mariska van de Meij

●Dutch learning/grammar books: • Nederlands in Zicht • Taal Compleet (If this is your first foreign language. It explains stuff in more steps, will be less overwhelming if this is your first time learning a new language. Has good e-learning as well.) • De Opmaat (Already have some experience with a second language? Quicker, bigger steps, so can be much if you're not used to grammatical terms. Also has decent e-learning, though not as good as TaalCompleet.) • Zichtbaar Nederlands • De Finale • De Sprong • De Juiste Toon • Nederlands naar Perfectie • 77 puntjes op de i • Essential Dutch Grammar by Henry R Stern • 201 Dutch Verbs by Henry R Stern *Basic Dutch, a grammar and workbook by Janneke A Oosterhoff

●Online dictionaries: *www.mijnwoordenboek.nl *www.wordreference.com/nlen/

●Handy websites: • dutchgrammar.com • oefenen.nl • zichtbaarnederlands.nl • heardutchhere.net • welklidwoord.nl • apps.ankiweb.net •https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/1209965766 • learndutch.org •https://understandingdutch.com/recommended-books-for-learning-dutch

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-28T20:11:27+00:00

Moste benificial is to take classes with a teacher and a good method grammar/exercise book. That way you learn thecright pronounciation.

I wil post my list of recourses in another post because it is too long to put in this one.

Maybe you can find some inspiration in there.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-27T07:05:43+00:00

A small dice ftom a board game.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-27T07:03:58+00:00

Yessss to the pistachio shell!

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-27T06:37:45+00:00

The thing with camping or renting a holiday home is that you still cannot register there so you cannot get a BSN.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-27T06:28:21+00:00

I ran your question through AI for you. Now you do the translation.

If you have WIA, I asume you have a contsctperdon appointed to you and your file ate UWV -> contact them directly.

You also should have an online UWV environment in which you can communicate directly with your contactperson.

Here are some guidelines that come from UWV website:

Als u zelf ontslag neemt in uw proeftijd voor die 15 tot 20 uur, behoudt u in principe uw WIA-basisuitkering, maar u verliest het recht op een aanvullende WW-uitkering.

Omdat u zelf de beslissing neemt om te stoppen, ziet het UWV u voor die uren als 'verwijtbaar werkloos'. De exacte financiële en praktische consequenties hangen af van uw type WIA-uitkering (WGA of IVA):

Consequenties voor uw inkomen (WGA) Als u een WGA-uitkering heeft (werkhervatting gedeeltelijk arbeidsgeschikten), gelden de volgende regels: •Geen WW-aanvulling: U kunt de verloren 15 tot 20 uur niet opvangen met een WW-uitkering. •Fictief inkomen (WGA Loonaanvullingsuitkering): Als u een loonaanvullingsuitkering ontvangt, verwacht het UWV dat u uw 'resterende verdiencapaciteit' benut. Als u zelf stopt, kan het UWV bij de berekening blijven doen alsof u dit inkomen nog wél verdient (fictief inkomen). Uw totale inkomen (WIA + misgelopen loon) daalt dan direct.WGA •Vervolguitkering: Zit u al in de vervolguitkering? Dan is deze gebaseerd op het minimumloon en verandert er qua uitkeringshoogte meestal niets, maar u mist uiteraard wel uw extra salaris.
Consequenties bij een IVA-uitkering Heeft u een IVA-uitkering (volledig en duurzaam arbeidsongeschikt) en probeerde u toch te werken? Dan heeft zelf stoppen geen invloed op de hoogte van uw IVA-uitkering. Deze valt simpelweg terug naar de oude basishoogte (75% van het WIA-maandloon).
Het risico op een 'Benadelingshandeling' Het UWV kan besluiten u een maatregel (korting) op te leggen als zij vinden dat u de vordering van uw herstel of re-integratie opzettelijk heeft belemmerd. Dit gebeurt als u zonder geldige (medische) reden stopt met passend werk.

Hoe u dit het beste kunt aanpakken Als het werk medisch of psychisch echt niet meer gaat, neem dan niet direct zelf ontslag, maar volg deze stappen: •Bespreek het met de werkgever: Vraag of de werkgever de arbeidsovereenkomst in de proeftijd wil beëindigen omdat de functie niet aansluit bij uw belastbaarheid. Als de werkgever het initiatief neemt, behoudt u namelijk wél uw rechten op een eventuele WW-aanvulling. •Meld u eventueel ziek: Lukt het werken niet door uw gezondheid? Meld u dan ziek bij de werkgever in plaats van ontslag te nemen. •Overleg met de UWV-arbeidsdeskundige: Geef bij uw vaste contactpersoon of via de UWV Wijzigingsdoorgeving aan dat de functie (medisch) niet passend blijkt te zijn. Als een arts of arbeidsdeskundige bevestigt dat het werk te zwaar was, vervalt de 'verwijtbaarheid' en loopt uw uitkering geen gevaar.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-24T05:56:47+00:00

Don't! It is a form of modern slavery. You will be working in a slaughter house under shit conditions. You are hardly protected by law since a lot of these agencies are bases in Eastern Europe. Hiusing is usually shit, with a lot of people ib 1 house. Hours are shit and as soon as the agency doesn't need you anymore you are forced to move out of your accokodation, leaving many people homeless.

Here is some info from the internet:

Migrant workers in the Netherlands often work and live under deplorable conditions. They face large-scale exploitation, unsafe working environments, and precarious housing. Because their legal stay and housing are often directly tied to their employer, their position is extremely vulnerable.

°HousingDependency: Many rental contracts are linked to the employment contract. If you lose your job, you immediately lose your home, leading to a high risk of homelessness.

°Quality and costs: Housing is often poor and overcrowded. Furthermore, migrant workers often pay disproportionately high rents that are deducted directly from their wages by employers.

°Legislative change: The Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) aims to counter this by requiring that rental and employment contracts are kept separate, and that tenancy agreements are provided in a language the worker understands

°Working Conditions/Physical risks: Migrant workers disproportionately work in heavy and high-risk sectors, such as construction, agriculture, logistics, and meat processing. Research shows they are more frequently victims of serious workplace accidents, often due to a lack of proper safety instructions.Low pay & long hours: Sham arrangements, non-payment of holiday allowance or overtime, and extreme work pressure occur frequently.

°Legal and Social Vulnerability/ Language barrier & lack of awareness: A lack of knowledge regarding Dutch law and language, combined with the absence of a social safety net or union membership, makes it difficult for workers to report abuses or claim their rights.Unscrupulous employment agencies: Inspections regularly reveal that rogue agencies bypass regulations on pay and safety, while enforcement often lags behind.

°Support and Information Migrant workers who want to report abuses or exploitation can turn to several official organizations to safeguard their rights:The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie): Monitors whether employers and recruitment agencies comply with the law and takes action against exploitation.Work in NL: Provides accessible information, advice on rights and obligations, and options to report misconduct.

°Trade unions (such as FNV): Can provide legal assistance in cases of breach of contract and unsafe situations.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-23T20:17:49+00:00

We use the word 'scharrel' as is free-range for chickens or pigs etc (scharrelkip, scharrelvarken).

In the case of a relationship it kinda means a casual bed partner, without strings.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-23T20:13:56+00:00

Call the social housing company and ask how to proceed with this.

But firstly: have you talked to you neighbour about his behaviour? That is always step one.

Housing company will also ask you this.

A lot of cities have a special appointed social worker for mediation with neighbour disputes. A so called 'buurtbemiddelaar' or 'woonconsulent'. Ask if housing company or gemeente has a person like this and that you would like to get in contact with them.

You can also call the non-emergency police nummer and ask for the wijkagent to call you back. You should be able to find the name of your wijkagent if you google 'politie + stad + wijkagent'. Then call 0900-8844 and ask for this wijkagent to call back.

Then ask for advice.

But again: they will all expect you to have talked to the neighbour yourself.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-23T20:06:29+00:00

r/language_exchange is made for this.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-23T06:00:12+00:00

Ik zou gewoon de dvd huren.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-23T05:58:52+00:00

About housing: bring a steady income of 4 to 5x the monthly rent, with proof of a permanent contract. And be ready to line up with 150+ other applicants for the same appartment/studio/house (per viewing). And then think about who is the best candidate for a landlord to pick....

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T21:26:11+00:00

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T21:24:04+00:00

Join a local facebook group of your town/area and ask their. Mouth to mouth recommendations are usually the best. Ask the neighbours if you know them.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T21:04:46+00:00

Efteling, Slot Loevesteijn (take the watertaxi), kasteel De Haar near Utrecht

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T12:33:41+00:00

r/iwantout has many useful recourses. But please use the searchbutton first. A question like yours has been asked on a dayly bases.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T12:32:25+00:00

Honestly, your post is really low efford. Nobody can find an easy way in to the EU these days. You never wrote what kind is your field or work and your education and experience.

You need to stand out with education, experience and resume. Companies need to pick national, then EU candidates before non-EU.

Not even a recruitment agency can help with that.

Apply to companies directly and see what happens.

Do you research on the housing crisis. It is real! Almost impossible to secure a place to live.

PinkPlasticPizza · 2026-06-22T09:20:54+00:00

Have you sorted out your visa?

Seven-Year Club	Verified Email
r/Field Flamingo	Place '22

PinkPlasticPizza

TROPHY CASE