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Extreme rise in energy costs hits the Netherlands

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Contents here c n n the oll n Ti es The Holland Times is widely distributed for free, in the regions of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Schiphol, Leiden, Delft, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Wassenaar and Enschede. ou can find he olland imes at embassies and consulates, international organizations, internationally oriented companies, hospitals, medical clinics, sports clubs, international schools, housing companies, financial ser ices and banks, expatriate centers, restaurants, libraries, kindergartens, language schools, social clubs, movie houses and expat-oriented stores. Would you like to recei e he Holland Times in your organization or become one of our distribution points? Please contact c.spraakman argomedia.nl

Extreme rise in energy costs hits the Netherlands The Netherlands scraps most Covid-19 restrictions as pandemic past its peak

Rutte offers sincere apologies for 1950s war violence in Indonesia Current student loan system set to be abolished

ost Co id employees wish to continue working from home Spring now starts 1 month earlier than 50 years ago

Spotlight on a contributor

13 Column 15 The Tunesian Gastronomic days 17 School overview 23 5 tips to help my child learn and concentrate online 25 IamExpat Fair in Westergas 27 Form on the Vecht brings art and design to Doornburgh Estate 29 Nice spots 31 Sport

COLOPHON The Holland Times is an independent, English language newspaper with Dutch news, published by Argo Special Media B.V.

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Contributors Marla Thomson, Priyanka Sharma, John Mahnen, Nanda Jagusiak, Juan Álvarez, Femke van Iperen, Nicole Kerr, Stephen Swai, Molly Fitz, Bárbara Luque Alanís, Zuzanna Kuffel & GoStudent Editor Roselaar Tekstadvies Visit our website for news updates: www.hollandtimes.nl For all editorial information and suggestions, please contact us at: c.spraakman@argomedia.nl Advertising and Inquiries Bert Versteeg 020-506 39 26 06-33 74 34 63 bert@hollandtimes.nl

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19-1-2022 12:24:05

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NATIONAL

Extreme rise in energy costs hits the Netherlands In the autumn of 2021, energy prices in the Netherlands reached a historically high level. As Statistics Netherlands (CBS) estimated, based on the energy prices in January 2022, this year a household with average energy consumption will pay €2800 for energy bills. Compared to the previous year, this means that the energy price will increase by 86%, since in 2021 the bill for electricity and gas in an average household was around €1321. This drastic change follows the sharp increase of the purchase price of gas and electricity, which energy suppliers pass on to consumers.

The price of energy rose mainly due to the higher variable supply rates that consumers pay per cubic meter of gas or kilowatt hour of electricity. These rates rose by almost 350 percent in a year, states CBS Energy prices differ greatly per household and housing type; in old buildings they tend to be higher. According to CBS, the least affected will be small apartments in new buildings with one resident, although their energy costs will still increase by 70%. The most affected will be households with two or more residents in old, freestanding houses: their energy bill will be almost double compared to last year. Energy tax lowered Those who have a fixed contract for energy costs will not yet notice the extreme increase. As CBS states, households that had a contract with a multi-year fixed supply price in January 2021 will not be affected by rising energy costs, but will benefit from lower taxes. To compensate at least partly for the high supply tariffs, and ensure that electricity remains affordable for everyone, the government decided to lower the energy

tax. As CBS calculated, a household with an average annual consumption will pay €417 less in tax in 2022 than a year earlier. In 2022, that allowance will increase by €265 due to the higher energy prices. The total amount of the energy tax allowance is therefore €824.77, according to Wijzer in Geldzaken, an informative website initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Finance. The energy tax on electricity will decrease by 6.9 eurocents per kWh, which – with an average consumption of 2,384 kWh per year – results in €160 less to pay.

As opposed to the decreasing tax on electricity, the energy tax on gas will increase in the coming years. In 2022 it will go up 2 eurocents per m3. With an average gas consumption of 1,170 m3 per year, the payment in tax for gas will thus be €23 higher. With this measure, the government wants to further reduce gas consumption in the Netherlands. Corona hit first, now energy prices Not only households are affected by the increasing energy prices. As a manager of an Italian restaurant close to Dam Square in Amsterdam said, a lot of places, including his restaurant, were closed in January this year due to the Covid measures. As they reopen again, those who don’t have a fixed energy price in their contract can expect higher bills. Some businesses won’t be affected by the energy price increase yet, but already know that in a few months’ time they will be spending much more on gas and electricity. “We still have a contract with fixed prices until June, so we don’t notice any difference in the bills yet. However, we already got a price offer and from June the energy costs will triple,” says Rens Geisterfer, owner of Rene’s croissanterie at Damstraat.

Currently, Geisterfer pays approximately €2000 per month for energy; from June he will be paying €6000. He says that means he will lose a lot of profit, but he will not have to fire any of his employees. The problem is that his business, like many others, is already in a difficult position because of the lockdowns. About 70% of his clients are tourists, and because of the Covid measures, the bakery made only 10% of its usual profit in 2021. Of course, with the current situation in Ukraine, it’s not certain that the price hike will be limited to the current figures – if the Netherlands will no longer receive gas from Russia, the situation may become much more serious. Written by Zusanna Kuffel

The Netherlands scraps most Covid-19 restrictions as pandemic ‘past its peak’

Just like its neighboring countries, The Netherlands has also moved to scrap most Covid-19 restrictions, as it is now clear that the virus has become endemic. The omicron variant undoubtedly pushed infection rates to record height, but the hospitalization rate is dropping with each passing day, indicating that the booster shots and milder variants will enable the Dutch to return to normal life with minimal restrictions in place. Two years after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, the cabinet has taken the foot off the brakes and is ready to open the country, easing most of the restrictions. From 25 February, all venues and events are fully open and restrictions such as social distancing and wearing face masks are no longer in place, with the dissipation of the Omicron-fueled Covid wave.

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In the press conference that announced these changes, Minister of Health Ernst Kuipers warned, however, that Covid-19 is still considered a dangerous infectious disease, but that the current situation is no longer considered serious and the peak of infections and hospitalizations is over. While presenting an optimistic message, he also believes that the country must be realistic. For example, if you are celebrating carnival or going out to cafes, he advised to avoid large groups. He also reinforced the message that “there is no guarantee that there will be no change in restrictions and other measures in the future”, but believes that the Dutch “are more resistant to the virus through vaccinations and immunity that people have built up.” An overview of the current rules: • Outdoor events such as football matches and festivals can be carried out without a vaccine or test requirement. • In the case of busy indoor events with 500 or more guests, a negative Covid test is compulsory – a vaccine certificate is not sufficient. • Basic rules such as washing your hands regularly, coughing in your elbow, staying home in case of complaints, and ventilation are still in place. • The 1.5-meter distance rule is no longer in force. • Face masks no longer have to be worn in public places, except for public transport, at airports, and in airplanes. • Infected people are required to isolate for 5 days (instead of the previous 7 days). They can leave isolation if they

are symptom-free for at least 24 hours. • The work from home advice has been scrapped, but the government recommends that those who can work from home, do so half of the time. • The Covid passport is no longer required in public places, such as restaurants, cinemas and theaters. • The Covid passport is still mandatory in case of international travel, which means that proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test is required. The Netherlands’ booster vaccination program picked up pace after the country saw a sharp surge in Covid cases in December, with over 7 million people boostered within six weeks. The third shot has improved immunity in most people and has brought down the number of hospitalizations, as shown by the steadily declining number of people in hospital. It is the most important step towards getting life back to normal and to improving quality of life. Health experts have urged people who are at risk, such as those who suffer from immune deficiencies, to continuing to follow Covid-19 guidelines, including wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowded places. Others are urged to be considerate when visiting people in risk groups. “Learning to live” with Covid-19 means accepting all the disruption, uncertainty and instability that may arise in the future. No one knows what lies ahead, but widespread global vaccination remains the best way to end the crisis. Written by Parul Sachdeva

03-03-2022 08:14

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28-02-2022 13:06

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NATIONAL

Rutte offers sincere apologies for 1950s war violence in Indonesia Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has offered sincere apologies on behalf of the Dutch government for the extreme war violence that Dutch soldiers committed during the independence struggle in Indonesia in the 1950s. For more than 70 years, the Dutch government has denied that excessive force was used by the armed forces when the former colony of the Dutch East Indies declared its independence.“Armed forces as a whole behaved correctly in Indonesia,” was the formal position of the Dutch government. Previous cabinets have consistently looked away from this unsavoury part of Dutch history. Rutte is the first Prime Minister to break with that position. “We have to face the facts. The Netherlands waged a colonial war in which extreme violence was used systematically and widely, including torture, which in most cases went unpunished,” said Rutte. He has offered apologies to the Indonesian people and to everyone in the Netherlands who has had to live with the consequences of the colonial war to this day. With the latter, Rutte was referring to the Dutch veterans, who were sent on an impossible mission, often ill-prepared. The responsibility for the atrocities does not lie with individual soldiers, but with those in authority at the time: the cabinet, the armed forces as an institution and the judicial authorities. Soldiers who were sent to Indonesia were not sufficiently equipped for guerilla war, neither physically and mentally, and often suffered from posttraumatic stress syndrome after their return. The Prime Minister’s response followed a scientific study called Independence, decolonization, violence and war

in Indonesia 1945-1950, published by NIOD (Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Royal Institute for Language, Land and Ethnology (KITLV) and the Netherlands Institute for Military History (NIMH). It showed that Dutch soldiers were frequently and structurally guilty of war crimes. These included extrajudicial executions, abuse and torture, detention under inhumane conditions, arson of houses and villages, and often arbitrary mass arrests and internments. The vast majority of Dutch politicians, military leaders and judges knew about this, but were willing to turn a blind eye. About 100,000 Indonesian soldiers and civilians were killed in the fighting. On the Dutch side, approximately 5000 soldiers died, as well as nearly 6000 Dutch civilians and Indonesian allies. Full acknowledgement of what happened has been a very sensitive issue for a long time. In 1995, then Queen Beatrix held the position that there was too little political space to apologize during a state visit. Then, Minister Ben Bot of Foreign Affairs tried to make up for that in 2005, when he said that the Netherlands was on the wrong side of history. In 2020, King Willem-Alexander during a state visit expressed regret and offered some apologies for war violence. It was Rutte who took the last step towards full apologies. That is not relief for everyone. “Dutch veterans are portrayed as war criminals,” said Hans van Griensven of the Veterans Platform. Although he believed that things went wrong, he also believed that humanitarian aid was provided and infrastructure built. He also believed that little attention was paid to the violence used by Indonesian

fighters against the Dutch. What is certain is that the cabinet is now willing to compensate relatives in Indonesia for the suffering caused. “Widows and children of the victims can claim compensation,” said the Prime Minister. Some widows from the village of Rawagede had previously successfully sued the Dutch state for the execution of their husbands. After years of litigation, the Netherlands agreed in 2011 to pay out 20,000 euros per person in compensation. The current apologies are paving the way for tens or possibly even hundreds of thousands of claims for damages. Written by Stephen Swai

Current student loan system set to be abolished The student loan system in Dutch higher education will be phased out from September 2024. This decision was taken in the run-up to the elections, which witnessed the CDA and ChristenUnie declare their support for restoring the basic student stipend, while D66 revealed intentions to fund student aid through taxes. The VVD was the only party to pledge to keep the existing lending system in place.

Changes ahead You’re in luck if you’re planning to starting studying at university in the academic year 2023-24: this will be the first year in which the new system will be in place. It’s unclear exactly what it will look like, but it’ll be similar to the previous system, which existed until 2015. The most important aspects of this scheme, known as the performance grant, are outlined here.

The new coalition agreement instead pledges to return to funding for students that includes a basic, non-returnable grant for all students and an income-dependent additional grant. The new administration is presently working to repeal the dreaded loan system, which resulted in everyone who began studying in or after 2015 being stuck with much higher student debt. Thank heavens for that!

Every student must meet the criteria of the performance grant. These are the following: - Everyone gets the same basic allowance (whether they live with their parents or not), regardless of their own and their parents’ income. - All students receive free travel on public transportation throughout the week or on weekends (you can choose whether you like weekends or weekdays) with a public transportation card - If you obtain a higher education diploma within ten years, you don’t have to pay back the basic grant and the costs of your public transportation card. - Additional interest-bearing loans must be repaid within 15 or 35 years.

What does this shift in the lending system entail? Let’s take a look at it more closely.

Despite the fact that the loan system will be phased out, little is as yet known about how this will be accomplished. The loan system in brief In a nutshell, the lending system currently in place works as follows: - There is no basic grant; the whole amount you receive is an interest-bearing loan. - You repay this loan in 35 years, at a very low interest rate.

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- Each month, your loan might be changed upwards or decreased. - If you obtain a diploma within 10 years, you do not have to pay back the costs of your public transportation card. As you can see, from 2015 students had to pay significantly more, as the previous basic grant was scrapped. As a result, their total student debt climbed dramatically, which can have long-term ramifications. When you wish to buy a house or take out another loan, for example, the student loan reduces the amount you can borrow. The system also increased the gap between rich and poor students: the rich just received more money from their parents, while poor students had to borrow higher sums. It’s no surprise, then, that the loan system is unpopular. Student unions and organisations react The National Student Union replies with joy, but caution. The elimination of the loan system is “wonderful news”, but the question now is what will replace it. Moreover, the government is currently working on compensation for students who used the loan system in the period 20152023. The ministry listed several options earlier this year. The cost would be between 1.4 and 11 billion euros. Commenting on the student loan system, Quint Linderman, an Economics & Business Economics student at Erasmus University Rotterdam says, “As a loan student, it is a good practice not to look at the DUO site, for fear of the amount of debt you will see. It seems as if the new coalition is also afraid to face the real damage to this unlucky generation. We have always been told that you should still see your studies as ‘an investment in the future.’ I think the coalition should look at the loan students in the same way, by compensating us better.” Written by Nicole Kerr

03-03-2022 08:15

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28-02-2022 13:07

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 9

NATIONAL

Post-Covid: employees wish to continue working from home

It’s official: on 15 February the government’s advice to mainly work from home was withdrawn. The new recommendation is going back to the office at most half of the working week. Although this represents good news in general, as it means that the Covid crisis is somewhat controlled, most employees are already longing for one thing from the pandemic: working from home. Great desire to work from home CNV trade union surveyed more than 900 members who had worked from home during the pandemic. The results showed that 91% of the respondents want to continue working from home, or at least don’t want to go to the office for the whole week. However, one in three workers said that their boss would ask them to go back to the office when the government officially removed the advice to work from home. According to the survey, two in three workers indicated that they are more productive at home, and 58% claim to have a better work-life balance. Moreover, 43% stated to have more motivation and better health at home, while one in three say they are also more creative.

Nevertheless, the positives also come with their disadvantages. These include some psychological complaints; for example, 45% of home workers said they feel lonelier. Also, 26% lack the appropriate conditions to work from home, such as a good desk chair or screen. Related to this may be that 17% have physical issues, such as sore arms

or shoulders, and back and neck problems. Some workers show dissatisfaction with their employer’s current home-working policies. Therefore, CNV emphasizes employers’ lack of vision for a long-term plan on the subject and wants to fight for employees’ legal rights. “The homeworking policy of many employers is in dire straits: no long-term vision, often no cost-effective home-working allowance, and the physical and mental support leaves much to be desired, this study shows. This attitude of employers is unwise and a waste of capital, especially in such a tight labour market,” says CNV chairman Piet Fortuin. Pros vs cons There are several factors to consider when deciding the viability and extent of working from home. For instance, Patrick van Oppen, director of Amsterdam law firm Loyens & Loeff, expressed how the work from home advice proved to be very limiting to its business, so he was looking forward to the relaxation. As a positive point to the office come-back, he highlighted the need for young people to be in the office. “Young people, in particular, feel the need to come to the office; they can also learn from working with more experienced colleagues. If you have just started with us and after a year have only been to the office a few times, that’s different than the regular office experience.” On the other hand, right now there isn’t a law regulating the right to work from home, making things harder for employees. Whether an employee works in the office or

at home is for the employer to decide; if the employer disagrees with the employee’s request to work from home, the boss may deny it and force the employee to come to the office. Win-win? Is meeting halfway possible? Is there an approach that would make everyone happy in the matter? The Cabinet thinks so. Minister of Social Affairs Karien van Gennip says that a 50/50 split could prove to be a “healthy balance”. The Cabinet is still formulating an official advice on working from home. Still, in the end, Van Gennip believes that the matter is a discussion that employees, employers, unions and industry organizations should

have between them. In the meantime, some businesses already have a work from home policy. For instance, ING employees are primarily working from home, and even with the government’s advice changing, they planned on continuing hybrid working. Other banks like Rabobank, ABN Amro and Volksbank agree on the hybrid work practice as the best route for now. It remains to be seen how things will turn out, but it’s a fact that Covid-19 was a catalyst for a change in work matters. Whatever shape it takes, working from home is here to stay. Written by Bárbara Luque Alanís

Spring now starts 1 month earlier than 50 years ago As the Netherlands and the planet warm up, spring is starting earlier than we were used to, and these changes are observable and measurable in the natural world around us. Flowers are now blossoming three to four weeks earlier than half a century ago. Birds are singing ahead of schedule and spring-like insect behavior is observable in midFebruary. With pollen in the air before usually expected, allergy season has become longer for people with hay fever. Thus, according to the Dutch Nature Observation Network, February is becoming the new March for nature. Contrarily to the start of astronomical spring, which is defined by the position of Earth in relation to the sun — the spring equinox around 21 March —, the start of meteorological spring is marked by annual temperature cycles, not fixed in the calendar but flexible and dependent on observation. And for meteorological spring, as reported by De Natuurkalender Observation Network, which has done observations of annually recurring phenomena in nature since 1868, “developments in nature are currently more than three weeks ahead of what we considered normal 50 years ago”. 2022’s average temperature until mid-February was 5.9 ºC, whereas 3.6 ºC is the average. 50 years ago 5.9 ºC was the average temperature of the month of March. The first half of February alone this year saw an average temperature of 7.6 ºC, against a normal average of 3.5 ºC. Half a century ago, an average of 7.6 ºC was usually reached in early April. De Natuurkalender explains that these changes are visible in our gardens and nature around us. According to them, most flowers blossomed for the first time around 13 March.

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This year, however, early bloomers such as snowdrops and crocuses were already in full bloom by early February. Hazel trees and hawthorns were already coming into leaves by that time, and common celandine as well as dogwood (normally later bloomers) were blossoming in several parts of the country in mid-February. This is also observable in the behaviour of birds, with finches and songthrushes singing weeks ahead of time. For many, these birds indicate the arrival of spring, but clearly spring is starting earlier nowadays. Insects are also already active, with firebugs observed already by early to mid-February.

“In the end,” said Arnold Van Vliet, coordinator of De Natuurkalender, “climate change does no good to Dutch nature.” Whereas many species can move further north as the weather warms up, many others cannot adapt so quickly and are prone to disappear in time. Furthermore, sudden frosts and short bursts of freezing temperatures once plants are in spring mode can damage them for years. And with pollen in the air earlier than expected, many humans are immediately affected as well. It is estimated that 25 percent of people suffering from hay fever are allergic to tree pollen, and so the longer spring means misery for them. Due to the warm November and December months in 2021, high alder tree pollen concentrations led to hay fever symptoms. And this year, the early blossoming of alder flowers is set to extend this situation even further. De Natuurkalender expected that alder trees would produce pollen until mid-March, immediately followed by birch pollen, which also produces hay fever symptoms in allergic populations. Changes in meteorological seasons and spring times are of course not exclusive to the Netherlands, but symptomatic of a global climate crisis. A recent UK study analyzing flower phenology data between 1790 and 2019 concluded that the flowers from 406 plant species studied in the sample bloom in average one month earlier than before 1986. If the effects of the environment’s response to climate change are often difficult to quantify, flower blossoming behavior can provide effective measuring tools observable right at our feet. Written by Juan Álvarez Umbarila

03-03-2022 09:07

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 11

INTERVIEW

Spotlight on a contributor not know anything about. Plus, I try to write in such a way that most people can understand it, especially in case of mixed readership. But what I relish the most is writing about topics that are positive and uplifting. Is writing a hobby or an aspiration for you? Do you write for your regular job or studies? I have always enjoyed writing, even at school. Although I write a bit less recently (I am going through a bit of a lifestyle change), I have been writing as a freelance feature writer since my postgrad diploma at the amazing London School of Journalism, many moons ago. What is your name and where are you from? Femke van Iperen, I am from the Netherlands What is your business or what do you do? (i.e. study, internship, etc.) I am a freelance journalist, I write background features, and I translate English to Dutch. hen s the rst ti e ou ere in the Was it fun? Was it an adventure? I was born in the Netherlands, but lived and worked in the UK for nearly 30 years and have recently returned. How long have you been writing for The Holland Times? I think my first piece was in arch . What attracted you to be a contributor to THT? Now that I am back, it is great to be able to write and reflect about the Netherlands, its people, its culture, to people that are in the same situation as I was for all those years: quite new to the whole thing. What is the best thing about writing for an expat magazine with such a wide circulation? Particularly when you write for a readership that was not born in the country you are writing about, and even more so when it is a running story, you need to provide some background here and there. You cannot assume the reader knows what the topic is all about. And since I have been away for so long, I really enjoy doing that; the chance to properly emerge myself into a topic and its history, and provide a kind of overview. What subject is your favourite to write about? I like most topics, and I have enjoyed writing about education-based topics for the Holland Times, as well as those related to nature and animals, such as the goings-on at the natural reserve of the Oostvaardersplassen. In the past I have written about niche subjects such as aerial rescue, for a mixed readership ranging from pilots to military and medical experts, and I enjoy the chance to delve deep into a topic I might otherwise

Who is your favourite writer? What genre do they write in? Or are they a journalist, scholar, etc.? I particularly like reading books. But I don’t really have a favourite writer. For example, I may read a book one day and love its writing style, but for the life of me, cannot see its appeal when I read it again years later, or vice versa. Also, rather than reading the latest books, a book that I enjoy can be anything from an old classic such as Bronte’s Jane Eyre (all that ruggedness, the openness of the oors, the weather reflecting the characters moods, it’s great to be able to disappear into a book), to a random book you come across in one of the little quaint ‘free libraries’ that are dotted around the country. These simple boxes with a glass front can be found on the street in front of people’s homes, and I think it’s a great concept. ou can be lucky and find some great books there, and then leave them again when you are finished with them. ow great is that h t o ou li e best bout the etherl n s I guess I ha e to say the terrace culture terrace is easy to find anywhere in the country. With your coffee, your apple pie with whipped cream, or that little biscuit you get with it, sometimes a little shot of advocaat with more whipped cream, a newspaper, and watching the world go by: what more do you want h t o ou li e le st bout the etherl n s The Netherlands has become quite densely populated since I left it all those years ago and, after having been quite spoiled with the quieter surroundings of those sleepy villages of the outh coast of the , I find life uite noisy in the Netherlands, especially in the province of Utrecht where I spend a lot of time Where do you recommend a new expat or isitor to see here in the etherl n s I am currently spending a lot of time near a town called Harderwijk, which is a Hanseatic city. It is on the lake called Veluwerandmeer, and with its new boulevard it offers places to dine al fresco along the water in the summer. Together with its

couple of little beach cafes, you would be forgiven to imagine yourself somewhere on a beach near the sea ut, other than the beach and promenade, Harderwijk has a bit of everything: history, an old town, an ancient town wall and a huge cathedral-like church. It also borders the national park De Veluwe, which offers endless walks in nature. Its typical coniferous trees, which make an amazing sound in the wind, look great against a blue sky. The forest-rich areas are interspersed with sand drifts, basically open sandy spaces with no vegetation, and they make for nice variety on a walk. There are benches to sit everywhere. Unfortunately, I have not seen the wild deer that live here. Best kept secret in your city? As mentioned, Harderwijk has an old town, with on the west side of town the old wall. Just off the boule ard there is an old fishing s uare, leading through the old city gate, the Vischpoort (Fish Gate). I came across it by accident last time. There is nothing to it if you are looking for something spectacular, but I love the simplicity, look and calm atmosphere of it. Nearby is the large church, and large open square full of terraces. ince returning I now feel like an expat here , I have discovered that the Netherlands has lots of quintessential little ancient Dutch towns and this is one of them. What are one or two things you recommend to ne ex ts here in the etherl n s New expats might need to get a little used to the directness of the Dutch hey really do say it as it is here sorry the nglish part of me wants to add . Besides the stark contrast in landscape, what are the differences you see/experience between the Dutch and the British countryside? I have to admit I am quite biased, as I love Great Britain and all its sweeping ruggedness, those never-ending views into the distance, hilly landscapes and ancient footpaths that go everywhere. But pretty much every place in the world has good and less good bits, and I am finding other things in the Netherlands that I like now that I am back. I love the sand drifts I mentioned, which are kind of magical. Such sand drifts are usually attributed to local human interventions in the landscape, but now it is also being said that some of the larger ones of the Midden-Veluwe are a natural phenomenon. For example, this site mentions how they are ‘geomorphological developments of a scale that exceeds local human intervention’ (www.edepot.wur.nl/190489). Who knows, but things like that can just feed your imagination, can’t they? Interview by Marla Thomson

Harderwijk

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LYCEE FRANCAIS VINCENT VAN GOGH DEN HAAG

AMSTERDAM

Scheveningseweg 237 2584 AA Den Haag

Rustenburgerstraat 246 1073 GK Amsterdam

+31(0)20 644 65 07

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COLUMN

What I learnt about cravings when I quit smoking I quit smoking in November 2021, after a ten-year stint. I was a pack-a-day’er of the shag variant, and I smoked like my life depended on it. It would be first thing in the morning and then on the hour throughout the day, usually at the 50-min mark. I started smoking at 16, and I did it with every intention of becoming addicted. I wanted to be a smoker, however annoyingly ignorant that sounds. I was born in 1995, and while many of us drank that heroin-chic Kool-Aid, I gulped it down and asked for refills. But of course, I would rue the day I ever thought smoking cigarettes gave me an edge. What once felt like a rebellious act eventually turned into feeling like I was in an abusive relationship with myself. So, after years of hammering away at my self esteem, my lungs and my teeth, I finally ga e in and gave up. Cigarettes weaken your capacity to yearn eryone knows withdrawal is difficult, but the ways in which it was difficult blew me away. es, I was very depressed and constantly annoyed. I was, in general, acting like a toddler whose pacifier had been taken away. But, once the smoke cleared (so to speak), I began to realise that what I had thought was so impossible about giving up cigarettes is, in fact, just that which is impossible about finding relief. pecifically, my response to e ery emotion and sensation within my body for ten years had been ‘smoke’. But then, I was faced again with that constant feeling of an itch I couldn’t scratch. I began to realise that everyone is craving something all the time. To be human is, to a Lacanian analyst anyway, to be in a state of yearning. But cigarettes offered me the illusion of a solution to that yearning.

Why would you smoke? While many psychological studies describe motives like peer pressure, lack of education about risk, and various underlying mental health issues as reasons a person might pick up smoking, there are few critical studies on the subject. However, we can arrive at a point of departure using Lacanian psychoanalysis. The Lacanian concept of desire Jacques Lacan – a French psychoanalyst and psychiatrist from the 20th century – argued that desire is at the core of our identity. By that, he meant a Hegelian type of desire, one that implies a continuous force. In its most reduced form, his theory goes: Babies exist in a state of ‘primary narcissism’. This is a Freudian concept that means the baby can only perceive herself and everything around her as created by her. Because of this, she experiences herself as the most magnificent thing a concept known as the ego-ideal). But she is also terrifyingly dependent on her primacy caregiver, who, in this case, we will refer to as her mother. So, she feels safe in the presence of her mother and terrified in her absence. Due to her state of primary narcissism, her perception of her mother’s absence, in a nonverbal manner, goes something like: “Why would she leave when I am so perfect? There must be something out there that is more perfect than me. I must find that thing. If I can become it, my mother will always be with me. Then, I will be safe.” Over the years, we mould ourselves into that which we perceived ourselves to be lacking – that which our mother left us for. But, in reality, she left her baby to open the door, take a call or go to the bathroom. There was never a beyond-perfection person or place.

In everyday life, this ‘feels’ like that strange sense of disappointment you cannot place whenever you achieve a goal or a dream. That silent itch of ‘I thought there would be more than this’. To cope with that feeling, we then turn our attention to the next best thing. We focus on other goals we can achie e, thinking maybe we d find it there. Hence, we end up in a constant state of craving. …And how does this relate to smoking? As far as I can see, the cigarette localises desire. We don’t need to think about where else we could try to find that relief. en deeper still, they comfort us with the idea that relief is attainable and cravings can be extinguished. Because of that, we feel an illusionary sense of control over our lives. All of this to say, if you want to quit smoking and feel as trapped as I did, lean into the idea that you will always be craving something. The cigarette is just a distraction. And, if nothing else, it adds far more suffering than any ambiguous dissatisfaction can. Written by Molly Fitz

Modern Dutch Heroes: Boyan Slat around the globe, which in turns carry this waste to the planet s oceans. here are currently fi e large concentrations of these ‘garbage patches’, the largest being the reat acific arbage Patch – a concentration of plastic and trash that is swirling between California and Hawaii, that is the size of exas. nd anyone who s dri en or e en flown across exas knows that is huge

What did you want to do when you were a teenager? What did you want to do in the future? If you were like me, you probably wanted to have fun with friends, travel and see the world, and a job that sounded cool at the time (me, I wanted to be a pediatrician). And we all probably wanted to give back in some way. But most of us probably didn’t think we would change the whole world, or at least not in a seismic way – except for Boyan Slat. Boyan Slat is an inventor, entrepreneur and climate advocate who is the CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, a non profit start up organization that seeks to rid the world’s oceans and waterways of the world of plastics and debris. This gigantic undertaking has been more than 7 years in the making and is getting close to full scale deployment of dozens of debris-extracting systems. Once deployed, the organization predicts that it will take years to clean up of the reat acific arbage atch. This is a feat that sounds almost too grand to really even wrap your head around it. To give Mr. Slat’s ambitious – but entirely doable task some context plastic filled garbage makes its way from our garbage to rivers and waterways

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Researchers, engineers and environmental advocates have been working for years on developing a workable and scalable solution to clean this mess up, while not disrupting the delicate marine ecosystem, and being as carbonneutral as possible. The best estimates of the time this colossal task would take was 78,000 years (yes, you read that correctly). So, while designers and engineers continued to do what they could, the oceans continued – and continue to get filled with massi e olumes of plastic garbage. It is estimated that the volume of plastic pouring into the oceans every week could fill the mpire tate uilding two times. nd anyone whose been to New ork City or e en seen a postcard image of the skyline knows that that is a lot of plastic. And plastic garbage is not just in these ocean patches; it is littering beaches, reefs and killing marine life. The plastic problem has grown from the beach of developing nations all the way to the pristine beaches of the Greeks islands, where Boyan Slat and his family were vacationing circa 2010. While diving in the Aegean Sea on that Greek vacation, 16-year-old Boyan was shocked to disco er more plastic trash than fish in the water. Most people would be disappointed with seeing so much plastic, but Boyan was more than just disappointed – he was inspired. He took this experience and used it as the subject of a high

school project and through the next few years thought learned what he could about the problem and dreamed of the solution. As a student in aerospace engineering at the acclaimed Delft University of Technology, Boyan started The Ocean Cleanup in 2013 and began raising capital to fund the project. Investors include Mark Benioff (CEO of Salesforce), Maersk cargo shipping and oyal D . he organization has just completed several runs of its version 2 ocean prototype (the Jenny, named after Robin Wright’s character in Forest Gump) and its version 1 river prototype (the Inceptor) and is now ready for wider-scale deployment. It is estimated that of the reat acific arbage atch will be cleaned up with only 3,000 deployments of the Jenny. With ten ships, that’s only 300 trips per ship. Not only do these machines extract, sort, clean and index every piece of trash that they clean up, they also create plastic pellets that companies can purchase and make into consumer goods. The Ocean Cleanup has also teamed up with designers and eyewear manufacturers to create designer sunglasses as a proof of concept and to continue funding the project. Boyan Slat’s vision and goals have now expanded into the next phase of the world’s plastic problem. While other entrepreneurs and CEOs are busy building rockets to fly ber wealthy people into outer space or are busy finding new ways to expand their wealth at the expense of online truth and privacy, Boyan Slat is looking to tackle world problems on a large scale and in a short time. The world needs more people like Boyan Slat, a true modern Dutch hero for the world. Written by Marla Thomson

02-03-2022 15:25

At Kühler & Partners International Mental Health we provide psychological healthcare for Kids & Teens. We have a specialist team of child psychologists and a child psychiatrist, offering high quality care to children age 6-18 and their families. We are there to support children who experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, stress due to major life events, low conﬁdence and self-esteem, problems with attention, behaviour or emotion regulation. If these problems do not disappear by themselves and last too long, they may have an impact on different areas in the child’s life, such as family, friends and school. Therapy or counselling can help to ﬁnd a way forward. We work together with children and parent(s)/families towards a healthier and better personal wellbeing. After initial assessment, we offer individual therapy, parent- and family counselling. Our treatments are tailormade, short if possible and longer if needed. We are a multidisciplinary team of professionals with an international background.

If necessary or desirable, we advise or work together with schools.

Because sometimes you need a little guidance to ﬁnd your way.

Please contact us at +31 (0) 85 0660 500 Kühler & Partners International Mental Health | Kids & Teens Contact details +31 (0) 85 0660 500 info@internationalmentalhealth.nl

Clinics Amsterdam Den Haag

Follow the #ASHexperience on social media.

@AmericanSchoolofTheHague

CMY

@AmericanSchoolofTheHague @AmericanSchoolofTheHague @AmSchoolHague

PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING The International School Haarlem offers a positive learning environment where students (4-18 years) are encouraged to realise their full potential. Through internationally respected and recognised programmes we involve our students in meaningful learning. ISH is an IB World School for MYP and offers the IB programme to students in Haarlem and surrounding municipalities. International School Haarlem Schreveliusstraat 27 (Lower Primary) Oorkondelaan 65 (Upper Primary and MYP)

www.ash.nl

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insertion final.pdf 1 18/02/2022 12:31:38

Help them discover their personal excellence at The International School of The Hague

• Student population with over 100 nationalities. • Well-established, highly successful IB Middle Years, Diploma and Career-related Programmes. • Extensive co-curricular clubs, arts and sports.

Admissions open for Secondary School

Nord Anglia International School of Rotterdam is offering FREE Parent Education Presentations. Screen Time for Tots and Toddlers Raising Bilingual Children School Readiness

Thursday, 24 March Tuesday 29 March Monday, 4 April

Dutch Wills & Testaments for Expats Wednesday, 20 April

WWW.NAISR.NL/PARENTING

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JOIN FREE

via ZOOM at 8pm

03-03-2022 09:19

Values at the heart of teaching and learning For families coming to the Netherlands for a short time, choosing a school offering an International Curriculum provides consistency and ensures a smooth transition to the next school, wherever that may be. Here’s what Jacqueline Scott, Head of the Harbour International school in Rotterdam has to say about values-led education. Tell us briefly about the Harbour International School. We provide a caring, safe environment for the international community and an individualised approach. We guarantee small class sizes but it is not only a question of numbers. Our school also defines itself according to its core values, which we continuously encourage, model and develop, all with the purpose to prepare our students for the future. We know that children who grow up in a safe environment that helps them define themselves, whilst respecting others, will be better able to thrive in any work environment. What values define your school and why are they so important? Our school values focus on a strong community spirit, integrity, respect, kindness, optimism and innovation. Everything that happens in our school reflects these values of the individual and of the school as a whole. Role-modelling these values and evidencing them in all that we do is therefore very important. After all, it is our responsibility to provide our pupils with the tools to develop their own values, explore with empathy the values of others, discuss disagreements and make good choices whilst celebrating their own self.

What is the IPC and how does it help prepare your students for the future? IPC stands for International Primary Curriculum. Through thematic units, our teachers create fun and engaging learning opportunities that enable learners to make connections between subjects and the world around them. Our aim is to develop international mindedness and encourage personal learning through the development of personal goals (inquiry, resilience, morality, communication, thoughtfulness, cooperation, respect and adaptability). These goals are built into the learning tasks within each unit. You mentioned innovation as one of your values. What does this look like at Harbour? We live in an ever changing world and we are constantly evolving in our educational offering. Like our children, we need to adapt. We therefore review our educational provision regularly using research based evidence. We were one of the first in the Netherlands to implement Maths No Problem, where all children are supported to master an understanding and love of mathematics as well as finding solutions to problems in a variety of ways. This year we chose to trial the Junior Duke Awards to teach children life skills and responsibility from an early age, through a variety of engaging activities. We are pioneers in trialling new ideas and adapting them to the needs of our students.

to a new situation with very little transition time. We found new and interesting ways to deliver lessons online and learned to use new tools to support this. However, the switch to online learning made us ever more aware of the need to ensure the children are safe when using the internet. We invited two speakers from the Breck Foundation Charity to talk to our students about online behaviour. The children were really engaged in the discussions and it confirmed that we were on the right track when we decided to address this issue. What is the next step for your school? Our aim is to continually evaluate, adapt and improve our practice over time, to ensure we are always providing the best education possible. Our values guide the process every step of the way and are at the heart of our school. After all, to quote Aristotle, educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. Harbour International: www.harbourinternational.nl

How have you risen to the challenges presented by Covid? Every challenge brings an opportunity. Innovation is also finding solutions to new challenges. We were pushed out of our comfort zone and forced to adapt

“Learning together, growing together” Affordable high quality education In the same building as a Dutch Montessori School Close proximity to Leiden, Schiphol, The Hague and Amsterdam

Established in 1993, Elckerlyc International School welcomes students from all over the world into our village community. We provide opportunities for children to discover and explore their strengths and abilities, through an engaging curriculum.

Elckerlyc International School www.elckerlyc-international.nl

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EDUCATION

School overview The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. It focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in Holland means developing an open mind and increasing your international orientation. A large part of all study programmes is dedicated to writing papers and working in groups to analyse and solve specific problems. You will also get a chance to get practical work experience through internships or experiments in laboratories, depending on the field of study. Teamwork Holland has received international praise for its teaching style, which centres on students working together as a team, and puts an emphasis on selfstudy and self-discipline. The teacher will act as a facilitator and guide in the learning process. On these pages you will find an overview of the most important schools for expats, starting with the primary and secondary schools and ending with the universities, some of which are famous all over the world because of their high quality. Did you know that the Netherlands currently hosts 80,000 full-time international students?

Alpha Springs Schout van Eijklaan 130 2262 XW Leidschendam T: 06 27 83 09 32 W: alphasprings.com Gostudent GmbH Oranjelaan 40 3844 AB Harderwijk T: 06 10 02 43 37 W:.gostudent.at OVERIJSSEL International School Twente (IST) Enschede W: internationalschooltwente.nl T: 053 206 80 35 - Primary T: 053 821 11 30 - Secondary Primary IPC, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate DP Eerde International Boarding School Ommen Kasteellaan 1 7731 PJ Ommen W: eerde.nl T: 0529 45 14 52 Types of education: Offering International Education for students ages 4-18;including IPYC, IMYC, Cambridge Primary and Secondary, IGCSE and IBDP. UTRECHT International School Utrecht Van Bijnkershoeklaan 8 3527 XL Utrecht W: isutrecht.nl T: 030 870 04 00 Types of education: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme 11-16 year olds IB MYP (Middle Years Programme)

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16-19 year olds IB DP (Diploma Programme) NOORD HOLLAND Amity International School Amsterdam Amsterdamseweg 204 1182 HL Amstelveen W: amityschool.nl T: 020 345 44 81 M: 06 1522 2139 Types of education: Accredited as IB World School for the Primary Years Programme, Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme Florencius International School Amstelveen, Haarlem, Laren W: florenciusinternationalschool.nl T: 020 640 81 18 Types of education: International Primary Curricculum (IPC), British Curriculum, ages 4-12. Florencius International School is an independent private primary school (4-12) and is situated in leafy surroundings close to Amsterdam. At Florencius we follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and British standards. Our focus lies both with the academic and the social/ emotional development of our students. We offer small classes, individual attention and a warm and safe environment. Amsterdam International Community School AICS Main Campus (Primary & Secondary School) Prinses Irenestraat 59, 1077 WV Amsterdam T: 020 577 1240 E: info@aics.espritscholen.nl W: aics.espritscholen.nl/home

AICS Satellite Campus (Primary School) A.J. Ernststraat 130, 1082 LP Amsterdam T: 020 723 48 30 E: infosatellite@aics.espritscholen.nl AICS South East Campus (Primary & Secondary School) Darlingstraat 2, 1102 MX Amsterdam T: 020 723 52 80 E: infosoutheast@aics.espritscholen.nl Types of education: International Primary Curriculum, transitioning to the IB Primary Years Programme. IB Middle Years Programme. IB Diploma Programme. Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme The British School of Amsterdam W: britishschool.amsterdam T: 020 67 97 840 E: admissions@britams.nl Early Years School (3-7), Junior School (7-11) and Senior School (11-18). Offer National Curriculum for England, GCSE and A Levels. Amstelland International School Amstelveen W: amstelland-international-school.nl T: 020 - 820 90 91 Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Baron de Coubertinlaan 2 2134 CG Hoofddorp Nieuwe Molenaarslaan 20 2134 AS Hoofddorp T: 023 563 16 44 W: haarlemmermeerlyceum.nl Haarlemmermeer Lyceum prepares its students for an international future by equipping them with the competences

they need to succeed in a fast-changing and globalised world. This includes developing strong language skills, stimulating tolerance and understanding in a diverse and multicultural environment, and providing extensive opportunities to communicate and collaborate across geographic, cultural and religious borders. The school offers a Dutch as a Second Language Programme’ (NT2) for students with an international background. International French School Amsterdam W: internationalfrenchschool.com E: contact@ieg.education International School of Amsterdam Amstelveen W: isa.nl T: 020 347 11 11 Types of education: The International School of Amsterdam, founded in 1964, continues to be a global leader in education for international understanding – inspiring our diverse community of students to learn and live with purpose. ISA was the first school in the world to offer all three core International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes—Primary Years, Middle Years and the Diploma—and the school serves as a foundational leader in the continued development of each programme’s global curriculum to this day. We have over 1320 students range from Nursery to Grade 12 who come from over 60 countries from around the world. We offer a truly challenging IB curriculum that embraces global perspectives and respects the identity, experiences and aspirations of all of our individual students. At ISA we believe in developing minds, character and communities.

03-03-2022 09:15

A community learning for world citizenship International School Utrecht is an IB World School, offering a complete and connected International Baccalaureate programme for students from 4-18 from diverse international backgrounds.

www.isutrecht.nl

We are a close-knit and welcoming community of students, staff and parents. We all approach life from a different culture and background and with the languages we know. We find each other in our common goal: to create a stimulating learning environment in which everyone feels at home.

Inspiring learning for a sustainable future

Why choose ISD?

International School Delft, uniquely situated in the historic town of Delft, between The Hague and Rotterdam, oﬀers an inspiring future-oriented learning environment that fosters innovation, design and technology.

• Vertically aligned IB world school • Future - oriented learning • Focus on Design & Innovation • Tight-knit, culturally diverse community • Supportive international staﬀ • Projects with Technical University Delft • Aﬀordable school fees

www.internationalschooldelft.com

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EDUCATION

International School Haarlem W: internationalschoolhaarlem.nl T: 023-220 00 01 Types of education: 4-11 year olds: IPC and British Curriculum for English and Maths, IPC 11-15 year olds: MYP (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program) Candidate school for DP Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh Rustenburgerstraat 246 1073 GK AMSTERDAM W: lfvvg.com T: 020 644 65 07 International American section from the 6th year (CE2) Optimist International School Hoofddorp W: optimist-international-school.nl/ T: 023 303 59 24 Types of education: OIS (ages 4 - 11)follows the International Primary Curriculum. Learning guidance is taken from the British National Curriculum for Maths and English. We also offer sport, music, art and dance based extra curricular activities. We currently have availability in all groups. New children are welcome throughout the academic year. Young Expat Services Laren W: youngexpatservices.nl T: 06 14 36 66 27 Workfield: Amsterdam and maybe educational / consultancy ZUID-HOLLAND American School of The Hague Wassenaar Rijksstraatweg 200 2241 BX Wassenaar W: ash.nl T: 070 512 10 60 Types of education by age or age group Early Childhood Education - ages 3-6 years Upper Elementary School - ages 7-10 Middle School - ages 11 - 4 High School - ages 15 - 18 Special Education - ages 7-18 English as an Additional Language Learning Support Enrichment Athletics, Arts and Action Programs Co-Curricular Program Emphasis on Student Well-Being English as language of instruction Flexible start dates for all qualifying applicants Offered diplomas: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) & Certificates Advanced Placement (AP) Combination of IB & AP High School Diploma British School in The Netherlands W: britishschool.nl T: 070 315 40 77 Types of education: Junior School, British National Primary Curriculum 3-5 year olds - Foundation Stages 1 & 2 5-7 year olds - Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1) 7-11 year olds - Years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2) Senior School, academic programme 11-14 year olds - Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3)

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British National Curriculum 14-16 year olds - Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage4) General Certificate Secondary Education (GCSE) 16-18 year olds - Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form) Students choose from A-levels, BTECs IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB Career related Programme (IBCP) Languages for education: English Starting date for pupils: flexible German International school The Hague Deutsche Internationle Schule W: disdh.nl T: 070 354 94 54 We include all levels from Kindergarten through Sekundarstufe II (student ages 3 to 18) European School The Hague W: europeanschoolthehague.nl T: 070 700 16 00 HSV International Primary School The HSV is an International Primary School offering international education at four locations in different areas of The Hague for children aged 4-11 years old. There is an international pre-school called Three Little Ships for children aged 3-4. Lighthouse Special Education is the international special school. HSV International Primary School KSS - Koningin Sophiestraat T: 070 324 34 53 W: hsvid.nl HSV International Primary School NSL - Nassaulaan T: 070 318 49 50 HSV International Primary School VHS - Van Heutszstraat T: 070 205 11 41 HSV International Primary School VNS - Van Nijenrodestraat T: 070 328 14 41 Lighthouse Special Education LSE - Lighthouse Special Education T: 070 335 56 98 W: lighthousese.nl Three Little Ships Preschool TLS - Three Little Ships Preschool T: 070 335 56 98 W: threelittleships.nl Type of education: The HSV is an International Primary School offering international education for children aged 3 to 11 years old. The Mathematics and Literacy curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum. White Rose is used to deliver Maths lessons and The Power of Reading is used in Literacy, high quality texts are at the centre of learning. The International Primary Curriculum is used to provide rich cross curricular learning, the concept of international mindedness underpins the entire curriculum. There are specialist teachers for music, expressive art and physical education. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available for children who are new or developing English. Dutch language and cultural lessons are available as part of the Host Country Language (HCL) offering. Jigsaw is used in Personal, Social and Health Education offering a mindful approach. Computing and Technology is an integral part of the curriculum. Children have the opportunity to engage in a rich cultural program which includes theatre and music performances and visits to museums and places of interest.

Our Lighthouse Special Education classes offer education in a safe and stimulating environment to children with additional needs aged 5 to 13 years old. The school’s curriculum is based on communication, life skills, reading, spelling, language and mathematics. The academic programme is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross referenced with the stated learning outcomes for the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum . Each student works on their own individual learning goals and a range of educational material is available, including the Edmark Reading Program and Numicon. The students’ learning is enhanced through the use of iPads. The children in our Lighthouse classes may join the international mainstream classes as part of their individualised program of learning.

Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam W: naisr.nl T: 010 422 53 51

The Three Little Ships is our International Pre-School for children 3 - 4 years old. The curriculum is play-based and designed to develop the children’s communication skills, social skills, fine motor skills and early literacy and numeracy skills (if the student is ready). We focus on the children’s independence skills, self-help skills and help enhance the children’s own personal hygiene and to eat and drink independently. Play is important for young children to learn skills that are crucial for daily life. Therefore, we focus on different sorts of play, such as constructional play, fantasy play, messy play and play guided by the teacher so that communication, social and emotional development can take place. We also have an early intervention programme for very young children with additional needs

Elckerlyc International School Leiderdorp W: elckerlyc.net T: 071 589 68 61

Harbour International Primary School Graaf Florisstraat 56/58 3021 CJ Rotterdam W: harbourinternational.nl T: 010-4482266 The International School of The Hague T: 070 3281 450 Secondary school T: 070 3384 567 Primary school W: ishthehague.nl Types of education: IPC in Primary IBMYP from Year 7 to 11 IBDP and IBCP in Year 12 to 13 Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh Scheveningseweg 237 2584 AA DEN HAAG (NL) W: lfvvg.com T: 070 306 69 20 International American section from the 6th year (CE2) International Waldorf School The Hague W: internationalwaldorfschool.nl T: 070 783 00 30 Types of education: IPY IPC(International Primary Curriculum) IB De Blijberg International Primary school Rotterdam W:.blijberg.nl T: 010 737 17 55

Types of education: IEYC IPC IMYC IB Rotterdam International Secondary School W: riss.wolfert.nl T: 010 890 77 44 Types of education: Grade 6, 7, and 8: Foundation Years Grade 9, and 10: Middle Years Programme, IGCSE Grade 11, and 12: International Baccalaureate

Types of education: 3-4 year olds IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum) 5-11 year olds IPC (International Primary Curriculum) Elckerlyc International is a member of The Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS). This means that our school offers international education embedded in a Dutch context; as such we operate within the framework of the Dutch educational system. Here at Elckerlyc, we believe education is much more than numeracy and literacy. It is also about responsibility, dealing with your own and other people’s emotions, respect and communication. We follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in groups 0 and 1 and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in groups 2-7 International School of Delft W: internationalschooldelft.nl T: 015 285 00 38 – Primary T: 015 820 02 08 - Secondary Types of education: IBPYP (Primary Years Programme – International IBMYP Year 1-4 (extending year by year) International School Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest W: isrlo.nl T: 071 519 35 55 We offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). International School Wassenaar Rijnlands Lyceum Backershagenlaan 5 2243 AB Wassenaar W: internationalschoolwassenaar.nl T: 070-512 18 00 We also offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) 1 to 4 (Year 7 to Year 10). NOORD-BRABANT International School Breda W: internationalschoolbreda.nl T: 076 560 78 70

03-03-2022 08:31

HSV INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL Website: hsvid.nl

Admissions email: id-admissions@hsvdenhaag.nl; telephone: 070 318 4951

Global citizenship,

lifelong learning

NSL

LIGHTHOUSE SPECIAL EDUCATION

lighthousese.nl

KSS

VNS

VHS

PRESCHOOL THREE LITTLE SHIPS

Covid-19 19 safety measures are in place.

OPEN-DAYS Mission Amstelland International School is dedicated to establishing a learning community which empowers student voice, invests in nurturing relationships, fosters compassion for humanity and inspires a shared responsibility of our planet.

Asserring 93 1187 SM Amstelveen

threelittleships.nl

10 February & 19 May 2022 15.30 - 17.30 hours

Vision International education which inspires creative thinking, provoking children to become curious and take ownership of their learning.

+31 (0)20 820 90 91 info.ais@ogamstelland.nl

www.amstelland-international-school.nl

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EDUCATION

Types of educationby age or group: International Primary Curriculum (IPC) International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) UWC Maastricht Discusworp 65 6225 XP Maastricht T: 043 241 04 10 W: uwcmaastricht UWC Maastricht brings together young people from all walks of life to work together towards peace and a sustainable future. We offer international education to students (aged 4-19) in our Primary School, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. At the moment we boast over 900 students of more than 100 different nationalities. At UWC Maastricht we equip them with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC educational experience is about knowing and acting. We nurture an understanding of the world and its major challenges, and help students discover how they can serve others and make a positive contribution to society. For students aged 16-19 we also offer a residential programme on our campus. BUSINESS SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES Open Universiteit W: ou.nl T: 045 576 22 22 GRONINGEN Energy Delta Institute W: energydelta.org T: 088 116 68 00 International Business School Groningen W: hanze.nl T: 050 595 23 00 University of Groningen W: rug.nl T: 050 363 91 11 OVERIJSSEL

UTRECHT Frontline Business Utrecht W: flbs.nl T: 06 54 32 83 80 I BO Qualified Business School Leusden W: ibo.nl T: 033 422 99 60 Nyenrode Business Universiteit Breukelen W: nyenrode.nl T: 0346 29 14 84 Utrecht University W: uu.nl/masters T: 030 253 26 70 Examples of the Master Programme: Duration: generally 1 or 2 years - Earth and Sustainability - Economics and Governance - Education Health and Life Sciences - Language, literature and communication - Law - Mathematics and Information Sciences - Media, arts, culture and history - Natural sciences - Philosophy and religious studies - Social and behavioural sciences Languages for education: English and/or Dutch Examples of the Bacehelor Programme: Duration: 3 years - English-taught programmes: - College of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Economics and Business Economics - Global Sustainability Science - History NOORD-HOLLAND Europort Business School Amsterdam W: epbs.nl T: 06 20 49 12 73 Laureate OnLine Education Amsterdam Zuidoost W: laureate.net T: 020 719 25 50 Team Academy international school for entrepreneurship, Amsterdam W: teamacademy.nl T: 020 723 58 70

University of Twente Enschede W: utwente.nl T: 053 489 91 11

The Open University Business School Amsterdam W: business-school.open.ac.uk T: 020 412 19 62

Windesheim Zwolle W: windesheim.nl T: 088 - 469 99 11

THNK School of Creative Leadership Amsterdam W: thnk.org T: 020 684 25 06

GELDERLAND Arnhem Business School T: 024 353 05 00 W: arnhembusinessschool.com

United International Business Schools Amsterdam W: amsterdam.uibs.org T: 020 521 94 23

Business School Nederland Buren W: www.bsn.tel T: 0344 57 90 30

University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Business School W: abs.uva.nl T: 020 525 52 50

Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen W: ru.nl T: 024 361 61 61

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam W: vu.nl Master Programmes Duration: 1 year Languages for education: English

Wageningen University W: www.wur.nl T: 0317 48 01 00

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Universiteit van Amsterdam UVA Amsterdam W: uva.nl T: 020 525 14 00 Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam W: wittenborg.eu T: 088 667 26 89 ZUID-HOLLAND Technische Universiteit Delft W: tudelft.nl T: 015 278 91 11 International Business School The Hague W: ibsthehague.nl T: 070 262 94 77 Leiden University Leiden and The Hague W: universiteitleiden.nl/en/education T: 071-527 11 11 Types of education by age or group Bachelor’s Programmes (after completion of secondary school 18+) Master’s Programmes (after completion of a bachelor’s programme 20+) PhD Programmes 14 English-taught bachelors programmes: Duration: 3 years Languages for education: English (plus more han 30 programmes taught in Dutch) 14 English-taught bachelor’s Webster Leiden Campus W: webster.nl T: 071 516 80 00 Rotterdam Business School of Applied Sciences T: 010 794 62 64 W: rotterdamuas.com

Live and online sessions for 1 or 2 people for all language levels, including civic integration and NT2 exams With a private tutor, available in 100 cities, 7 days a week, 8AM - 10PM Design your own Dutch course and learn what is useful to you Language Institute Regina Coeli T: 073 684 87 90 W: reginacoeli.com Tailor-made language training courses in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish Centre Français-Néerlandais Walenpleintje 157-159, 1012 JZ Amsterdam T: 020 - 623 2074 W: centrefrancaisneerlandais.nl - French courses on all levels, both online and offline, from native speaking professors. General courses, conversation courses and thematic courses. Private courses possible. - Dutch courses for francophones, both online and offline, specifically catered to the needs and difficulties of the French speaking community. - Courses by native Dutch professors - Cultural events and workshops New courses starting in May, July (summer courses), September and November STE Languages Aalsterweg 3 5615 CA Eindhoven T: 040 245 28 60 E: info@ste.nl W: ste.nl

LIMBURG

- Group training at STE Small groups, big steps. Experience the support and motivation from your group. - Civic integration Discover the Dutch language and culture. An effective preparative course for the civic integration examination and State exams. - One-on-one courses Maximum impact from individual training. Fully tailored to your learning goals. - Tailor-made solutions Customization in language training, insight into language levels and advice on language development. - In-company group training courses Language training based on cases from the workplace. An investment that pays for itself. - Online Classroom Always on the ball for digital learning solutions. Convenient for students that are not always able to attend a training session face-to-face and ideal for students who want to attend fully online programs.

Maastricht School of Management W: msm.nl T: 043 387 08 08

Alliance Française Amsterdam T: 020 523 07 42 W: afamsterdam.nl

Maastricht University W: maastrichtuniversity.nl T: 043 - 388 22 22

Exact information about the studies/ programs in 2021: courses for francophone and non-francophone children aged 3-4, 5-6, 7-10 and 11-15 y-o, at OBA Oosterdok and at Lyc e Van Gogh, holiday programs for children, online private courses, Dutch courses for French-speaking people (courses taught by native teachers), general French courses for adults, thematic workshops, business courses for all levels, events

Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University W: rsm.nl T: 010 408 22 22 Erasmus University Rotterdam W. eur.nl T: 010 408 11 11 Examples of the Master Programme Duration: 1-2 years 30+ English-language master programmes with 50+ specializations Languages for education: English NOORD-BRABANT Eindhoven University of Technology W: tue.nl T: 040 247 91 11 Tilburg University W: tilburguniversity.edu T: 013 466 91 11

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS Flowently language sessions T: 06 4133 93 23 W: flowently.com

02-03-2022 15:55

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02-03-2022 15:13

EDUCATION

related to the Francophonie Month in March, Tapis Rouge, courses from 13,50€/ hour, our new session of courses will start on the week of 13/09/2021. Taalthuis Lorentzplein 25 2012 HH Haarlem T: 023 305 03 05 E: info@taalthuis.nl T: taalthuis.nl. At Taalthuis you can follow courses at different levels both online as face-toface in a classroom. We aim to make learning a fun experience! Founded in 2006 Taalthuis now is a well-known language institute in the Netherlands for higher educated students. With lesson locations in seven different cities in the Netherlands, Taalthuis makes it possible for expats, au pairs and international students to learn Dutch all over the Netherlands. Taalthuis uses its own course materials at the Beginner and Intermediate levels. During the courses you will be exploring all kind of interesting subjects and current topics. Each lesson takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Besides that you need to spend about 5 hours weekly on homework. For the Advanced courses the lessons are 2,5 hours and the homework will be more. The e-learning is an important tool that

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 23

helps you with vocabulary, pronunciation and provides you with challenging exercises. The BSN Language Centre T: 070 315 40 80 W: bsnlanguagecentre.nl/ Adult English courses, group (in person and online) lessons and private lessons (level A2-C1 advanced) Adult Dutch courses, group (in person and online) lessons and private lessons (complete beginners to B2 upper intermediate) Young learners English in-person courses (ages 5-12) Adult Dutch Semi-Intensive 4-week Course (March and November) IELTS Exam Preparation Course Summer Intensive English Course (July 2021) Summer School for children (5-16) CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching) Course (September 2021) We will break for the summer in July and courses will begin in either September/ October 2021. We have ongoing enrolment for our adult English and young learner courses Kickstart School T: 070-360 78 60 W: kickstartschool.nl

- Dutch courses (All levels); Online and Face2Face; group and private courses - Exam training Dutch NT2: Inburgering, Staatsexam Programme I & II - English courses; general and communication; group and private courses - English exam training: Cambridge, IELTS and TOEFL - Chinese Communication and exam courses; group and private courses - Company courses (Dutch, English, Chinese; Remote and Face2Face) - Language training for children (4-18); Dutch, English or Chinese Direct Dutch Institute T: 070-365 46 77 W: directdutch.com At Direct Dutch we are determined to help you achieve your Dutch language goals. Why not start now? Our online classes (from A1 to B2) offer the same format and structure as our classical courses. The classes are based on the direct method: they are highly interactive with a focus on communication. New words and structures are introduced by means of question and answer series. Dutch is spoken in class from the very first lesson (grammar will be explained in English when necessary). For our online classes we have changed the group size from 8 to 6. Reading and writing are taught by means of practical (homework) exercises.

British Language Training Centre BLTC Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 328/E 1012 RW Amsterdam T: 020-622 36 34 W: bltc.nl Discoverindutch Molslaan 121 2611 RK Delft T: 0620 912 404 W: discoverindutch.nl

Dutch Courses Amsterdam Postjesweg 57 1057 DW Amsterdam T: 0654-99 22 19 W: dutchcoursesamsterdam.nl De Waalse Kerk Walenpleintje 157-159 1012 JZ Amsterdam T: 020-623 20 74 W: dewaalsekerk.nl Taleninstituut Taleninstituut Nederland Keizersgracht 62 1015 CS Amsterdam T: 020 21 59 823 W: taleninstituut.nl

Distance learning: 5 tips to help my child learn and concentrate online?

48% of children say they have difficulty concentrating in an online classroom environment and 38% have difficulty understanding a subject, according to a recent Kantar study for GoStudent. These figures are a warning about the lack of training of Dutch students to study thanks to digital technology. In this context, Marie Cadoux, an online tutor at GoStudent, reveals 5 tips to help families to get a better understanding of this new way of learning. 1. De-demonize the use of screens Parents are often the hardest to convince when it comes to using a computer or tablet for learning, citing the number of hours their children spend on screens. Yet the audiovisual format of the content offered on digital platforms is precisely what children prefer and is powerful in capturing their interest. “I meet many pupils whose parents are sceptical about using the computer, but in most cases, at the end of the course, the pupil is enthusiastic about the method and the parents are pleasantly surprised by their child’s involvement,” explains Marie.

concept with something familiar to the student. Translating this concept into their own words, inviting them to transpose it into a world that is dear to them is an equally formidable method. Text by GoStudent www.gostudent.at GoStudent www.gostudent.at

2. Encouraging time for interpersonal exchange For many students, distance learning means less social interaction. This was the main difficulty encountered by children last year during the pandemic (55%), ahead of difficulty concentrating, according to the GoStudent study. It is therefore all the more important in an online environment to favour time for interpersonal exchanges. How is the student doing? What progress have they made? Do they have any concerns? Marie Cadoux adds, “I try to recreate these times of exchange throughout the session in order to build a lasting relationship that encourages the child to connect with a smile.” 3. Engaging the student in a continuous conversation One of Marie Cadoux’s tips for helping concentration is to engage the student in a continuous conversation. This keeps them proactive and reduces distractions or boredom. “In front of the camera, I overreact certain reactions or speeches in order to make the student react by provoking surprise or amusement.” The aim is to make each pupil a full participant in his or her learning. 4. Pace the sessions and alternate exercises Online courses must also be adapted by the students according to their age and pace. Marie Cadoux generally structures her 50-minute sessions around 1 to 5 different activities, starting each lesson with an exercise that the student is comfortable with, both to consolidate what they have learned and to build their confidence. “The younger the students are, the more activities they will have to do to capture their interest. But in reality, beyond age, it is above all the child’s state of mind that influences his or her pace.” 5/ Use a more playful and interactive teaching method To increase understanding of a subject, Marie also has her advice: “Reformulate rather than repeat! Don’t hesitate to build bridges between subjects and to compare an obscure

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03-03-2022 08:23

To Educate for International Understanding ISA is a global leader in international education, serving almost 1300 students from over 60 countries. Deeply embedded in our culture is a passion for inspiring students to reflect on their own worldview and a commitment to helping others. Contact Information www.isa.nl admissions@isa.nl

We believe in developing minds, character and communities. Scan for more information

Watch them learn through concept based inquiry

Introducing Linguaskill from Cambridge Assessment English A computer-based, adaptive English test powered by artiﬁcial intelligence. Measure a candidate’s level of English for admission, progression over time or graduation.

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Oxford House Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 328/E 1012 RW Amsterdam

www.bltc.nl

Linguaskill is modular - test any or all of the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Take the test at anytime or place, even at home, and results are available within 48 hours.

British Language Training Centre

Admissions open for Primary School

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bltc@bltc.nl (020) 622 3634

GAIN FROM 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! Learn Dutch in small groups (online or classical) from professional and enthusiastic teachers

www.directdutch.com

02-03-2022 16:12

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 25

IAMEXPAT FAIR

IamExpat Fair in the Westergas Amsterdam Announcing the IamExpat Fair - Amsterdam, 2022 We are pleased to announce the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam, which will take place on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Gashouder Westergas. The meeting place for expats and local businesses. At the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam, the biggest expat event in the Netherlands, you will learn all about life in the Netherlands from finding a house, job or school for your kids, to choosing an accountant, legal advisor and so on. Browse the many stands, pick up a free goodie here and there, go to informative workshops and presentations and network with other expats and expat-friendly companies. All of this under one roof, for free! Running from 10am to 5pm, the IamExpat Fair Amsterdam 2022 will take place at Westergas biggest and most iconic venue, the Gashouder. This former gasworks, covering more than 2500m2, is a major cultural venue that hosts some of the biggest events and festivals in Amsterdam. Visitors to the IamExpat Fair can: et assistance in finding the right rental property or understanding Dutch mortgages - Learn how to advance their career through professional development - Discover businesses with a focus on expats’ needs enefit from many special offers only a ailable on the day of the air - Meet with recruiters and companies that are hiring - Attend workshops and presentations to learn about different aspects of life and workin the Netherlands - Connect with local health and lifestyle organisations - Network with like-minded locals and expats from around the world - Bring the whole family and have fun with little ones at the Kid’s Area, a free playspace. Book your free ticket now! The leading expat fair in the Netherlands: Since its launch, the IamExpat Fair has hosted more than 320 companies, run 180 workshops and welcomed more than 22.600 visitors from 150 different countries, making it the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.

SAVE THE DATE AND RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET ONLINE IamExpat Fair - Amsterdam, 2022 Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022 Time: 10am to 5pm Location: Gashouder Westergas, Amsterdam

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Entry is free but online registration is necessary: www.amsterdam.iamexpatfair.nl/free-registration/ Full workshop program to be announced in March: www.amsterdam.iamexpatfair.nl/program/

03-03-2022 08:24

The language of love At the Kindergarten of the International Waldorf School The Hague there are 17 children with 19 different nationalities. Some children have two or three nationalities, speak multiple languages, and have several countries they call home. For these children, searching for their culture is a journey of recognising or finding their, and others, uniqueness at a very young age. Language can be an important vehicle for this. While the main language of communication at school is English, a minority of children in the Kindergarten are native speakers. Luckily, we have found understanding each other is not dependent on language alone. My journey I am fortunate to have direct experience of this situation. I moved to the Netherlands as a nineyear-old, and remember the frustration when no one

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understood me, and the relief when I met someone who did. When I was nine, being allowed to be myself, with everything that makes me unique, was essential and more important than being able to speak and understand Dutch. The attention and love I found in my environment allowed me to connect to others. The language of love touched me, rather than the new language I had to learn. Warmth and imagination At the International Waldorf School The Hague, my main objective is to create a space of warmth and imagination, where children feel safe to come into the kindergarten with everything that they are–their culture, their language and all. Children want to take everything in, and to digest what I am thinking reflected in my actions. So it is important for

By Jocelyn Roy

me, as the kindergarten teacher, to try to be conscious about all that I do. I have learned that the role of the teacher is to be a presence that every child needs. We all speak the same language I hope that at our school we can create a place of love and perhaps a burgeoning awareness that everyone is a little bit different and, at the same time, very much alike. That no matter where you come from, or how much you have travelled, or what language you speak, we all speak the same language. The language of love. Contact International Waldorf School The Hague 2e Messstraat 31 2586 XA The Hague internationalwaldorfschool.nl +31 70 7830030 info@iwsth.org

02-03-2022 16:26

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 27

ART & CULTURE

Form on the Vecht brings art and design to Doornburgh Estate

Photo by Suzanna Jongmans - Valentino Pink

From Friday March 18th to September 25th Doorburgh Estate presents the exhibition “Form on the Vecht”. The former convent between Utrecht and Amsterdam exhibits works by numerous renowned designers, artists, and photographers. Curator Nicole Uniquole: ‘This exhibition reflects the remarkable history of this estate by shedding a new light on it.’ On show are works by over 65 designers, photographers, artists and fashion designers like Jan Taminiau, Stefan Scholten, Richard Hutten, Wieki Somers, Suzanne Jongmans, Lita Cabellut, Jan Noyons, Job Smeets, Jimmy Nelson, Esmé Hofman, Winnie Teschmacher, Danielle Kwaaitaal, Bert Kuizenga, Carla van de Puttelaar & Iris van Herpen, and many others. Curator Uniquole creates an exceptional heritage exhibition, combined with design Contemporary Designers The exhibition “Form on the Vecht” shows the heritage of the Doornburgh estate in addition to a selection of contemporary design, art, fashion, and photography. Curator Nicole Uniquole created the exhibition in this former convent, situated along the river the Vecht. Uniquole; ‘The seventeenth century elite built country estates along the Vecht for their summer retreats. This exhibition presents the heritage of the estate, next to contemporary design. This is how we tell the story of this extraordinary location and through the art and design on display, a surprising new perspective on the future is created.’ Various makers find temporary accommodation at the convent as an artist in residence, creating new works inspired by the Doornburgh Estate. Rhythm as the Common Thread Curator Nicole Uniquole regularly creates exceptional exhibitions at special heritage locations. For this exhibition she selected makers that play on the strength of the location by reinforcing it. The common thread throughout the exhibition is: the daily rhythm of the sister who once lived in the priory, the regular shapes in the architectures and the design structures. Uniquole: ‘The participating makers draw inspiration from this place. Studio Stefan Scholten created the exhibition design that is based on the striking architectural premises of the convent.

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In close collaboration with the interior and styling by Maarten Spruyt a Gesamtkunstwerk is created.” President of the Doornburgh Estate art committee Maya Meijer-Bergmans: ‘We aim to surprise our visitors. By combining heritage with contemporary design in this exhibition, visitors will discover more about past and present.

And will be a stage where professionals, talent, leaders and the public are given the opportunity to research, present and experience beauty, new insights and social deepening. Maya Meyer took the initiative for this exhibition and asked Nicole Uniquole to develop the concept. It will be an ode to the nuns.

Nuns from the Golden Bent For “Form on the Vecht” historian Reinildis van Ditzhuyzen explored the history of the country estates along the Vecht between Utrecht and Amsterdam. This collection of 17th century country estates along the Vecht are also called the Golden Bent. Van Ditzhuyzen in particularly focuses on the sister order of the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre. This order resided at Doornburgh from 1957 to 2016. The historian spoke with former residents and mapped out a part of the history of the estate. During the sixties the sisters commissioned the build of the modern convent, designed by Jan de Jong, pupil of architect and monk Dom Hans van der Laan. It is fairly unique that the convent has remained intact in its entirety, including the characteristic furniture that adds to the extraordinary ambiance. The nature, architecture, and history of this country estate still inspires the makers of today.

Maya Meijer-Bergmans, co-founder of the MeyerBergman Heritage Group: “Why is this the perfect place to formulate ideas about the future? Before we bought the property, we had a long talk with the sisters. In the end, the priory on this country estate was inhabited by only three sisters. The idea for Doornburgh is inspired by their open attitude, de otion and idea of reflection. Don t li e in the delusion of the day, and be aware of what you can do for someone else. As far as I’m concerned, Doornburgh is the perfect place where we can work on a ‘bright future’ based on a rich history with different disciplines.” The exhibition “Vorm aan de Vecht” will take place from 18 March until 25 September 2022 at Buitenplaats Doornburgh. www.buitenplaatsdoornburgh.nl. Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro

Since the nineties Nicole Uniquole has been internationally active as a curator, concept developer and exhibition creator, connecting different worlds in inimitable fashion. By now world renowned through her Masterly exhibitions, combining contemporary design with the works of old masters. In all her projects Nicole Uniquole seeks out the most appealing contemporary designers and photographers that reinforce the strength of the heritage. Doornburgh Estate Since 2018 the Doornburgh Estate Foundation curates the convent with a program that sits on the cutting edge between art and science, through exhibitions, workshops and lectures. Since 2020 it also offers makers and thinkers a periodic artist in residence at the convent, to work and to be inspired by the history, nature, and architecture of the estate. Estate Doornburgh, located on the Vecht near Utrecht, is owned by MeyerBergman Erfgoed Groep since 2016, known for the Westergasfabriek and Paleis Soestdijk, among others. The aim of the Group is to give Doornburgh a new purpose, while preserving its monumental values. Doornburgh has been transformed into a center where art and science meet. Doornburgh as a laboratory for artists and a studio for scientists.

Estate Doornburgh

Above: photo by Moncler, Pierpaolo Piccioli

Object by Aldo Bakker

14-03-2022 13:01

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY AT CAESAR FITNESS + SPA RESORT

Get fit and allow yourself some time to relax With 5000 m2 of wellness, health and fitness in the heart of the city of The Hague. At Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort you have everything under one roof. Our luxury resort is located on the Mauritskade.

Our motto at Caesar Fitness + Spa resort is: “Your body is your temple”. We help you take care of your body as well as your mind. We are more than a gym. Our top priority is for our members to be able to train in a safe and healthy environment. We offer you an environment with a state of the art ventilation system. This ventilation system constantly brings in fresh outdoor air filtered through glass filters so our members and guests breathe in fresh and clear air. For an optimal balance between body and mind, you can visit our Body & Mind studio where we give different types of yoga classes. You can always find the right class to fit your lifestyle and needs. Members can relax in the Spa & Wellness area. You can go swimming in our fantastic pool or enjoy a variety of saunas, hamam and whirlpool. At Caesar, we also pay attention to the outer wellness when taking care of our bodies. Our beauty center offers a wide range of massages, high quality facials and other beauty treatments. Did you also know that we recently opened our KidsClub where young children from 3 months to 4 years old are cared for while their parents enjoy their visit at Caesar? Children up to 8 years old are even welcome to come and play on weekends and during school holidays. Our facilities are brought together at one place to offer maximum comfort to our members. Do you want to experience what a membership at Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort entails? Come visit our club and we will show you all the benefits of our membership.

JOIN US NOW!

For more information visit our website www.caesar-denhaag.nl. We are looking forward to getting to know you soon and to give you a free tour of our facilities.

MAURITSKADE 10 | DEN HAAG | T 070 820 99 10 | WWW.CAESAR-DENHAAG.NL

ARCHITECTURE

FURNITURE

DECORATION UPHOLSTERY

STANZA BOOKSHOP We are an international bookshop established in The Hague offering English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian books for adults, young adults and children. Additionally, we have a selection of International Law books in English, Spanish and French. We host literary events such as storytelling, writing & poetry workshops, and services for book launch.

mas interieur the ultimate way of modern living visit us at:

Frederikstraat 565 2514 LR Den Haag

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T 070 345 09 03 winkel@masinterieur.nl www.masinterieur.nl

accredited by the Dutch Central Interior Design Industry Association

Opening times Mon: closed. Tuesday-Saturday from 10.30 until 17.00. During November and December we open twice per month on Sundays (please check the dates and opening hours through our social media) Noordeinde 98, 2514 GM, The Hague. T. 0031 (0) 702144117, www.stanzabookshop.com, Instagram: Stanza_Bookshop, Facebook/Twitter: @StanzaBookshop

02-03-2022 16:11

NICE SPOTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 29

Old army storage creates new memories In the second quarter of 2022, WestCord Hotel Arsenaal by WestCord will open in ArsenaalDelft, the national monument on the peninsula between the Oude Delft and Nieuwe Delft. It is the fifteenth hotel for the Dutch family business and the second in Delft. Hotel Arsenaal will be a boutique hotel with 63 rooms, a restaurant, parking spaces and a courtyard. The original elements in the monumental building have been preserved and combined with a modern and stylish finish. The buildings that make up the complex were built over three centuries. The Armamentarium and the East Indies Warehouse were later added to the ammunition storage dating to 1602. Between 1989 and 2013, the complex housed the Army Museum, which eventually became part of the National Military Museum in Soesterberg. ArsenaalDelft is to become the new crowd puller in the southern city centre. With two new bridges and a floating terrace, the original peninsula becomes part of the urban public space again. A conference centre, restaurant, exhibition space and offices will be realized next to the hotel. Loetje restaurant has already opened. www.hotelarsenaal.nl

Jan takes you everywhere Last spring, Jan Luyken Hotel opened, a quirky four-star boutique hotel in an old mansion in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Amsterdam. In the heart of the Museum Quarter, a stone’s throw from the P.C. Hooftstraat, Museumplein, Concertgebouw and Vondelpark, Jan Luyken is a great base for visitors who love art, culture and the good city life. The common thread in the 31 stylish and idiosyncratic rooms are the works of Jan Luyken, from the characteristic engraved lines in the carpet to his friendly eye that watches over every room. Jan is available 24/7 to make your stay unforgettable. Comfortable beds, good food, free wifi, good coffee and hospitality form are a given; personal attention and love for the city and the good life are the common thread. Jan Luyken is part of Eden Hotels. www.janluyckenhotelamsterdam.com

Pampering weekend in Vaals Bilderberg Kasteel Vaalsbroek in Vaals, near Maastricht, Liège and Aachen, is located in an 18-hectare estate in the picturesque Limburg hills. The rooms and suites, located in the hotel next to the castle, offer a magnificent view over Limburg. Enjoy breakfast in the castle and for dinner visit the à la carte restaurant In de Oude Watermolen, renowned for its seasonal dishes made from local ingredients and with a nice terrace on the water. Here you will discover why Limburgers are renowned for their hospitality and gastronomic skills. After a day in the city or outdoors, relax in the Spa & Wellness Centre, with a swimming pool and sauna and various facial treatments and massages. bilderberg.nl www.bilderberg.nl

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02-03-2022 15:56

Coaching is increasingly used by companies and individuals to leverage results and constant high performance and not only to solve specific situations. In2motivation, as a company with more than 22 years of experience in international coaching and management training contexts, offers a perspective on coaching and how to choose the best coach. Ligia Koijen Ramos, as CEO of In2motivation, will answer our questions in a simple and practical way. What is coaching? This is a very pertinent question, as the market has grown over the years, with more professionals offer coaching services, and often there is a lot of confusion. Coaching is a process focused on change. The process takes someone from A to B, using various and complementary “tools”. But the most important thing to remember is that coaching is a process that promotes change. What distinguishes a good coach? A good coach is someone that supports the greatest possible change in the shortest possible time, but in a sustainable way. Sustainable change assists the individual, company and

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context. That one change leads to more and more changes - it’s like the butterfly effect. A good coach is anyone who works together and facilitates a process of change, without offering solutions. This is one of the things that can cause the most confusion. A coach does not make change, offer change or advise change. A coach gives tools to the individual or group to make the change. When is the right time to seek a coach? Well, the term is often used in sport, and just like in sport, coaching can be a daily attitude. It can be with a self-coaching process or with a coaching culture in companies, for example, or having regular meetings with a professional coach. A coach is a high-performance support, and as we always have things, situations and contexts that we can do faster, more effectively, more efficiently, and more naturally, all these are ideal moments to have a coach by our side. There is still the notion that a coach is only for moments of “big change” like a career change or a change of company, for example. But that is reducing the impact that a coach can have. How to choose the best coach? The match between a coach and a coachee is

very personal. But I say look for one who is not only being nice, that is ocused on you and your business. You are looking for a partner in success – someone who will cheer you on when you get that gold medal. Someone who believes in your potential more than you do. Someone who has a huge toolbox, and not just a hammer (because, as in the metaphor, some situations can’t be solved with a hammer). Someone who is provocative and brave enough to assist the change that is needed. A coach is not your friend, but someone who sees your potential and wants to support you in using it to the full every day. What has been your most successful coach? My first client, when I was 22 years old. He was a boy who was institutionalized and did not speak. He was seven years old and had many marks, even physical marks of violence. After three months of follow-up from me, he said his first word. I still remember his voice as a great gift. And it was he who made me believe that I could do this for the rest of my life. But throughout the ensuing 23 years, many other moments have told me that yes, with coaching we can change the world. in2motivation.com

03-03-2022 08:10

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | 31

SPORT

Hail the conquering heroes

As we emerge from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are looking for ways to entertain ourselves. Hopefully, there will be much to choose from as organisers pick up where they left off before being stilled by a virus. Among the many offerings, several superhero movies are set to open in cinemas this spring. What you may not know is that real live superheroes will descend on The Hague this April and their feats of strength and courage will be open to the public. The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country. The Invictus Games will be held in The Hague from 16-22 April 2022 and invites 500 competitors, from 19 different countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Iraq, Jordan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States. They will participate in 10 different sports: athletics, archery, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. The tenth event will be the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, which is a test of skill and precision and is designed to test driving skills, navigational ability, observation and teamwork using Land Rover vehicles. Some athletes will compete in more than one sport. The word ‘Invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and

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women can achieve post-injury. The Invictus Games are the brainchild of Prince Harry who was inspired by the Warrior Games which are sponsored by the United States Department of Defense. The Invictus Games were awarded to the Netherlands for 2020 but had to be rescheduled not once, but twice, due to the Corona virus pandemic. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they will be open to spectators. The first edition of the Invictus Games was held in London in 2014. Utilizing some of the infrastructure from the 2012 London Olympic Games, the competition featured some 300 athletes from 13 countries. Since the inaugural games, the event has been hosted by Orlando, Toronto and Sydney. Dusseldorf, Germany, was originally slated to host a 2022 version of the games but the pandemic-delayed games at The Hague had a knockon effect, moving the event in North Rhein Westphalia to 2023. In April 2021, it was announced that “Heart of Invictus”, a Netflix documentary series would surround the competitors from the 2022 Invictus Games. Prince Harry will executive produce the series and appear on camera. The participants all have their own story of physical and/ or psychological injury or illness. Nonetheless, all of them have found the inner strength to go on and reinvent themselves - sometimes alone, often with the help of family and friends, but always through the power of sport. These games, to be played in the political capital of the Netherlands, endured two postponements due to Corona which most certainly presented the participants with yet another challenge. When the games open on April 16, the athletes will once again have a platform to

share their stories and add another chapter to their book of life. The games will take place at the Zuiderpark sports complex which will be renamed “The Invictus Games Park” during the week of the event. The Zuiderpark offers a compact, all-in-one location for the event. In addition to the competitions, there will be a full entertainment program including music, demonstrations by the Dutch Armed Forces and other side events. Tickets are very affordable and the cycling events, a time trial and criterium, are open to all, free of charge. They will be ridden on a parcours encircling the park and a tribune as well as several public viewing area along the route will be offered. If you attend one sporting event this year, this would be the one to see. It would be hard to imagine a more meaningful family outing than a visit to these Invictus Games. If the wheelchair basketball final is anywhere close to that of the Toronto games in 2017, it will be shear spectacle. Then, the Dutch team, paced by a performance for the ages by Marc van de Kuilen, nearly upended the heavily favored American side. No matter what the result, the opportunity to honor these remarkable men and women is something none of us should pass up. Consider this a fervent plea to turn out in numbers and support the Dutch, your home country or any one of the true heroes who will come to The Hague this April. For more information, visit the official website: www.invictusgames2020.com/en/ Written by John Mahnen

02-03-2022 11:03

LEIDEN ticket s online rmo.n l

God on Earth

until 22.05 2022

Emperor Domitian In association with:

RMO_Domitianus_Adv_The_Holland_Times_264x398_ENG-v01.indd 1 THT2_2022 _CS.indd 32

Thanks to:

13-12-2021 10:43 28-02-2022 13:22

The Holland Times March/April 2022

Articles inside

IamExpat Fair in Westergas

Nice spots

Sport

5 tips to help my child learn and concentrate online

Extreme rise in energy costs hits the Netherlands The Netherlands scraps most Covid-19 restrictions as pandemic

School overview

ost Co id employees wish to continue working from home

Column

Rutte offers sincere apologies for 1950s war violence in Indonesia Current student loan system set to be abolished

The Tunesian Gastronomic days

MARCH/APRIL 2022

Spotlight on a contributor