REPATRIATION

Important note to repats about continuing international education for children in The Netherlands:
The International School of The Hague and several other schools have long waiting list. Please contact Shell Education Services at +31 70 377 2889/ 2428 for further details.

At some time the majority of expatriates return to their home country. This is known as repatriation. It is often seen as the most challenging assignment as people may not be prepared for this move to be difficult.
Repatriation is not always to your own home country but to that of you partner. You probably lived abroad for a long time and became international instead of Dutch or British. Your children were not born in The Netherlands and feel they are not returning to their home country.

SHELL INFORMATION
Outpost provides non-contractual information only. For contractual information regarding repatriation check the International Mobility Programmes (IMR) policy at HR Online (Shell access only) or refer to link http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/going/lta_end_of_assignment.html#_End_of_Assignment_1 (Shell access only).

OUTPOST SERVICES
All services Outpost The Hague provides are also for repatriate employees and repatriates partners. Have a look at the Living in The Hague (also when you live in another location) and the Employment and Study section on this website which provides useful information.

Especially for repatriates Outpost The Hague organises Repatriation workshops: Home - Understanding the Challenges of Repatriation
Many of the pitfalls and disappointments of re-entry can be prevented through good preparation. This interactive workshop shares insights into, and knowledge of, the potential challenges of repatriating and some tips on how these challenges might be addressed.
Next event: Tuesday 27 April 10.00-13.00
Please register by sending an e-mail to: outpost@shell.com

Regularly Outpost organises Informal Repat Mornings, for Dutch Shell partners who recently returned to The Netherlands, to meet others in similar situations.
Next event: Thursday 29th Apirl 10.00-12.00
Please register by sending an e-mail to: outpost@shell.com

PREPARATION
Key to a successful repatriation - any to any assignment - is preparation. Outpost The Hague provides comprehensive information and advice on global relocation, career development, and repatriation. Our (electronic) documents are available to repatriates as well:
- The Inside Guide, practical information for Shell expatriate families moving to the The Hague area. As not only the repatriate has changed over the years but also the home country, Dutch people often find a lot they were not aware of.
- The Partner Employment and Study Guide, for Shell partners who wish to work, study or otherwise develop their skills on and after an assignment.
- Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter and weekly Outpost Employment and Study Bulletin at outpost@shell.com. Provide us with your partners email address so he/she stays informed.
- If you notify us when you are arriving and where you are staying we can send you our Welcome Pack.
- Once you are in The Hague come to see us at our offices, as we are more than happy to assist you.

REPATRIATE PARTNER

The first couple of months after returning to The Netherlands will probably be spend on supporting the family members to settle in the new location, house, school and work environment.

It can take a while before everybody is happy again in their new surroundings. Especially for (older) kids it can be a blessing that they regain their freedom by cycling to school, sports, friends etc instead of being driven around by car as they have probably become used to. Maybe you have been used to the ‘good life' abroad having a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, driver or just permanent sunshine. Coming back to The Netherlands and doing most of this work now yourself, except for perhaps a cleaning lady, might not give you the idea that you have lots of time on your hands. However, this posting back to your home could be an opportunity for your own personal or professional development. While you are still abroad it is a good idea to start thinking of good preparation for yourself. Maybe there are coaching courses available, or even computer courses.

If you wish to discuss your opportunities, like employment, further education, setting up your own company, volunteering etc please contact the Careers and Development team for an initial meeting. Also refer to the Employment and Study part of this website.

Depending on contractual status, you may be eligibile for the Partner Development Programme (PDP). Please note however repatriates have to make claims for PDP within TWO years of returning to their home country.
Note: if termination of employment occurs at the time of or after repatriation, and your partner is eligible for PDP repatriation assistance, you will only be reimbursed within the first three months following the termination.


For most families the location of work, a house and a school are the main factors in deciding where you are going to settle. A lot of research can be done on the internet.

HOUSING
The International Mobility Programmes (IMR) policy at HR Online (Shell access only) contain information about transit housing and housing, which is contractual information.

Several website provide information about buying and selling a house and databases of available properties:
www.funda.nl
www.zoekallehuizen.nl
www.jaap.nl

Vereniging Eigen Huis focuses on the interests of home owners and offers several products and services.
Website www.eigenhuis.nl

EDUCATION
Shell Education Services offers support and advice on primary and secondary education to families on the move. For explanation about Repatriation assistance check the IMR link about Education Support at http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/living/lta_education_support.html#_Repatriation_Assistance and http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/living/lta_education_support.html
(Shell access only)

Telephone number Education Services: +31 70 377 2889/ 2428

In general the Shell policy is that Dutch children should go back into the Dutch school system (conditions apply, check with HR).
However, Dutch schools often have waiting lists which will limit your choice of schools. Registering your child on the waiting lists as early as possible will increase your chances of enrolling in the school of your choice. Ideally you contact or visit the schools and find out about their educational policies and experiences with new children from abroad. Also, find out about school times, remedial teaching availabilty, English classes, maximum number of children in a class, do they have an anti-bullying policy etc

Maybe you want to prepare your children while you still are abroad with some Dutch lessons if they have not had a Dutch education for a while. You can ask for advice at Stichting NOB, website: www.stichtingnob.nl . You could also buy some Edurom cd's to practice Dutch ‘rekenen en taal' on the computer.

If applicable (contact Education Services):
Repatriation/LNN Education Budget Form
The education services provide assistance to repatriating employees to support continuity in education arrangements. All claims for reimbursement of costs must be made using the Repatriation/LNN Education Budget Form and to be submitted within three months from the date of invoice.

If you are looking to continue International education for your children there are several options:
- American School in Wassenaar
www.ash.nl
- British school in The Netherlands, located in Mariahoeve (Junior school) and Voorschoten (Senior school). Additional new location opening in September 2010 in Leidschenveen
www.britishschool.nl
- International School of The Hague
www.ishthehague.nl
- International School het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest
www.isrlo.nl
- Stichting Haagse Schoolvereeniging
www.hsvdenhaag.nl

A Dutch primary school with an International English speaking department (ages 3-12) offering International primary education and the teaching of Dutch as an additional language is the Elckerlyc school in Leiderdorp: www.elckerlyc.net

The Visser 't Hooft Lyceum in Leiden offers bilingual education. The children are taught half of their subject in English and the other half in Dutch. For further information go to www.vhlweb.nl

Some Dutch secondary schools are offering a two language education which is at ‘VWO' level plus extra English. This can result in an English IB and a normal VWO diploma:
- Maerlant Lyceum in The Hague
www.maerlant-lyceum.nl
- Rijnlands Lyceum Wassenaar/Oegstgeest
www.rijnlandslyceum.nl

The Vrije Hogeschool in Driebergen prepares students for higher education with courses lasting either three months or a full academic year. For the children of expats who have decided to return to The Netherlands to study, they offer an opportunity to refamiliarise themselves with the country in open and familiar surroundings. For more information: www.vrijehogeschool.nl