Repatriation
For most expatriates there will come a time when you will return to your home country. We call this repatriation. You and your family are returning to The Netherlands. Maybe you are a Dutch family but you might not feel so at home in The Netherlands anymore because:
- You have lived abroad for such a long time
- Or your partner is not from The Netherlands
- Or your children are not born in The Netherlands
- Or for other reasons
We like to give you some tips and ideas about living in The Netherlands again. We hope it helps you coming home!
Shell policy information
Outpost cannot provide any contractual information, for that please contact your line HR and check the International Mobility Programmes (IMR) policy at http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/going/lta_end_of_assignment.html#_End_of_Assignment_1
(Shell access only).
The
Nationwide Personnel Guide for Shell in The Netherlands is incorporated in HR Online (Shell access only). For those locations whihc do not yet have access to HR Online, the Guide is located at http://sww02.europe.shell.com/sinhr/lphb_fr_eng.htm (Shell access only).
Before your move Thanks to the internet you can prepare yourself quite well for the move back to The Netherlands. For most families a house and a school are the main factors in deciding where you are going to settle.
Housing To find a house to buy or rent you can go on several websites such as www.Funda.nl and www.zoekallehuizen.nl which are easy to use. Please be aware of the rules that Dutch estate agents apply to buying and selling houses. You should also check the Shell website for details on housing. You may be eligible for temporary accommodation from Shell.
Education Please read the Shell HR Policy on Education: http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/living/lta_education_support.html
(Shell access only)
In general the Shell policy is that Dutch children should go back into the Dutch school system unless they have already started secondary education abroad (conditions apply, check with HR). However be aware that Dutch schools often have waiting lists. You should visit the schools in advance, when you can, and talk to them about any of your concerns:
- Is remedial teaching available if necessary?
- Can they keep up a good level of English at this school?
- Are they used to having new children from abroad?
- Do they have an anti-bullying policy?
- What is the maximum number of children in a class?
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 de Stichting NOB, advisor Fred Adam, tel: 070-3001050, website: www.stichtingnob.nl . You could also buy some Edurom cd's to practise Dutch ‘rekenen en taal' on the pc.
If you are looking to continue International education for your children there are several options:
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 offers bilingual education. The children are taught half of their subject in English and the other half in Dutch. This facility is available for the "Havo" stream and the "VWO"stream. 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:
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. A place to forge friendships and to develop skills useful for the success of their future educational career.
For more information: .www.vrijehogeschool.nl.
Preparation for the returning partner
Moving back to The Netherlands will keep you occupied for a while, especially if you have a family that needs to get used to the new 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 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.
You will also be able to use the PDP (Partner Development Programme) that is available for you abroad when you come back. Please note however repats have to make claims for PDP within TWO years of returning to their home country.
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