Guide to The Hague - Relocation Information

Container (where and how to retrieve it)

As soon as you arrive you will be given the telephone number of a Shell relocation team who can advise further on the arrival of the container in Rotterdam. The container will be stored until you are in your permanent accommodation. For a fee any excess items can be stored until your departure from The Netherlands.

Housing

Housing Advisors: Contact Real Estate Service Tel. +31 (0) 70 3774046 who will advise you on housing in The Hague.

Property market

In The Hague the housing mostly falls into two categories, flats (apartments) and terrace style houses (Herenhuis). The houses are typically on 2-4 levels and offer a reasonable amount of space. Gardens tend to be small. Street parking is common, although some flats have their own car parking arrangements. Do take the parking situation into consideration when making a choice , especially if you have small children.

Popular Housing Areas for Expatriate Families in and around The Hague:

• Statenkwartier & Scheveningen (convenient for French School, German School)
Especially popular for singles, couples and also for families with children in centrally located schools. The Statenkwartier is a stylish area with lots of charm. Here you will find older homes/ apartments with big rooms and high ceilings. Good shop, deli stores cafes and restaurants are to be found on Statenkwartier’s main street Frederik Hendriklaan or “The Fred”as the locals call it. Scheveningen is a mix of the old and new style. The seaside promenade with restaurants and shops is a major tourist destination. Public transport by tram/bus is good.

• Benoordenhout (convenient for The International School of The Hague)
Near city centre and walking distance to the Shell offices and well located for public transport by bus. Popular for expatriates of many nationalities – families or couples.

• Voorburg & Leidschendam (convenient for The British Junior School at Mariahoeve)
Reasonably convenient for the Shell offices in Rijswijk. Here you will find a generous sprinkling of expatriates of a variety of different nationalities. Good public transport system.

• Wassenaar (convenient for The American School)
A village with typical Dutch charm, popular with the diplomatic community. The preferred location for families with children at the American school, also popular for the British Senior School in Voorschoten. Houses range from modest to palatial, but expect to pay more than in most other areas. Very densely populated with expatriates! No train service, regular bus service. Shell offices in The Hague and Rijswijk are easy to get to by car.

• Voorschoten (convenient for The British Senior School)
Another charming Dutch village on the River Vliet. A few families from the American School live here as well. Not a hot spot for singles! Excellent train and bus service to The Hague.

• Oegstgeest (Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest - English language IB programme)
Convenient to ESTEC- ESA. Still very much a traditional Dutch community, but does attract some expatriates as well. Housing (and schooling) less expensive than in Wassenaar or Voorschoten. Not convenient for public transport to The Hague.

• Leiden is an old University town, with charm, shopping and nightlife. Trains available to Utrecht, Amsterdam and The Hague. The outskirts of Leiden, (near Voorschoten) are reasonably convenient to Shell offices in Rijswijk and also the British Senior School.

Company Owned Properties
In The Hague area Shell Company offers a variety of apartments and houses. HR Housing and relocation will inform you about policies, as mentioned in section 3.4.2 (Transit accommodation)

Estate Agents
On the Dutch market we use an Estate Agent (a Makelaar) when buying or renting accommodation. For rental accommodation Shell has a list of approved NVM (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Makelaaars) estate agents. On the rental market a distinction is made between fully furnished, partly furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Discuss with your allocated makelaar whether you seek furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished property. Most partly furnished properties have cooker, fridge, washing machine and tumble dryer as standard items included. Curtains and carpets may or may not be included in the deal. If unfurnished, light bulbs and light switches may even be removed! It is your makelaar’s job to help you find a suitable home and also to negotiate the rent on your behalf. In return you will have to pay a fee, which can be up to one months rent. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the fees as you may be asked to sign an agreement.

Most estate agents will collect you from your hotel or transit accommodation to show you around any properties on offer. Ask for a print out of any available properties on Friday afternoon. Over the weekend you can pre-screen the locations and decide whether it is worthwhile arranging an appointment to view the property the following week. Ideals and expectations often have to be compromised, but no Expatriate has ever been left homeless by not finding somewhere suitable to live! Time and patience are needed, in large doses, to succeed in finding a house that will eventually become your home.
When buying a property it is recommended to use an approved NVM estate agent. A good makelaar will not just show you a property; he/she will recognize the strengths and weaknesses in a potential purchase. Overall costs of a house (incl. the makelaars fee) are about 10% of the purchase price (kosten koper). Agree the makelaars fee before you start looking at houses!

Recommended websites: www.housingonline.nl, www.pararius.nl and www.funda.nl

Be aware: A verbal “yes” is legally binding, both for renting or buying a property.

Staff/Home Help

Ask friends and neighbours for the current wage scale for domestic help. Your responsibilities as an employer depend on the number of hours required and the type of work. Many expatriates employ a cleaner on a ‘casual’ basis. On a twice a week basis, a cleaner will expect a two week holiday with pay, payment while ill, and a coffee break. It is usual to supply a key for access to the house in your absence.

These are the categories of domestic help in The Netherlands:

For general help in the garden, check the yellow pages (Gouden Gids) under Tuinarchitect for Landscape Gardeners or Tuinaanleg en Onderhoud for garden upkeep and layout.

Catering help for large parties can be found by word of mouth or under Cateringservice in the yellow pages.

Contracts
If you have acquired live in help, you should prepare a contract stating: working hours, salary, taxes, duties, holiday allowance etc. You may also be responsible for social insurance payments. Please check with UWV-GAK, Leeghwaterplein 1, 2521 CT The Hague, Tel. 070 445 6666; Fax. 070 4456499
Website: www.uwv.nl

Cars

Driving licence requirements and insurance
In case you hold a driving licence coming from the European Union Member states, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (EU/EES), you still can drive with your licence for 10 years from the date of issue of this foreign driving license. However, if your driving licence is more than 9 years, you may continue to drive with it in the Netherlands for one year calculated from the date of registering with Dutch Council, provided the driving license is still valid.

If you are a non-European citizen but can exchange your license for a Dutch one you will have to pay a fee– go to the Gemeentehuis with:
• 2 colour passport photos
• Original certificate of registration
• Valid foreign driving license
• Passport
• Resident permit
• 30% tax rule letter
Note: be aware that there is a period of time to exchange your driving license, after that time you will need to take the driving test (theory and practical).

Always keep a photocopy of your home country, driving license.

In case you want to obtain a Dutch driving licence you need to complete successfully a theory and practical test at the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR). Please check with CBR, Head Office Po/Box 5301 HH Rijswijk, and tel.0703720500.

It is not possible to exchange an international driving licence for a Dutch driving licence.

Useful websites: www.rdw.nl ; www.rijbewijs.cbr.nl ; www.rijbewijs.nl

Please contact your Shell People Services focal point for more information.

Country Specific Driving Habits
Seat belts are mandatory, front and back for all ages. Failure to comply bears a heavy penalty! For more information on “Child safety-the rules on car seats” please visit www.denhaag.com.
• No one under 18 may drive a car and no one under 16 may drive a motorized bike (bromfiets)
• You must carry a break down triangle with you
• In Dutch traffic, traffic regulations are strictly obeyed. These are the important ones regarding the use of bicycles or pedestrians:
• All traffic (not pedestrians) coming from the right has the right of way (unless there are “shark marks on the road”)
• Traffic on the small roundabouts has the right of way, unless indicated otherwise.
• Traffic turning at a corner must give way to all traffic, including pedestrians that are continuing straight ahead.
• The use of marked bicycle lanes is obligatory.
• Most main junctions have separate traffic lights for cyclists.
• When crossing a main road on foot make use of the marked pedestrian crossings and mind the traffic lights. Do not cross when the pedestrian light is red! You could be fined.

Cycling:
Cyclists are not allowed to cycle on pavements (sidewalks) in The Netherlands. There are cycle paths all over to ensure cyclists’ safety. Cyclists are expected to signal any change of direction by hand. Beware of small but fast motorbikes that also use the cycle paths. Observe the special traffic lights for cyclists at major intersections. If there is no bike path, cyclists may ride on the street, keeping to the right as much as possible. You are advised to keep you bike under lock when not in use and park it at secure bicycle shelters whenever possible to avoid theft. Cycling when drunk or not using your lights at night will incur a fine.

Banking

Local requirements
• It is advisable to set up a bank account as soon as possible because credit cards are not always accepted in all shops, especially in the supermarkets. The ABN-AMRO bank is a commonly used bank amongst expatriates in The Hague area, particularly as there is a branch in both the Shell building in Carel van Bylandtlaan 16 and Volmerlaan in Rijswijk. Banking hours in the Netherlands are Monday to Friday from 09.00 till 17.00 hrs. One evening per week, known as koopavond (shopping evening), large shops stay open until 21.00 hrs. Some banks and post offices will remain open until 20.30 or 21.00 hrs.

There are various methods of payment:

• PIN (personal identification number) debit card system is widely used for the daily shopping in the supermarket as well as department stores, petrol stations and restaurants. It is a must as there is no equivalent to the chequebook in The Netherlands. With the PIN card you are able to draw money from your account at the many cash point machines. Allow a few weeks after you have opened an account to receive your PIN card. It is not uncommon to pay cash in smaller shops and also when receiving goods delivered to your home.

• Businesses and institutions frequently use Acceptgiro’s. An accept giro form is attached to your bill. It carries the name and the account of the beneficiary and sometimes the amount due. Simply enter your account number (and amount if necessary) and sign your name. You send the accept giro to your bank for payment and the amount will be transferred from your account to that of your creditor.

• Internet banking transfers are also common methods of payment. Shortly after opening an account you will receive personalised Bank giro transfer forms (overschrijving). Indicate how much you want to transfer, fill in the name and place of residence of the beneficiary and a payment reference. Send the form to your bank. The money is deducted from your account within a few days and credited to the beneficiary's account.

• Standing orders, direct debits and Euro cheques are commonly used services/facilities. A charge is made for any currency exchanges made.

• Internet Banking from home is the most efficient way of running your account. Ask your bank for details and an application form.

• ChipKnip is a ‘smart card’ facility on your PIN pass or as a separate pass. No password is necessary to access the amount loaded on your card and the purpose is to make it simple to pay those small amounts on parking meters, cinema tickets, train fares etc. You will find a chipKnip cash point located together with the normal bank cash point machines.

Insurance

In The Netherlands, insurance policies are purchased from an insurer, either directly or via an intermediary. As both bank and insurer they can offer tailor-made advice and a range of products and services that ties in with your specific situation. The banks in the Netherlands can take care of your personal insurance matters, like liability insurance, house contents insurance, house insurance, continuous travel insurance, car insurance, car legal aid insurance, passenger accident insurance, insurance for valuables, family legal aid insurance etc.

Shopping

Supermarkets:
The most popular is Albert Heijn, but there are many others like Super de Boer, Konmar, Aldi, Lidl and Hoogvliet. Check your local store for opening hours, but most are open well into the evening during the week. Albert Heijn now also has a dry-cleaning service. Many supermarkets will provide self-service coffee to their customers and most have a selection of fresh flowers on sale. You are also able to buy strippenkaarten for the trams and phone cards for mobile and public telephones.
For Albert Heijn’s online shopping service: www.albert.nl

Expat / International food shops:
You can find international food products and ingredients in the various specialty shops in expatriate neighbourhoods - French traiteurs, Italian trattorias, Indonesian tokos etc.
Please see Appendix for a list or contact Outpost The Hague for more information

Air Miles:
It is worth getting an air mile card to collect points on your purchases. A list of participating shops is provided with the application e.g. points are awarded with Shell petrol and can be exchanged for goods, part payment or donated to your favourite charity.

Bonus Cards:
Many shops run a system where you either receive a discount on certain goods with your bonus card (Albert Heijn, Hoogvliet) or you collect points to award you with a discount once you have spent a certain amount. Only worth doing in the latter case if you are a frequent shopper in that outlet.

IKEA
Ikea offers Shell employees a 5% discount on all purchases at IKEA in Delft. You will need to take a valid Shell ID-card with you. Go to the sales counter in the Work IKEA area of the showroom on the first floor where you will receive a pass you can use to receive the discount. You pay for all your purchases at the check outs. The 5% discount will be deducted automatically and you will receive a cash receipt.

Employees who are sent to work abroad or those who are planning to go back to their home country are entitled to a 10% discount on all purchases and IKEA takes care of the 19% Dutch VAT refund. This offer is limited to employees going/returning to one of 38 specified countries (see the list of countries attached).

For further information about these services or if you would like a copy of the English-language edition IKEA catalogue, please contact delft@memo.IKEA.com

Department Stores:
A full range of household items can be found in Vroom & Dreesman, de Bijenkorf and HEMA. In general shops in The Netherlands except in The Hague are closed on Sunday and Monday morning and open from 09:00 – 18:00 hrs on weekdays, 09:00 – 17:00 hrs on Saturdays.
There is a special shopping night once a week, koopavond, when the shops stay open until 21:00 hrs (Thursday night in The Hague).

Factory Outlets:
Batavia Stad Outlet Shopping Area northeast of Amsterdam – more than 70 stores filled with international clothes labels as well as shoes, crockery, gifts, jewellery, books and CDs.

Mail order:
In the Netherlands there are many possibilities of ordering a variety of products by mail order over the Internet. A few to mention are:

www.amazon.co.uk UK based and a great one for books, CD’s, DVD’s. It provides you with a very efficient service. No import duty to be paid, only the postage. Be aware of Amazon.com which is based in the United States and you will have to pay import duty! In Belgium we have www.proxis.nl. Another recommendable DVD-CD shop online is www.plato.nl. For electronics, “Correct” now offers an online ordering service www.correct.com.
Computers and computer equipment can be ordered from www.informatique.nl. www.euro.dell.com provides a similar service.
Interested in buying clothes try www.wehkamp.nl. A company that already existed before the Internet era. Please contact Outpost The Hague for more information on the various mail order companies.

Markets
The open market is an economical source of fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, fish, cheese, pet food, clothes, plants and flowers, antiques, stamps, books and many other goods. Independent merchants who travel to different locations on a regular basis stock these colourful market stalls. Most communities have at least one market day per week. Check with your neighbours or the gemeentehuis. In the larger cities they will be more or less permanent fixtures. As an example of what you can expect, we have listed a variety of markets in, The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Wassenaar areas.

List of Markets In The Hague Area

Post office (stamps, Shell expatriate mail)

Opening times of the Post Office might vary but are mainly open from Monday through Friday between 09.00 -17.00 hrs and Saturday morning.

Please be aware that for important transactions and/or collecting mail packages unable to be delivered, identification is required either by passport or Dutch driver’s license. Also note that you cannot use your bankcard from any commercial bank for payment, so cash is required. However you can use the cash point machine outside the post office to make a cash withdrawal from your bank PIN card.

Services provided by the Post Office TPG can be split into two main areas: TPG and the Postbank.


TPG Post
Has a customer service (klantenservice) and the operators do speak English Tel. 058- 233 3333. The messages will be in Dutch but if you press 9 (voor alle overige vragen) for all your other questions you will get a real voice on the other end of the phone. Dutch brochures are available at the Post offices advertising the available services. The red coloured mailboxes are available at all Post offices and in many other areas of towns and villages. They are emptied once a day. A sign indicates the collection (buslichting) time. Mainly at 18.00 hours every day except Saturday. These Mailboxes have two slits: One for the local mail (as indicated by postcode), one for all other destinations (Overige bestemmingen).

*Note: when sending letters outside Europe you have two choices: Priority or Standard. Priority replaces the old airmail system and offers the fastest service. You will get a Priority sticker when you buy the stamps.
Within Europe, all letters go Priority except printed matter and parcels, which can be sent Standard

Postbank
Is a bank operated by the TPG at all Post Offices. It might be in a Post Office but it functions as a bank with savings accounts, electronic fund transfers, debit and credit cards, loans, ATM’s etc. Bank from home with their Girotel software.

For more information on Postal matters visit the TPG website: www.tpgpost.nl.

Utilities

TV, Radio, Internet
For television and radio, a licence is no longer required. The fees are automatically deducted from your taxes. Some 35 Cable channels offer a wide range of programs. Dutch TV leaves shows and movies in their original languages and translates the captions. For information on television programming, go to www.eurotv.com

Cable television (kabel televisie) is available in most areas. Payment used to be included in your energy bills but nowadays most people receive a separate bill from the cable company. Your Real Estate agent should be able to arrange for hook-up. Cable companies also offer Internet via the cable.

Casema is a cable operator that is active in cities like The Hague, Utrecht and Breda. Casema’s list of services available includes: Internet via the cable, pay- per-view, alarm systems, home shopping, digital shopping, digital television, data communication and video-on-demand. For more information, please go to www.casema.nl or you can call on 0900-8896 (General Information and New clients) for the customer services desk. To subscribe, you can fill in the online customer registration form or “machtigingskaart”.

Satellite Television: If you rent a house, you need to have permission from the landlord to install a satellite dish. You also need to check with your localtown hall for restrictions on the placement of the satellite dish. Holland is fortunate to have an excellent telecommunications infrastructure and boasts one of the largest per capita rates of PC usage.

Internet Providers:
Casema www.casema.nl
Chello www.chello.nl
Compuserve www.compuserve.nl
Demon www.demon.nl
Introseb www.introweb.nl
Planet www.planet.nl
Scarlet www.scarlet.nl
Wanadoo www.wanadoo.nl
Tele2 www.tele2.nl
Tiscali www.tiscali.nl

Computer
To find out if your system is compatible with local voltage and plug types, see www.kropla.com. KPN Telecom also offers ADSL. This high-speed Internet connection ensures a faster and more secure access. This service can also be ordered through other companies. For information call 0900-0244
The Netherlands has over 100 Internet services providers: Planet Internet, Xs4all, Casema, Zon, Euronet Internet, Tiscali and Wanadoo. See thelist.internet.com or a complete listing. Dixon and Media Markt are good places for supplies and accessories.

Electricity, Gas, Water
Your Real Estate agent can arrange connection or you can contact your local town hall for details of the local energy (Eneco) supplier. Heating may be billed separately, depending on whether you have a communal supply (e.g. a central boiler for a whole apartment building). Check with your Real Estate agent.
Many houses are equipped with two electricity meters – one for peak and one for off-peak (cheap rate). Off peak times are Monday to Friday 11 pm to 7 am and all weekend.

Telephone
To get your home telephone connected, you can visit the nearest KPN Primafoon shop for details or call 0900-0244 (and select option 1). For information on installing discount numbers, caller id or telephone bill enquiries, you can call their self-service line 0800-0429 or check out their website: www.kpn-telecom.com (in Dutch). To purchase a phone, you will need proof of identification and residence permit or employment statement from your employer. If you are not from the EU, you will be asked for a deposit of significant amount in order to obtain a telephone number. This deposit is fully refundable and will be transferred into your bank account after six months. Some Primafoon models also include a telephone answering machine, but instructions will be in Dutch.

Note: The contract KPN sends in the mail must be signed and returned with a passport photocopy. If this is not done, KPN will disconnect its services after a few weeks.
Basic phone services come in two categories: analogue (less expensive but slow if you wish to use the Internet) or ISDN (faster but more expensive; needs extra equipment and professional installation).
Telephone etiquette in The Netherlands might be different to what you are used to do at home. When answering the phone at home, always state your full name, and never “hello!” which is considered rude in Holland.

Billing: In Holland you are not only charged for actual calling time (rates per minute), but you also have to pay a monthly fee and VAT. There are also different kinds of rates and services. You can ask for a detailed invoice, but you will be charged extra. Online billing is also possible. Check www.kpn.com for details.

Check www.bellen.com for reduced rates available by signing up with companies such as 3Utelecom, Budget Phone, One.tel, Pretium and Tele2.

Mobile phones come in two categories: a subscription with a calling company or pre-pay calling with pre-pay credit. Shop around to take advantage of discounts and free promotions. Subscription is better if you are a frequent user. However non-EU residents might be asked for a hefty deposit (which can be as high as €680) or even be refused. Pre-pay mobiles are more convenient but offer less roaming coverage. Please note that hand-free sets are mandatory while driving in The Netherlands.

For a mobile phone subscription, you will need to have a residence permit. If you don’t have a residence permit yet, you can get a letter from Shell saying that you are living in The Netherlands. Alternatively, pre-paid phones are available from most mobile phone shops.

Online telephone directories:
www.telefoongids.nl
www.goudengids.nl
www.nationaletelefoongids.nl

Fax directory:
www.faxgids.nl

Public Transport

The Netherlands has an extensive motorway network with well-posted signs and boasts an excellent public transport system. There are also special bicycle paths (fietspad) almost everywhere. National route description for public transport is available on www.9292ov.nl (Choose reisadvies and fill in your destination address). Enquiries on public transport can obtained from the national number 0900 9292. The initial message is in Dutch, but hold the line for an operator. In The Hague, you can also phone the HTM consumer service on +31 (0) 70 3848666.

Trains
The yellow national timetable (spoorboekje) is updated regularly and is available from railway stations, the VVV (tourist information office) and newsagents. You can also find the timetable on the Internet at www.ns.nl (choose “English” followed by “Journey and Price” for the domestic journey planner) or call General train information: 0900 9292. Another possibility is to look at teletext p.751 to 754 (on TV channels Nederland 1,2,3). Children aged 12 and over pay full fare, although those 4-11 accompanied by an adult pay a flat rate (railrunner ticket), and those under 4 are free. One adult can take three children on a railrunner fee. If you travel regularly, the voordeeluren ticket saves you 40% off the full fare if you travel after 09:00 hrs. Call 0900-1462 for information. The telephone number for information about international buses and trains is 0900 9296. You can also check www.randstadrail.nl for further information.

International trains/Euro Star – 0900 9296

Multi Rail International – 0900 9296

Tram, Bus and Metro:
The Netherlands is divided into public transport zones, maps of which are available at the VVV and transport information kiosks at railway stations. The tickets (strippenkaarten) are valid nationwide and may be bought at post offices, railway stations, some newsagents, hotel reception desks, department stores and supermarkets. They consist of a card divided into strips. Strippenkaarten have 15 or 45 strips, they are blue for adults, pink for children and senior citizens who are entitled to reduced fares. A certain number of these strips should be stamped, thus cancelled, on each journey, even if it requires a combination of transport methods, e.g. bus and tram, to complete the journey. The basic fare for every journey is two strips. Add one strip for every zone you cross. If using buses, state your destination to the driver and offer your ticket for stamping. On trams, you must obtain a stamp from the yellow machine by folding the strippenkaarten appropriately. Tickets may also be bought from tram and bus drivers, but are more expensive. The stamped tickets are valid for a specified duration, even if you change lines (see the back of the ticket). If in doubt ask the driver.

If you use buses or trams regularly (three days a week or more), it could be cheaper to buy a monthly pass. There are also multi-day travel passes valid for between 2 and 10 days that allow for unlimited travel. The group return, a cheap alternative to the strippenkaarten, is a day return fare on all public transport facilities for a maximum of 5 people, valid all day from 9.00am.

Be Aware! Always stamp your strippenkaart from number 1 onwards – stamping the last ‘strip’ on the card will invalidate the whole strip!
Over 30 buses and tramlines will quickly and safely take you to your destinations within The Hague, Scheveningen and Kijkduin, as well as to the adjoining municipalities of Voorburg, Rijswijk, Wassenaar, Wateringen, Leidschendam and Delft.

The HTM (The Hague Tram Company) operates a Friday and Saturday night service in The Hague. Tickets to this service, which depart from the Buitenhof and travels four different routes, are available from the bus driver only.

For information on the Internet, go to:
www.ovr.nl (in Dutch)
www.connexion.nl

Taxi: (see also on arrival - at the airport)
You will also find special taxi ranks at the train stations and throughout the major cities. In The Hague, you may call:

Fees are calculated on a basic rate plus a fixed rate for each km travelled. No special night rates apply in The Hague.

Shuttle bus service to Rotterdam airport: Depart The Hague Central Station, stopover Delft. Tickets can be bought from the bus driver or the Information Desk in Rotterdam.

Ferries

For information on ferry services from the Netherlands, you can go to:

Repatriation Resources

Useful Books for Repats

Terug naar Nederland, KIT (Koninklijk Instituut van de Tropen), ISBN 90-6832-556-6
Een praktisch en realistisch handboek voor de Nederlandse Expatriates die terugkeren naar Nederland. Het behandelt op een helder manier hoe de gewenning verloopt en geeft zeer bruikbare tips om het proces van terugkeer te vergemakkelijken. In dit boek passeren de problemen die zich bij terugkeer kunnen voordoen de revue: aanpassingsperikelen op het werk, het opnieuw moeten wennen aan de Nederlandse bedrijfscultuur, problemen op school voor kinderen, partners die (weer) moeten wennen aan een nieuwe positie in het gezin en de samenleving. 

Homeward Bound, a spouse's guide to repatriation, Robin Pascoe, ISBN 0968676006
An excellent book about the challenges of re-entry Homeward Bound: A Spouse's Guide to Repatriation captures the emotional upheaval experienced by many returning spouses. It is the first book of its kind to deal exclusively with the re-entry challenges of the traveling spouse.
Drawing on her personal experience, Pascoe takes the reader step-by-step through the repatriation process, reassuring others like herself that they are not alone in the emotional journey home. She addresses and offers advice to such re-entry challenges as professional reinvention, coping with re-entry shock, settling in the children, and suppressing a natural anger and rage against the working partner. Health issues are also discussed, notably fatigue and depression.
Throughout Homeward Bound, Pascoe uses her natural warmth and humour to tell her own story of coming home in the hope of reducing the natural stresses of the experience for others. Insightful and practical, expatriate spouses contemplating leaving the overseas life, or those just trying to cope with being home, will feel ready to move on with their new lives after reading this book.
Robin Pascoe has a very catching phrase to describe: What is re-entry shock? "It's like wearing contact lenses, only in the wrong eyes! Everything looks almost right". Keep this phrase in the back of your mind when starting to settle back into the Dutch society.