What It’s Like to Be a Dutch Expat

Nearly to 1.2 million Dutch citizens have taken up the challenge and relocated outside their home country. The average Dutch expat is between 25 and 60 years old, looking, above all else, to follow their partners to their home countries. From switching out your stroopwafel for a fluffy stack of American pancakes to getting to know a new city, there are a lot of big changes that come with life as a Dutch expat. But what does moving abroad really feel like?

One thing is certain, and that is that there really is no one way to feel. A change as big as this brings nervousness and excitement, often in equal measure. You may find yourself looking forward to making new friends, while also wondering whether these friends will join you in orange on Koningsdag. As you embrace your new life and surroundings, spending time with people who remind you of home can be a great way to stay positive.

How to Meet Other Dutch Expats

Meeting other people who are making the same adjustments to their lives and routines as you are can be helpful as you begin your adventure in a new country. That’s why getting to know fellow Dutch expats is so important when you move abroad. Established in 2007, InterNations is the largest expat network with over 4 million members. It’s a trusted community offering a range of experiences that bring global minds together, and Dutch people are one of the largest nationalities!

Attending InterNations events is a great way to connect with other Dutch people abroad. Whatever interests or hobbies you may have brought with you from home, there will almost certainly be an opportunity for you to develop them further as part of the InterNations community — and make new friends as you do so! We have a huge range of online and in person events on offer, perfect for learning more about the culture and history of your new city, or for getting tips on expat life there.

A Few Facts about Dutch Expats

InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, looking at questions like why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.

Here’s what Dutch expats shared about their experiences:

• The most common reason for Dutch people to move abroad was for love, following their partners to their home country.

• 71% of Dutch people feel at home in the local culture of their destination, compared to the global average of 61%.

• 66% of Dutch people are happy with their social lives in their destination, compared to the global average of 59%.

• 39% of Dutch people say that they would stay in their destination country possibly forever, compared to the global average of 33%.