Well, its been an interesting week at the hostel for me. first, adjusting to being back at 'work' after 2 weeks off...i did a lot of cleaning on Tuesday, which was fine with me, just that i get really sweaty! :-( Thursday I did my first shift of doing the reception desk alone. That means dealing with letting people in, checking people in, answering the phone, and managing the 'bar' area. And both days the place was fully booked, so I was really busy on Thursday ...all by myself. The phone always seems to ring when there's 2 separate groups of people I need to check in! But I think it went well overall, considering it could have been much worse!
But some out of the ordinary things this week- Tuesday I had some pictures taken of me doing things like mopping/cleaning the mirrors/making coffee/folding laundry, because a dutch website on the general aspects of being a volunteer needed more pics for their website. they hired a free lance photographer to take these pics, and he happened to be a house-mate of one of the guys working at the hostel (the photographer is also a board member). so that was interesting. I'm sure i just look super with my hair pulled back and my face shiny after sweating so profusely!!
Also, some good finds on Thursday when I cleaned for about an hour. Some people left behind some magazines--so I have 3 English language magazines to read. I also found a bag of weed! I offered to my co-worker, but she said she doesn't smoke, and that I should keep it. Well, considering I don't even know how to roll a cigarette...I'll just hold on to it til we find someone who does smoke it. For now its just sitting here...and it will probably just sit here for awhile. Its a nice centerpiece.
Showing posts with label Utrecht. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Utrecht. Show all posts
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
New to my wallet: a library card
Last week I finally made a move to further 'integrating' in Dutch society...I got a library card.
The Utrecht public library isn't really confined in one library...there's the central library in the city center, but also at least 10 'branch' libraries in the different neighborhoods. I think this is kinda dumb, since its not like Utrecht is really all that spread out and each branch is not more than probably 5 miles or less to the next place. Well, I heard that at the Overvecht library there are several books or textbooks/CDs about learning Dutch. So finally I went, to try and do something about learning Dutch.
You have to pay to join the library in the Netherlands. Here in Utrecht its 16 euros per year, plus a 2.50euro joining fee. In addition to that, all books are 25 cents to borrow for a 3 week period. CDs are more, CD-roms, videos, and other things cost different prices. While I understand that maybe some money is needed to fund the system of buying books and paying employees....I think a joining fee prevents certain people from joining...and perhaps growing up not learning to read well or enjoying to read. I think it sort of pushes out a certain sector of society.
Anyways, the good news is that the Dutch for foreigners books and CD-roms are free to borrow! that's finally a smart move by them...it encourages people to learn the language without worrying about money and having to pay all the time to take out the books. and luckily since its the summer vacation, books can be borrowed for 6 weeks. That's good because I'll be gone for the next two and won't even have time to look at them.
So, hopefully I will make myself look at these books...and hopefully I will learn something from them.
I'm excited to go to Germany, I just hope that some of the language skills i once had come back...I get so mixed up with Dutch and German in my head...but I think recently more dutch is coming to my mind/mouth than German words. that is a good sign.
The Utrecht public library isn't really confined in one library...there's the central library in the city center, but also at least 10 'branch' libraries in the different neighborhoods. I think this is kinda dumb, since its not like Utrecht is really all that spread out and each branch is not more than probably 5 miles or less to the next place. Well, I heard that at the Overvecht library there are several books or textbooks/CDs about learning Dutch. So finally I went, to try and do something about learning Dutch.
You have to pay to join the library in the Netherlands. Here in Utrecht its 16 euros per year, plus a 2.50euro joining fee. In addition to that, all books are 25 cents to borrow for a 3 week period. CDs are more, CD-roms, videos, and other things cost different prices. While I understand that maybe some money is needed to fund the system of buying books and paying employees....I think a joining fee prevents certain people from joining...and perhaps growing up not learning to read well or enjoying to read. I think it sort of pushes out a certain sector of society.
Anyways, the good news is that the Dutch for foreigners books and CD-roms are free to borrow! that's finally a smart move by them...it encourages people to learn the language without worrying about money and having to pay all the time to take out the books. and luckily since its the summer vacation, books can be borrowed for 6 weeks. That's good because I'll be gone for the next two and won't even have time to look at them.
So, hopefully I will make myself look at these books...and hopefully I will learn something from them.
I'm excited to go to Germany, I just hope that some of the language skills i once had come back...I get so mixed up with Dutch and German in my head...but I think recently more dutch is coming to my mind/mouth than German words. that is a good sign.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Revisiting the past
Vivi, Virginia, me
Virginia, Jill, Tara
Richard and his tower of empty beer glasses
On Tuesday I was able to meet up with some friends of mine from 5 years ago...that I met here in Utrecht as a student. Virginia (Argentina) and Jill (US) are here for a week to visit Utrecht again. Tara (US) has also lived here for awhile. Richard and Martin (Dutch) were 'mentors' in the ESN group. And of course, Viviana (Costa Rica), lives here as well. It was very strange to see them again...just like old times! We met up in Mick O'Connells pub, where we did every Tuesday back in 2002 for International Student night. It was nice to catch up...and to have friends (of my own) around! After several beers, I finally left at 1245am. Which means it was a fun night! :-)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Step 1 of official integration: check
Yesterday was one of the days I've been waiting for for over two months...well, at least it was a move in the direction of something I've been waiting for. And no, I'm not talking wedding related or vacation related things (other things I'm waiting for!). Yesterday I had a meeting with someone at the Inburgering (integration) department at the Gemeente (city gov't). I had no idea what was really going to go on at this meeting....I was expecting something fabulous and entertaining, since I went there to make the appointment over two months ago...they could have at least entertained me or something.
But, to my surprise, the man was actually quite nice; 'normal' in my opinion. He seemed interested in helping me as a person instead of me just as another immigrant client they are pushing thru to integrate that they are indifferent to.
So, what exactly is "integration" you may ask? Well that is a good question. I am not sure what the city defines it as exactly...and at what point or level am I "integrated"? I may have a different definition of it than they do...or as the next Dutchie (that is more likely the case!). Is integration purely/mostly language based? That seems to be my impression from the people who always say/tell me that I must "inburger"...for the fact that I inconvenience them by speaking English. I've lived over 2 years of my life in Holland, I know how things work here. I may not know their history 100% or how their housing system or health system works completely...but for every day life and the general mannerisms of Dutchies, I know how that goes.
What the city of Utrecht is doing, is offering Dutch language classes and some 'culture/society' information in the classes as well (such as, how much does a bus ticket cost? or...where gov't departments can I receive money from? --my friend who went thru this program said this is actually what they teach!). There are four levels of classes and proficiency in the Dutch language, and they teach you and then are later tested on listening, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar structure or something. The city pays for me to inburger for one year. And, if necessary, it may be possible to extend that for another 1/2 year. After the four levels are complete, I can take a 'statsexam'...or a test that will certify me that I am 'fluent' in the Dutch language, and is thus recognized throughout the country for schools or jobs for example. The classes are either 4 times a week in either the morning or afternoon or 2 or 3 times in the evening for those who have to work/go to school during the daytime. Since I am planning on being employed soon after getting my work permit, I will opt for the evening classes. And, not to be prejudiced or anything, but that probably betters my chance to be with a bit more educated group of people, since they have jobs.
However, there is a slight catch...well, not catch, but snag. I have to wait until the Immigration Department accepts me and I receive my permanent residence permit, before I can take these classes. It makes sense...the city doesn't want to spend a lot of money on someone who is not permanently legal. So I hope within the next 2 or so months (I'm being positive), I will get the letter from the IND (Immigration), and as soon as I get a letter, I can call the Inburgering office and we will set up an appointment that week where the contracts will be signed (yes, contracts! They state that they will do their best to get me into a class that suits my needs and wants and will pay for it, and I will attend these classes regularly), and a placement test will be taken to find out what level I need to start out at. The reason for the contracts is again -- money. They are investing a lot of money in me and these classes. If I don't go or get any better at Dutch, then their money is not going to good use. And then I owe THEM the money for the classes, which could be over 1000 euros. I hope that I really can get the test and contract done within a week of getting my IND letter, because the sooner all this is put into motion, the better. The next classes start in September. And it will also help me with jobs, and of course, my overall feeling of acceptance and inclusion in society (I hope...but maybe that is a bit too unrealistic so soon?).
This program of integration is obligatory by all new immigrants to the Netherlands for family/partner reunification, regardless of their country of origin. The laws just changed this past January, so we were unsure if it was obligatory for immigrants from western countries, and if it would even be fully paid for as a westerner. Luckily they are smart and realize the positive effects of helping westerners to 'integrate' as well. We may be from western countries, but if am not allowed to work at this time, how will I have money to pay for language classes that will help me to integrate and find a job and be an asset to society and the economy? Who says just because I'm from the USA, that I have money to afford such classes? But the current program they have sounds alright to me...in the fact that they pay for the classes! Offering language classes is definitely better than nothing at all.
Not all cities in the Netherlands have the same types of service and support. Utrecht has an even better program than Amsterdam for example. Amsterdam pays for one year and then they're over with you. Utrecht gives you the opportunity for a possible extension. They also have a new program, a type of internship program, which I think is a really good idea. I can suggest/request a type of job or sector that I am looking for a job in. They will try their best to find a business or office that will take me in as a (unpaid) intern. This way, I can practice my Dutch in the work environment, and learn the words/terms in that field. Also it can help get me contacts in the field I'm looking for a job in. I think I may try this, once I get better in speaking.
So this whole program, while aiming to integrate thousands of immigrants into the Dutch culture, from what they say, sounds like a more individual type format/approach. I have a contact person with the city, if the classes are too fast or too slow, they will help re-place me. They won't just place me in a group with people who are not at my same level, as that won't be any benefit to me at all. This is my current situation with this neighborhood organization that offers a class once a week on Wednesdays. I've gone I think 4 times, and it is not good at all- rather disorganized and loose, and way below my level. Plus the other ladies (like 4) in the class are much older than me, but I think not quite at my educational level...they don't seem like completely bright people...its taking them 4 classes of 2 hours to even understand how to conjugate a single present tense verb of "to be" and "to have". Its like pulling teeth-- painful!
I also learned that I can get a Dutch passport in 3 years instead of the normal 5, because my partner has Dutch nationality and I am here for partner reunification. Normal migrants here for work or school or those that came on their own, have to wait 5 years. But according the the US government I would have to give up my US passport. At this point I'm not even considering Dutch nationality. And honestly, I don't know if I'd ever want to get it. Definitely not at this point! 3 years seems a short amount of time to 'become Dutch'...I don't think after 30 years I would even be considered Dutch, even if I was fluent and everything.
The next big thing I'm waiting for now, is the actual letter from the IND...hopefully by July (they have til the end of August) I'll hear something from them. I'll have to have a party for that one.
But, to my surprise, the man was actually quite nice; 'normal' in my opinion. He seemed interested in helping me as a person instead of me just as another immigrant client they are pushing thru to integrate that they are indifferent to.
So, what exactly is "integration" you may ask? Well that is a good question. I am not sure what the city defines it as exactly...and at what point or level am I "integrated"? I may have a different definition of it than they do...or as the next Dutchie (that is more likely the case!). Is integration purely/mostly language based? That seems to be my impression from the people who always say/tell me that I must "inburger"...for the fact that I inconvenience them by speaking English. I've lived over 2 years of my life in Holland, I know how things work here. I may not know their history 100% or how their housing system or health system works completely...but for every day life and the general mannerisms of Dutchies, I know how that goes.
What the city of Utrecht is doing, is offering Dutch language classes and some 'culture/society' information in the classes as well (such as, how much does a bus ticket cost? or...where gov't departments can I receive money from? --my friend who went thru this program said this is actually what they teach!). There are four levels of classes and proficiency in the Dutch language, and they teach you and then are later tested on listening, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar structure or something. The city pays for me to inburger for one year. And, if necessary, it may be possible to extend that for another 1/2 year. After the four levels are complete, I can take a 'statsexam'...or a test that will certify me that I am 'fluent' in the Dutch language, and is thus recognized throughout the country for schools or jobs for example. The classes are either 4 times a week in either the morning or afternoon or 2 or 3 times in the evening for those who have to work/go to school during the daytime. Since I am planning on being employed soon after getting my work permit, I will opt for the evening classes. And, not to be prejudiced or anything, but that probably betters my chance to be with a bit more educated group of people, since they have jobs.
However, there is a slight catch...well, not catch, but snag. I have to wait until the Immigration Department accepts me and I receive my permanent residence permit, before I can take these classes. It makes sense...the city doesn't want to spend a lot of money on someone who is not permanently legal. So I hope within the next 2 or so months (I'm being positive), I will get the letter from the IND (Immigration), and as soon as I get a letter, I can call the Inburgering office and we will set up an appointment that week where the contracts will be signed (yes, contracts! They state that they will do their best to get me into a class that suits my needs and wants and will pay for it, and I will attend these classes regularly), and a placement test will be taken to find out what level I need to start out at. The reason for the contracts is again -- money. They are investing a lot of money in me and these classes. If I don't go or get any better at Dutch, then their money is not going to good use. And then I owe THEM the money for the classes, which could be over 1000 euros. I hope that I really can get the test and contract done within a week of getting my IND letter, because the sooner all this is put into motion, the better. The next classes start in September. And it will also help me with jobs, and of course, my overall feeling of acceptance and inclusion in society (I hope...but maybe that is a bit too unrealistic so soon?).
This program of integration is obligatory by all new immigrants to the Netherlands for family/partner reunification, regardless of their country of origin. The laws just changed this past January, so we were unsure if it was obligatory for immigrants from western countries, and if it would even be fully paid for as a westerner. Luckily they are smart and realize the positive effects of helping westerners to 'integrate' as well. We may be from western countries, but if am not allowed to work at this time, how will I have money to pay for language classes that will help me to integrate and find a job and be an asset to society and the economy? Who says just because I'm from the USA, that I have money to afford such classes? But the current program they have sounds alright to me...in the fact that they pay for the classes! Offering language classes is definitely better than nothing at all.
Not all cities in the Netherlands have the same types of service and support. Utrecht has an even better program than Amsterdam for example. Amsterdam pays for one year and then they're over with you. Utrecht gives you the opportunity for a possible extension. They also have a new program, a type of internship program, which I think is a really good idea. I can suggest/request a type of job or sector that I am looking for a job in. They will try their best to find a business or office that will take me in as a (unpaid) intern. This way, I can practice my Dutch in the work environment, and learn the words/terms in that field. Also it can help get me contacts in the field I'm looking for a job in. I think I may try this, once I get better in speaking.
So this whole program, while aiming to integrate thousands of immigrants into the Dutch culture, from what they say, sounds like a more individual type format/approach. I have a contact person with the city, if the classes are too fast or too slow, they will help re-place me. They won't just place me in a group with people who are not at my same level, as that won't be any benefit to me at all. This is my current situation with this neighborhood organization that offers a class once a week on Wednesdays. I've gone I think 4 times, and it is not good at all- rather disorganized and loose, and way below my level. Plus the other ladies (like 4) in the class are much older than me, but I think not quite at my educational level...they don't seem like completely bright people...its taking them 4 classes of 2 hours to even understand how to conjugate a single present tense verb of "to be" and "to have". Its like pulling teeth-- painful!
I also learned that I can get a Dutch passport in 3 years instead of the normal 5, because my partner has Dutch nationality and I am here for partner reunification. Normal migrants here for work or school or those that came on their own, have to wait 5 years. But according the the US government I would have to give up my US passport. At this point I'm not even considering Dutch nationality. And honestly, I don't know if I'd ever want to get it. Definitely not at this point! 3 years seems a short amount of time to 'become Dutch'...I don't think after 30 years I would even be considered Dutch, even if I was fluent and everything.
The next big thing I'm waiting for now, is the actual letter from the IND...hopefully by July (they have til the end of August) I'll hear something from them. I'll have to have a party for that one.
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