Hello there.. I'm Tom. Like many others on this forum I would like to meet some new friends. I have a wide range of interests inluding computers, photography, dining out, going for coffee, and good conversation. In some ways, I am a bit different than others on this forum though. I am going to learn to speak Dutch and make Dutch friends. My family went to the US from Holland back in the early 1900's. I plan to stay here and I would like to be integrated.
I work for a global internet company so computers are part of my life. On the other hand, getting out and going to the center for coffee and shopping is also something I really enjoy. Anyone else in Rotterdam?
Full Version: American in Rotterdam
Community Forums - Expatica > Netherlands > Nationalities in the Netherlands > Americans in the Netherlands
QUOTE (TomNL @ Mar 18 2009, 10:03 PM) 
In some ways, I am a bit different than others on this forum though. I am going to learn to speak Dutch and make Dutch friends. My family went to the US from Holland back in the early 1900's. I plan to stay here and I would like to be integrated.
You're not as different as you think Tom...I think most of us have at least planned to do the same!
QUOTE (Canucky Woman @ Mar 19 2009, 11:29 AM)
You're not as different as you think Tom...I think most of us have at least planned to do the same!
...or have been accused by some to be desperate to be DUTCH! rofl
QUOTE (TomNL @ Mar 18 2009, 10:03 PM)
Hello there.. I'm Tom. Like many others on this forum I would like to meet some new friends. I have a wide range of interests inluding computers, photography, dining out, going for coffee, and good conversation. In some ways, I am a bit different than others on this forum though. I am going to learn to speak Dutch and make Dutch friends. My family went to the US from Holland back in the early 1900's. I plan to stay here and I would like to be integrated.
I work for a global internet company so computers are part of my life. On the other hand, getting out and going to the center for coffee and shopping is also something I really enjoy. Anyone else in Rotterdam?
I work for a global internet company so computers are part of my life. On the other hand, getting out and going to the center for coffee and shopping is also something I really enjoy. Anyone else in Rotterdam?
Hey Tom,
I am in Rotterdam and luckily I managed to link up with Use-it (I hate not being able to work yet, so I am volunteering). Check out Use-It.nl (though don't judge it by the current website, the new one should be up in a couple weeks). They have great information on stuff going on in the city, all of the cool local hang outs, insider spots, etc. They describe themselves as Inside City information for backpackers, but also have a large section for international students and people living here.
I have also found that lots of people really recommend hooking up with the Rotterdam Couch surfing group. It is about 50% international and 50% Dutch. They meet every week at Cafe Boudewijn and sound like a cool group. They even have conversation get together and meet ups to practice their Dutch.
QUOTE (LostatSea @ May 12 2009, 11:03 AM)
Hey Tom,
I am in Rotterdam and luckily I managed to link up with Use-it (I hate not being able to work yet, so I am volunteering). Check out Use-It.nl (though don't judge it by the current website, the new one should be up in a couple weeks). They have great information on stuff going on in the city, all of the cool local hang outs, insider spots, etc. They describe themselves as Inside City information for backpackers, but also have a large section for international students and people living here.
I have also found that lots of people really recommend hooking up with the Rotterdam Couch surfing group. It is about 50% international and 50% Dutch. They meet every week at Cafe Boudewijn and sound like a cool group. They even have conversation get together and meet ups to practice their Dutch.
I am in Rotterdam and luckily I managed to link up with Use-it (I hate not being able to work yet, so I am volunteering). Check out Use-It.nl (though don't judge it by the current website, the new one should be up in a couple weeks). They have great information on stuff going on in the city, all of the cool local hang outs, insider spots, etc. They describe themselves as Inside City information for backpackers, but also have a large section for international students and people living here.
I have also found that lots of people really recommend hooking up with the Rotterdam Couch surfing group. It is about 50% international and 50% Dutch. They meet every week at Cafe Boudewijn and sound like a cool group. They even have conversation get together and meet ups to practice their Dutch.
Be proactive and take Dutch courses at the Volksuniversiteit Rotterdam to avoid wearing out your non-Dutch speaking grace period (~2 years)
QUOTE (GuySmall @ May 12 2009, 05:00 PM)
Be proactive and take Dutch courses at the Volksuniversiteit Rotterdam to avoid wearing out your non-Dutch speaking grace period (~2 years)
Yep, that's as long as the inlaws put up with me!!
QUOTE (TomNL @ Mar 18 2009, 10:03 PM)
Hello there.. I'm Tom. Like many others on this forum I would like to meet some new friends. I have a wide range of interests inluding computers, photography, dining out, going for coffee, and good conversation. In some ways, I am a bit different than others on this forum though. I am going to learn to speak Dutch and make Dutch friends. My family went to the US from Holland back in the early 1900's. I plan to stay here and I would like to be integrated.
I work for a global internet company so computers are part of my life. On the other hand, getting out and going to the center for coffee and shopping is also something I really enjoy. Anyone else in Rotterdam?
I work for a global internet company so computers are part of my life. On the other hand, getting out and going to the center for coffee and shopping is also something I really enjoy. Anyone else in Rotterdam?
Hi
I have just moved to Rotterdam. So far I have found it all very confusing and hard to meet people.
Im 24 and from the UK, wanting to meet some young people that are up for a laugh and will show me whats what.
How has it gone for you?
Thanks
Phil
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