For expatriates arriving in the Netherlands, the Dutch language could be the biggest hurdle. In general, the Dutch are multilingual and, in the big cities, the majority speak reasonable English, French or German. However, unless expats can speak some degree of Dutch they could find themselves feeling cut off from Dutch society.
A lot of information can be missed if one doesn’t speak the local language. Posters and adverts hanging in shop windows might carry vital information, especially if one is looking for work or entertainment. Free local newspapers also have valuable information on local happenings in and around the neighbourhood. Once able to speak Dutch, most expatriates find that the Dutch can be much friendlier and more helpful and also more forthcoming with compliments and encouragement.
There are different options available to learn Dutch, including once-weekly lessons, private individual lessons and intensive courses offered at the Delft University. The latter is the most efficient and valuable if one intends to work in the Netherlands. It’s designed to teach the individual how to speak Dutch through learning as much vocabulary as possible and assuming that the grammar will automatically follow. The curriculum texts also offer a wealth of invaluable information for expats about Dutch culture and history.