-
Dutch Civic Integration: Tips for Passing Lezen (Reading) B1 Exam
In April 2025, I took the Lezen B1 (Reading B1) exam as part of my Dutch inburgering and I’m happy to share that I passed with a score of 557 out of 700! If you’re preparing for this exam too, I hope my experience and tips can help you get ready with more confidence and…
-
Dutch Civic Integration: Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (MAP)
If you’re going through the Dutch civic integration process (inburgering) , you’ve probably heard about Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (MAP). Like PVT, it’s one of the required components under the Wet Inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021). In this post, I’ll explain what MAP training is and share my own experience attending it. What is MAP…
-
Dutch Civic Integration: Participatieverklaringstraject (PVT)
Moving the the Netherlands involves more than just learning the language. To truly feel at home, it’s important to understand the values and expectations of Dutch society. That’s where the PVT comes in. If you are going through the Dutch civic integration process (inburgering), you have probably heard of PVT. But what is it exactly…
-
Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 2 (Reading in Dutch: Part 2)
Check out Lezen in het Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 1 (Reading in Dutch: Part 1) Daar waar de rivierkreeften zingen by Delia Owens Daar waar de rivierkreeften zingen (Where the Crawdads Sing) by Delia Owens tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl who grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina after…
-
Moving to The Netherlands: A Simple Guide to Settling In
Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting journey, but settling in smoothly requires a few important steps. This blog post serves as a concise and informative guide for newcomers, providing practical insights to help you transition seamlessly into Dutch society. From civic integration to everyday essentials, here’s what you need to know: Dutch Civic Integration…
-
Moving to the Netherlands: Visa Requirements & Essential Checklist
Relocating to the Netherlands is an exciting opportunity, but before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and prepare accordingly. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly and ensure you have everything in place before and after your move. Visa Type & Requirements Before embarking on your journey to…
-
Culinary Adventures: Homecooked Meals – Self-Review #2
Following my first self-review of homecooked meals here in the Netherlands, I continued my journey of culinary adventures with three new dishes, each inspired by different cultures and traditions. Cooking remains an exciting adventures for me. It’s an opportunity to experiment with flavours, refine techniques, and of course, enjoy some delicious homecooked food. This time,…
-
Building Meaningful Connections and Finding Friendships in a New Country
One of my biggest challenges when moving to the Netherlands was building a solid network. People-networking, that is. Moving to the Netherlands left me feeling isolated – until I learned that true connection is about quality, not quantity. And I also learned that friendship doesn’t necessarily mean networking and networking doesn’t always mean friendship. This…
-
Useful Links for Learning Dutch
As someone learning Dutch myself, I’ve discovered a range of tools that cater to different learning styles and goals. In this post, I’ll share some of the most helpful links to get you started (or keep you going) on your Dutch learning adventure. Whether you’re preparing for integration exams or just looking to enhance your…
-
Top Resources to Learn Dutch Effectively for Beginners
Learning a new language is like opening the door to a whole new world. And Dutch is no exception! Whether you’re planning to move to the Netherlands, explore its landscapes or simply love a good linguistic challenge, this guide will help you kickstart your Dutch-learning journey. No matter your learning style, there’s a tool out…
-
Should You Pursue a New Degree or Focus on Job Hunting (When Starting Fresh Abroad)?
It can be tough when you’re faced with a big decision like whether to go back to school for a new degree or dive into the job market, especially in a new country where you’re still adjusting. The language barrier and the unfamiliar job market can make the choice feel even more complicated. To help…
-
[in het Nederlands] Liefde en Leven in Noord-Holland
Lezer,Dit is mijn eerste schrijven in Nederlands taal. Ik vind Nederlands moeilijk en niet mooi. Volgens mij is het een koude taal – onvriendelijk en zonder ziel. Maar dat waarschijnkelijk want ik heb nog niet genoeg vocabulaire om te gebruiken. Ik woon nu in Noord Holland. Ik verhuisde hier in september 2023. Waarom? Ja, ik…
-
Lunch, but make it in 15 minutes
I grew up having hot lunches every day, 365 days a year. Preparing hot lunch often took some time (in an Asian household). But since moving to the Netherlands, hot lunches have become a rarity and somehow I have come to appreciate the Dutch lunch culture for its convenience and practicality. Apart from the lumpia/popiah/spring…
-
Culinary Adventures: Homecooked Meals – Self-Review #1
Between classes, huiswerk, travels, countless visits, rugpijn and anxiety, I managed to spent some time to continue exploring my culinary skills in the kitchen. I tried making Asian foods as much as I can – not out of homesickness, but to re-create the flavors that are already familiar to me. And the fun part is…
-
How to Deal With Rejection
Rejection. Just the word alone can sting. We’ve all been there. It’s a universal experience that we all encounter at some point. Standing at the crossroads of hope and heartbreak, wondering why something we wanted so badly slipped through our fingers. Whether it’s the job that felt like a perfect fit, a relationship that didn’t…
-
Comfort in a Bowl of Instant Noodles
For me, growing up in an Asian household, instant noodles were more than just a quick meal; they were woven into the fabric of my fondest food memories, symbolizing comfort, warmth, and familial love. In our home, instant noodles were cherished like culinary treasures. Whether it was a rainy day or a late-night craving, a…
-
Soul-Soothing Moroccan Salad
Let’s embrace the soothing rhythm of chopping and let the art of salad making transport us to a place of peace and serenity. crossroadschronicles Amidst the chaotic charm in the bustling streets of Marrakesh, I stumbled upon a true gem – the Moroccan Salad. It was humble, yet it held an undeniable charm that captured…
-
A Reflection on Acceptance
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. It’s a journey that tests your strength, your faith, and your ability to keep moving forward. If I said I didn’t miss my mother, I’d be lying. She passed away just a few months ago, shortly after my visa was approved. All I wanted…
-
A Tale of Lost Chances and New Beginnings
For months, I had been toying with the idea of moving to another country, carefully weighing the pros and cons, mapping out plans in my head, and navigating the emotional complexities of leaving behind everything familiar. Yet, for reasons I couldn’t quite explain, I kept this decision from my mother. It wasn’t that I feared…
-
Abonneren
Geabonneerd
Heb je al een WordPress.com-account? Nu inloggen.
CROSSROADS CHRONICLES 