Sun, 22 November 2009
A guide to doing gaffe-free business here.
Includes geography, people, government, economy and transnational issues.
Find an affordable roof over her head.
Heroic Gauls celebrate their half century.
Kimberley uncovers the sacred rituals of Frite Almighty.
Tips for managing a successful relocation back home.
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2119.3 | 0.50 |
| DAX | 5252.45 | 1.50 |
| IBEX 30 | 10726.8 | 0.59 |
| CAC 40 | 3377.59 | 1.40 |
| FTSE 100 | 4564.5 | 0.79 |
| AEX | 276.85 | 0.95 |
| DJIA | 9096.72 | -0.13 |
| Nasdaq | 1975.51 | 0.39 |
| FTSE MIB | 20341.67 | 1.65 |
| TSX Composite | 10570.54 | -1.74 |
| ASX | 4148.9 | -0.60 |
| Hang seng | 20135.5 | -2.37 |
| Straits Times | 0.00 | |
| ISEQ 20 | 442.48 | 0.27 |
In the exhaust-fumes wake of our cars and roads week, Vinay Deshpande describes the rigmarole required to pass the theory exam in an alien language - English.Dear Editor
Some of us, expats are not allowed to drive in Belgium with driving licenses from our native countries and we need to obtain a Belgian license if we wish to drive here. Although this is sad, things get worse.
We need to pass a theory exam and a practical exam. The theory exam is on a
computer - a set of 50 or so questions with multiple choice answers, from which you choose the answer you think is right. If you get 41 or more correct, you pass. If not, you fail. Easy ? No, not really.
The computer puts up questions in Dutch or French. Of course ! Welcome to Belgium ! 'For Brutus is an honourable man'
Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2)
If you wish to take the test in any other language, for example, in this apparently "alien" language called English, you need to register for a special test with a translator. The special test is held regularly - a bit more frequently than the appearance of the Halley's comet. Well actually, you need to sign up well in advance - say a month or more - for a test with the translator. And of course you pay for the services of the translator.
The tests in Dutch/French cost you Euro 15, but one with a translator costs you Euro 65 - yes, Euro 50 goes for the translation !
How is the test ? Well, the computer throws up the questions in Dutch/French on your screen. As this happens, the translator reads out the questions, in English, once only per question - to a hall filled with license seekers. You hear the translated question, relate it to the picture on your screen and make your choice of answers. The question and the possible answers are *NOT* repeated. If you missed it, too bad - because the translator and your screen will proceed to the next question.
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.
Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.
Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.
The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Flickr
General rating: Not rated yet
Rate article:
Add my rating