Sun, 22 November 2009
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Decoding Dutch behaviour and appreciating the underlying values can be a fun and revealing experience - you might even find the notoriously bad service is not so shocking after all.Home to old windmills, traditional merchants’ houses, an open, tolerant and informal but also efficient society where most people speak English — why should you experience culture shock in the Netherlands?
Culture is a set of shared values and beliefs which encourage certain behaviours and make them socially accepted. 
All cultures, countries and organisations welcome, tolerate or sanction different behaviour according to their underlying values and beliefs.
Strangers may sooner or later — and often quite unexpectedly — discover that behaviour which works fine in their home country may not be appreciated in the Netherlands.
The term 'culture shock' is used to describe the reaction to such an experience. For some people this is a shock, others become confused, irritated or suffer from daily stress or anxiety.
Charms beneath the challenges
Culture shock is not a mental health problem. Living in a foreign country is a challenge which can, however, become a positive experience of learning and personal development.
It can be an opportunity to increase your social and intercultural skills as well as your competence in responding to new challenges.
However, it may require some effort to discover the charms hiding behind the challenge. Books, literature and intercultural training can help you find your way around Dutch culture.
Another effective way to experience positive learning and to start appreciating Dutch values and behaviour is going out and meeting Dutch people, staying curious and asking questions.
When you feel surprised, disappointed or confused by Dutch behaviour or a certain situation, try the following three questions to explore the situation.
The above article makes sense from the point of view of logic and Dutch culture is basically explained by logic. I think that logic is a small part of what underlies the behaviour; and that is nature and human emotions. Looking this way (by nature) Dutch culture is, unfortunately, offensive and asocial to others.
Here’s a current guide to health insurance, doctors, dentists and pharmacies.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2009.
Some basic facts and figures about living and working in the Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
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