Culture Shocks

Studying abroad or even just coming to The Netherlands will bring along some culture shocks. You'll be confronted with many new and unknown experiences. It may not be easy to keep an open mind all the time. It may, in fact, be a real shock!
Below you can read more information about customs and etiquettes in The Netherlands.

The Weather
The Weather is something that's talked about a lot in The Netherlands. Many conversations will begin with "Nice weather, isn't it?" or "It just won't clear up, will it?". What do we learn from this? If you want to start a conversation with a stranger, talk about the weather. It's the best conversation starter and it can't go wrong. Many people complain about the weather, but most Dutch wouldn't want to live in another climate.

Introducing yourself
Dutch people meeting each other for the first time do not usually wait to be introduced. They hold out their hand to shake, make eye contact, say their name, and listen for the name of the other person. Traditionally, the person who is older has higher status extends their hand first, but the younger or lower status person says their names first. If for some reason a lower status person extends their hand first, they will first ask permission to introduce themselves. In a growing number of situations, however, people behave as equals, so that names are often spoken simultaneously and no one hears them clearly.

Coffee
Coffee is an essential part of Dutch life. When the Dutch invite you to their homes, they often promptly serve you a cup of coffee or tea. Is this a hint that you should not stay too long? Quite the contrary: In the Netherlands, a steaming 'kopje koffie' is a hearty welcome.

Dropping by unannounced
The Dutch almost never visit each other without making an 'appointment' first. This includes close friends. Even a mother will phone her daughter to find out when it's convenient to come by. People almost never drop by unannounced.

Getting straight to the point
When the Dutch have to discuss a difficult topic, their usual approach is to plunge right into it. They hardly even take the time to sit and relax. They do not gradually work up to the difficult subject, but come straight to the point. To you this probably makes a blunt and tactless impression.