What do I need to do to secure a job and find a nice, affordable apartment in Amsterdam?

Question

Hi All. I'm from San Diego, CA and looking to move to Amsterdam and use it as a base of operations for traveling. I love traveling and in the past 2 years, I've lived in 3 countries - Switzerland, Germany, Russia. In America, I was a personal trainer, but because of the language barrier in these countries, I began work as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language.

I'd like to move by Jan or Feb of '07. Is that realistic? Does that give me enough time for processing all the necessary paperwork and anything else involved with living in Holland?

Any advice on how to plan this move would be much appreciated!

Also, I'd like to get an "insiders" view of Amsterdam, and the Netherlands in general, from both Dutch and foreigners already living there. If you feel comfortable communicating more in-depth information by email (anything from political, economic, and social climate to good clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and other "hotspots"), PLEASE do so.

Thanks!

Additional note: I'm also considering Florence, Italy. You've probably already seen my question. If any of you have ever been to Italy and can compare and contrast between the Netherlands, that would be exteremely helpful.

Thanks again!

Answer 1

hate to bust your bubble but it's not easy or cheap.

My advice is get a job before you move and have you employer deal with your paperwork. You can come here and try doing it yourself but it's a pain in the ***.

I can't help you in the jobs section. If you have experience teaching english you might could work at one of the international schools here (there's a British school that I know of).

Here are some sites that my help you research...

http://www.ind.nl (dutch immigration)
http://www.iamsterdam.com (city portal full of info and immigration info in layman's terms)
http://www.expatica.com (expat site w/ plenty of forums to get info from)
http://www.access-nl.org (non-profit that helps expats)

Answer 2

A wise choice, but get out of the capital to a regional town e.g. Noord Holland, Waterland
Only ten minutes away from Central Station
Also I would you suggest that you first learn the language to a level. Unfortunately in order for you to be able to work you must be able to speak, write and read it. At a advanced level.
Unless you work for an international call exchange which pays next to nothing.
I know this well, having traveled quite extensively and also having Spanish as my second language. Immediately I was told that everyone has at least two languages. you MUST speak the mother language first. Dutch

A diverse culture of difference exists here which gives the complexities to the language and social behavior.

If you have a social or a cultural contribution then you will be received well here.
I have tried this myself and have received national attention with positive reactions.
"Your Opinions" www.justforyouservices.eu

It is very easy to set up a company but very difficult to find a contract that has any security.
unless like yourself you hold credentials on a academical level.

On a lighter note if you appreciate the dawn and dusk then you are in for a real treat a country with truly has the four Seasons in all its beauty.

Good Luck

Answer 3

So, you aren't sure if you are moving to Florence or Amsterdam or-exploring a variety of options. Why even bother renting an apartment anywhere if you want to be traveling all over the place. Europe has gotten very expensive in regards to housing now that the Euro is there and the dollar has weakened in comparison.
You might just want to stay at hostels along the way.

Answer 4

Look for jobs online.

Or ask the embassy for advice since they'll give you your visa.