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There are various ways to learn Dutch. On Refugeehelp, you can find an up-to-date overview of (free!) options for learning our language. Additionally, in many municipalities, there are various projects and initiatives related to integration, language lessons, and language buddies. To find out more, inquire at your municipality or the public library.
For all higher education programs, your guest will pay annual tuition fees and additional costs for things like study books, materials, and a laptop. Your guest can apply for student finance from DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs), the government agency responsible for education-related matters. For individuals aged between 30 and 55, there’s the ‘Levenlanglerenkrediet’ scheme by DUO, which allows for borrowing money to finance study costs.
Yes, Ukrainian displaced individuals are allowed to study in the Netherlands. For clarification, this includes all types of education beyond secondary school: vocational education (mbo), higher professional education (hbo), and university education (wo).
For all studies in Dutch, an admission requirement is that your guest has passed the Staatsexamen NT2-II (State Examination Dutch as a Second Language, level II). For all studies in English, there is a requirement to pass an IELTS or TOEFL exam.
Furthermore, your guest’s previous education will be taken into consideration. This is done by having the diploma evaluated by the International Credential Evaluation (IDW). You can initiate a free application here. If the diploma is not sufficient, for many programs, especially in vocational education (mbo), there is also an admission test for those aged 21 or older.
No, primary and secondary education are free of charge for all children in the Netherlands. Some schools may request a voluntary parental contribution, which covers extras such as field trips or creative lessons. In secondary education, students often need to have their own laptop. Most municipalities have arrangements or organizations that provide financial assistance to parents in these cases. More information can be obtained from the municipality.
The choice of school for children’s education is up to the child’s parents. Our advice is to first contact the municipality. They can provide an overview of schools that have available spots and offer additional language education or language classes if needed. Based on this information, parents can make a decision.
Yes, in principle, all underage Ukrainian children must attend school in the Netherlands. They have the same right to education and compulsory education as everyone else. Children aged 4 to 12 attend primary school (elementary education). After that, they move on to secondary school. Children who have just arrived in the Netherlands and do not speak Dutch typically attend special classes for newcomers. This can be within a regular school or a special school. Usually, after about 1 school year, they transition to a regular class.
- Learn about each other’s culture: Take the time to learn about the other person’s culture, including their history, traditions, and customs. This can help reduce misunderstandings.
- Be curious: Ask questions and be open to learning about the other person’s perspectives and experiences. This can help foster mutual understanding and respect.
- Show respect: Respect the differences between cultures and avoid biases and stereotypes. Show respect for the values and beliefs of the other person, even if they differ from your own.
- Be patient: Misunderstandings can arise due to language barriers or cultural differences. Be patient and strive to improve communication.
- Try new things: Be open to new experiences and try things that are important in the other person’s culture. This can help increase mutual understanding and create a sense of connection.
- Try each other’s cuisine: Cook a typical Dutch or Ukrainian dish for each other.
- Attend cultural events: Visit festivals, parties, exhibitions, or performances that reflect the other person’s culture. This can help develop a better appreciation for the other person’s traditions and customs.
- Learn a new language: Learn some basic words or phrases in the other person’s language. This can help improve communication and may also be appreciated as a sign of respect for their culture.
- Visit local attractions: Explore landmarks or tourist spots in the Netherlands and learn more about the country’s history and culture. This can help gain a better understanding of the other person’s background and context.
- Participate in local activities: Try to engage in activities that are significant in the other person’s culture, such as sports, games, dancing, or music. This can help create a sense of connection and promote mutual understanding.
Ukrainian culture is rich in traditions and has a strong connection to nature and the land. The history of Ukraine is complex and tumultuous, with influences from neighboring countries and cultures absorbed over the centuries. These influences have contributed to the diversity and unique identity of the Ukrainian people.
An important characteristic of Ukrainian culture is the value placed on family and community. Families are often large and close-knit, and there is great respect for the elderly. Ukrainian cuisine is also highly diverse and is characterized by dishes such as varenyky (filled dumplings), borscht (beet soup), and salo (salted pork fat).
Music and dance also play a significant role in Ukrainian culture. Traditional folk music is often accompanied by the bandura, a string instrument that is characteristic of Ukraine. Folk dances, such as the hopak, are energetic and colorful and are often performed at festivals and celebrations.
The history of Ukraine has led to a strong national identity and pride. The country has endured numerous invasions and oppressions, but has always managed to recover and resist external forces. The Orange Revolution of 2004 was a pivotal moment in modern Ukrainian history, with the population standing up for democracy and change.
Lastly, the Ukrainian spirit is characterized by perseverance and resilience. Despite challenging circumstances and difficulties, Ukrainians have a strong determination to survive and thrive. These characteristics are deeply embedded in the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people.
Ukraine, the second-largest country in Europe and fourteen times larger than the Netherlands, has a rich and complex history dating back to ancient times. The country has seen various rulers and suffered through numerous conflicts and political changes.
The earliest known civilizations in the area that is now Ukraine emerged around 4800 BCE. In the Middle Ages, Ukraine became a significant political and cultural center under the rule of the Kievan Rus, a powerful East Slavic state. This period is considered the “Golden Age” of Ukrainian history, characterized by economic growth, thriving trade, and the development of a strong Ukrainian identity.
In the 13th century, Ukraine was invaded by the Mongols, who took control of the region. This was followed by centuries of foreign domination, including Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian rule. During this time, Ukraine often found itself divided among various powers and experienced numerous political and religious conflicts.
By the end of the 18th century, Ukraine was divided between the Russian Empire, the Habsburg Empire, and Poland. Throughout the 19th century, there was a cultural and national awakening among Ukrainians, with a growing emphasis on the Ukrainian language and culture.
After World War I and the fall of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires, Ukraine declared its independence in 1918. However, this independence was short-lived as the country was soon torn apart by war and the Russian Revolution.
In 1922, Ukraine became part of the newly formed Soviet Union. During Joseph Stalin’s rule in the 1930s, Ukraine was heavily affected by forced collectivization of agriculture and the resulting famine known as the Holodomor, which claimed millions of lives.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence once again. The country faced numerous challenges, including economic reforms, political instability, and the quest for a balanced relationship with Russia.
In recent years, Ukraine has undergone significant political changes, including the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Maidan protests in 2013-2014, which led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych. The country has also been involved in a conflict with Russia since 2014, with Russia annexing Crimea and separatist uprisings starting in the Donbass region. In 2022, the Russian military invaded Ukraine, and the struggle continues.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to strive for democratic reforms, economic growth, and a stronger position in the international community. The country possesses a rich culture and heritage, influenced by both the East and the West, and remains a significant player in the geopolitics of Eastern Europe.
- Learn the basics of the Dutch language. Knowing some basic words and phrases in Dutch can help with daily interactions and also leave a positive impression on Dutch people. Taking a language course can aid in learning the language.
- Explore Dutch culture. The Netherlands has a rich history and culture worth discovering. Visit museums, historical buildings, and cities, and experience Dutch traditions such as Sinterklaas and King’s Day.
- Make friends with Dutch people. Building friendships with Dutch individuals is a great way to understand the culture and practice the language. Join clubs or associations that align with your interests or hobbies to meet new people.
- Try Dutch cuisine. Dutch cuisine has a lot to offer, from “stamppot” and pea soup to “stroopwafels” and “bitterballen”. Trying some of these dishes will help you discover Dutch flavors.
- Maintain an open mind and respect Dutch culture. The Netherlands has its own way of life and work that may be different from what you’re used to. It’s important to keep an open mind and respect Dutch culture and traditions.
Hopefully, these tips will assist in exploring Dutch language and culture and help you feel at home in the Netherlands.
Here are five tips for Dutch individuals who want to communicate with Ukrainian guests:
- Learn some basic words in Ukrainian, such as “hello” (vitayu), “thank you” (dyakuyu), “yes” (tak), and “no” (ni). Speaking a few words in your guests’ language will be appreciated and can contribute to positive interactions.
- Utilize online translation tools like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator to quickly and easily translate texts. However, keep in mind that these tools can sometimes have inaccuracies, so also try to learn simple words and phrases to enable basic communication.
- Attempt to understand the cultural background of your guests. In Ukrainian culture, for example, there is a strong emphasis on family, so asking questions about their family and background can be a good way to start a conversation and build rapport.
- Pay attention to your guests’ body language and tone during communication. In Ukrainian culture, it’s common to speak loudly and use many gestures during conversations, which might be unfamiliar to Dutch people.
- Be respectful and interested in your guests’ culture and traditions. Sharing information about Dutch culture and asking questions about Ukrainian culture can help facilitate smoother communication.
There are various online tools and apps available to help Dutch individuals communicate with Ukrainian guests, such as Duolingo for learning Ukrainian and Linguee for translations of sentences and words.
Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine and is spoken by the majority of the population. Ukrainian belongs to the Slavic language family and shares many similarities with Russian and Belarusian. However, there are differences in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
In addition to Ukrainian, other languages are spoken, especially Russian and Romanian. In some regions in the east and south of the country, Russian is widely spoken, and there are Russian-language schools as well. Romanian is mainly spoken in the regions around Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk.
In schools in Ukraine, English is taught as a second language alongside Ukrainian. Other languages such as German, French, and Spanish are also offered as elective courses in some schools and universities.
There are also minority languages spoken in Ukraine, including Hungarian, Polish, Bulgarian, Greek, and Tatar. However, these languages do not have official status and are often only spoken within their respective communities.
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