Inburgering: why it is good for you

In this article, I will tell you why the process of Inburgering is a great way to make your life easier and nicer in The Netherlands, especially if it is optional for you.

So you are now living in The Netherlands, or even planning to move to this beautiful place.?

I bet there is a chance that you stumbled upon Inburgering or “Integration to the Netherlands”.?This process consists of a series of 6 exams taken in the (for the moment) A2 Level with a nice Inburgering Diploma waiting for you at the end as a prize for your efforts.

I will not cover all the technical details of Inburgering, as I consider that you did your research already and there are plenty of better articles that you can read to get fully acquainted with this process. I will tell you about my personal experience while I take the exams and how I am feeling that this is a good idea for me and maybe also for you.

My personal experience and benefits.

Despite the benefits of completing your Inburgering (the chance to become a Dutch national after 5 years of living here as an example) the best result in my humble opinion comes as you really start to read, write, hear and speak Dutch but also get immersed into Dutch culture from the very historical roots of it to more day-by-day things. Did you hear about Tompoes or Muisjes already?

When you decide to take the Inburgering, you will embark on an interesting trip that even Dutch people find outstanding sometimes, especially the very famous KNM that tests your level of understanding of Dutch society and culture, and some teachers even told me that this exam evaluates “how Dutch you are”. This might sound even weird, but I truly, honestly tell you that when you get to practice the exam, take a course or even discuss it with Dutch nationals, you will feel more integrated, and Dutch people will sense that and in my own experience (even just starting Inburgering) they perceive it as a positive thing. And that makes all sense, right? Who would not like a foreigner who is genuinely interested in the culture and society of the country he/she is now living in?

Next week, exactly on July 17th, it will be two years in The Netherlands for me and despite that it might be very soon to do Inburgering, this process was on my mind from the first day when I landed here because I quickly found that this test will take me into studying Dutch more seriously but also to push myself to embrace a new culture and way of thinking.?

A nice cultural immersion journey.

For me, as a Latino (Argentine Patagonian) Dutch culture is way different sometimes and even with some Dutch friends, I thought that I needed something to avoid creating the typical expat bubble that keeps us apart from locals. I know, we all have that bubble, at least a tiny bubble, but if you plan to stay for the long term here, sooner or later you will need to integrate.

Inburgering costs money, not only every exam but also taking classes and if you value your time a lot, then it will cost you a lot of time too. But once again, this totally (in my experience) an excellent investment that you will benefit a lot from. It is not just about the diploma or the passport. It is a matter of care and respect for your new home. Because this is your new home after all. Yes, even in the winter!

So don’t hesitate, start your Inburgering process right now, even if you just landed. You will not regret it. You will see the benefits very soon.?In my own experience, I just passed my first exam and the entire process is just happening, but I see the good stuff happening already.

Now let's talk about it.

Would you like to know more about Inburgering? Let me know! Also, feel welcome to share your experiences.