ACCESS Summer 2015

summer 2015 S E R V I N G T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y

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Airborne Dutch Special features | paragliding from below sea level |

Dutch tackle complexities of constructing airports | filipino community strong and active | e-learning and expats |

Setting the standard for outstanding International childcare Zein has provided international childcare to expatriate families for over 10 years.

As a trusted partner to all International Schools in The Hague, Zein’s services ranges from Day Care, Playgroups, After School Care to Holiday Camps

The Estate Features

RECEN TL OPENE Y D: Premiu m Care C Child e Benoo ntre in rdenho ut, The Ha gue

• Great natural playground of 3,000 m2, with fun tree houses, a petting place with chicken and rabbits, sport court & vegetable gardens • Passionate, highly educated and loving staff that make the difference • Unique ‘personalised care’ formula – your input is the basis for our care • Fresh organic warm meals and snacks, prepared by a full-time chef • 3 times more indoor space than traditional Dutch childcare centres • Private parking, parents espresso & juice bar, dedicated parents room with WIFI

Zein was founded by commited international childcare professionals who understood the importance for international working parents to give their children the best start in life.

Zein has won several awards for their innovative and progressive approach to childcare and was recently nominated for ‘best childcare provider in The Netherlands”.

Call now to arrange a personal tour 070 326 82 63 or contact us at info@zeinchildcare.nl www.zeinchildcare.nl

Where the whole family feels at home

phOTO: Tigs CreATiONs

Letter from the executive Director

Dear ACCESS readers It was not intentional, choosing ‘wind’ for our Summer issue. It was simply the next in line, of the four elements this year’s magazine will cover. However, how appropriate, that we should be covering this subject by exploring the impact of airports in our lives – and those behind them – as the international community prepares for their summer holidays and escapes to far flung places! Fear not though: there is enough wind in the Netherlands to entertain, distract and engage those who have no travel plans this summer: open air concerts; discov-

ering the music of Renaissance recorders; perhaps a daring trip to the skies while paragliding, or an alternative way of freeing your mind with walking therapy? Our authors have not disappointed and give us much to contemplate and learn about how this low lying land is windswept on all fronts: from technology to entertainment.

We are also introduced to the expatriate Filipino community and offered some delightful travel items for journeys this time of year or otherwise. And, in what is becoming a fast favourite among the team at ACCESS: yet another delectable dish to decorate our tables and tantalise our taste buds.

Are you a writer, perhaps looking for an Editorial role to hone your skills? ACCESS is looking for both – to write for our e-zine as well as online. If this is you, please do get in touch with us at communications@access-nl.org we would love to hear from you. Also, as a nationally oriented organisation we would love to feature more community events and activities.

Please do share these with editor@access-nl.org so we can include here, or online.

For now, welcome to the Summer! May the wind keep your sail full, wherever you may travel.

Deborah Valentine - Executive Director access | summer | 3

About ACCess is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the international community in the Netherlands. it is supported by Dutch, inter national and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorship.

What we do

Established in 1986 ACCESS is a unique volunteer-based organisation. Representing an impressive cultural and linguistic variety, its dedicated volunteers work to: • provide guidance, advice, information to help individuals with settling, and/or living and working in the Netherlands • promote friendship, understanding and well-being of the members of the international community in the Netherlands • contribute to community development through skill training schemes and courses • serve as a bridge between local and international communities • assist the HR departments of international employers in preparing for and receiving international staff

Executive Board

• Chairman: Gary Hays,

Valshebnik Consulting • Vice Chairman: Kiri Kikis, Shell • Treasurer: Edwin Jeanty van der Spek, Deloitte Tax Lawyers • Secret ary: to be appointed

Members

• Willemijn van Oppen-Stuyt, Educaide • Jessie Rodell • Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO • Godelijn Boonman, GMW Advocaten

4 | access | summer

ACCESS Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN The Hague The Hague International Centre City Hall Atrium, Spui 70

0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377) local rate 20c per minute helpdesk@access-nl.org www.access-nl.org Join ACCESS on

• ACCess News • Community News • What’s On • Cover story: from below sea level to sky high • Arts & Entertainment: Air on a recorder • Education: The amazing opportunities that e-learning offers expats • Travel: up, up and away • Health: Therapy outdoors: a breath of fresh air!

• Family: The wind through your hair!

• Community: Where filipinos find home in the Netherlands • Food: Briam a greek vegetable dish for summer • Shopping: summer Travel essentials • meet our Trainers

From below sea level to sky high

phOTO: NACO

Summer 2015 Vol. 28 No. 2

Cover story

Arts & entertainment

Air on a recorder phOTO: mArCO BOrggreve

ACCESS e-zine

summer 2015

Publisher Stichting ACCESS Laan van Meerdervoort 70, 1st floor, 2517 AN The Hague Editorial content editor@access-nl.org Advertising 070 345 1700, fnd@access-nl.org Acting Editor Deborah Valentine Design & Layout M-space, Marek Moggré Contributors Christopher An-Traumer, Fleur Duggan, Karen T Slingenberg, Magdalini Zografou, Myra Colis, Nancy Kroonenberg, Renée Veldman-Tentori, Sally Squirrell, Sieta Autar-Matawlie, Stephen Davies, Tracey Sullivan Cover image Maartje Schuurmans Copyright©ACCESS 2015 All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS e-zine may be used in any form without explicit permission in writing from the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press.

However, ACCESS and its writers cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information included.

Travel

Up, up and away phOTO: DAviD vAN Der mArk

Contents |

ACCESS partners & Associates

Thank you for your support!

Platinum ****

Gold ***

Banking, taxation and personal finance ABN AMRO *** J.C.Suurmond & zn. * AAme Accountants & Tax advisors A The Community Xpat Media (Xpat Journal) *** Candles Flame Computer Training * M-space graphic designers * The Hague Online * Check-NL A Expat Events A Amsterdam Mamas M ANCOR M Broadcast Amsterdam M AngloINFO SouthHolland M DutchBuzz M Dutch News M IamExpat M InTouch Rotterdam M Volunteer The Hague M

Silver **

Bronze *

Healthcare Bronovo Hospital * Housing and relocation Tulip Expats Services * The Student Hotel * RSH Relocation and Immigration Service A Learning Dutch BSN Language Centre * Direct Dutch * Kickstart School * Legal matters GMW Advocaten ** Lifestyle American Book Center ** The Student Hotel * ASPA A Paard van Troje A STET The English Theatre A

Government support

Partner support

City of The Hague **** Expat Center Utrecht *** City of Delft * City of Leidschendam-Voorburg * City of Rijswijk * Expatcenter Amsterdam *

Webster University * Zestee Social Media School A

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Associates A

Media Partners M

Connecting Women M Women’s Business Initiative International M Your child British School in the Netherlands *** Zein Childcare *** Big Ben Kids ** International School of The Hague ** True Colors ** American International School of Rotterdam * British School of Amsterdam * German International School The Hague * HSV (The Hague School Association) * International School Utrecht * Kindergarden * Passionate Parenting A

There are many ways in which you can support the work ACCESS does: as a Partner, Associate and Advertiser. Click here to see our Helping ACCESS 2015 Media Pack for opportunities.

ACCESS

News Summer

Contributing to the kitchen table discussion more often than not, the decision to relocate to a new country, takes place in the home: what we at ACCess refer to as the ‘kitchen table discussion’.

This is usually a discussion in which the questions, considerations, fears and expectations of different family members weigh in. For it is known, and documented, that if everyone is not ‘on board’ the adventure is less likely to succeed.

Employers know this. And, to larger or greater extent provide the support their employees need at this time. ACCESS is known for providing support as people arrive, but more recently we have been called upon to provide support in the expectation management stage of relocating staff members, before decisions are firmly made.

Together with the City of The Hague ACCESS has supported the ‘large’ staff relocation processes of DAMCO, the CIMIC Centre of Excellence and the NATO Communications

and Information Agency (NATO/NCI).

Travelling where needed to speak to people before, or as they make a decision.

The impact of such support is best described by the NATO/NCI’s Chief Strategy Office: “The Agency Staff Relocation is a very complex process in which communication plays an essential role. The move affects not only the employees, but also their families, it raises questions/needs related to housing, schooling, logistics, banks, job opportunities for partners, language and other courses, doctors and hospitals, culture and free time possibilities. It was the external briefers from ACCESS and The Hague International Centre that made a huge difference to our Relocation Campaign in April 2015. Their input was amazing. They saw immediately where people’s concerns were and often had the answers ready before the questions were raised. They were professional, flexible and very comprehensive.” « For more information on this ACCESS service, please contact edirector@access-nl.org. access | summer | 7

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German International School The Hague

Open your child’s world, expand their horizons.

High Quality Multilingual Education from the ages 3 to 18

www.disdh.nl

Community News

Off to a flying start After many months of planning and anticipation, 31 March 2015 saw the grand opening ceremony of the Expat Center Utrecht (ECU), with the first visitors arriving on 7 April.

We are thrilled and honoured to help expats in Utrecht put down roots, and have already welcomed and assisted dozens of visitors seeking information: such as how to move a car to Utrecht, register with the municipality, and file a tax return.

Utrecht is an exciting community to live in! The university and research communities are thriving, a 7500-seat music venue opened in 2014, and Utrecht will host the departure of the Tour de France cycle race in July. The opening of the ECU was the natural next step and fits into the culture of Utrecht as a blossoming international city.

ECU hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 17:00 at Stadsplateau 1, the brand new city hall building. Feel free to drop by to ask a question, add a trusted referral to the ACCESS database, or to have a chat with one of our friendly volunteers.

We look forward to seeing you!

If you are interested in becoming a v­olunteer at ECU, click here. «

access | summer | 9

What’s on Summer 2015

Special events in June WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

photos: Den Haag Marketing/Jurjen Drenth

Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag) Scheveningen 13 June Vlaggetjesdag celebrates the arrival of the first new herring of the season (Hollandse Nieuwe).

Hundreds of thousands of people will gather at the port of Scheveningen to enjoy herring, music and more. www.vlaggetjesdag.com

Pinkpop Landgraaf 12-14 June This three-day music festival, held in the city of Landgraaf in Limburg, is the oldest and one of the biggest annual pop and rock music festivals in the world. Robbie Williams will headline this year’s festival, which also includes OneRepublic, Counting Crows, Foo Fighters, Avicii, Pharrell Williams and other famous artists. www.pinkpop.nl

The Day of Architecture Cities throughout the Netherlands 20-21 June The Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA) organises a day of appre­ ciation for architecture and urban design in the Netherlands. This year’s activities - exhibitions, tours and debates – will be based on the theme “New Netherlands”. www.arch-lokaal.nl

FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships The Hague, Amsterdam, Apeldoorn & Rotterdam 26 June - 5 July A total of 96 teams compete for part of a $1 million purse as the Netherlands hosts an FIVB inter­ national event for the sixth con­ secutive year. The semi-finals and finals in each gender take place on a specially-built sta­ dium court in The Hague, with Amsterdam, Apeldoorn and Rotterdam hosting the initial stages. www.netherlands2015.fivb.org access | summer | 11

What’s on summer 2015

special events in July WANT TO pOsT A COmmuNiTy eveNT iN This mAgAziNe? CONTACT ACCess mAgAziNe AT eDiTOr@ACCess-Nl.Org, suBJeCT: ‘WhAT’s ON’.

Visit the start of the Tour de France in Utrecht this summer.

Enjoy the team presentation, the individual time trial and the start of the second stage towards Neeltje Jans. www.tourdefranceutrecht.com

North Sea Jazz Festival rotterdam 10-12 July The North Sea Jazz Festival is a must for every jazz lover. Visitors can enjoy international artists from var­ ious subgenres, from New Orleans jazz, swing, bop, free jazz, fusion, avant­garde jazz and electronic jazz, to blues, gospel, funk, soul, world beat and Latin. www.northseajazz.com

Rotterdam Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval) 24-25 July The Rotterdam Summer Carnival, or Zomercarnaval, is inspired by the Brazilian carnival and features a combination of music, dance, theatre, tropical street parties, and a parade.

www.rotterdamunlimited.com 12 | access | summer

phOTOs: fliCkr JusTiN De NOOiJer

Le Grand Départ (start of the Tour de france) utrecht 1-5 July

Skûtsjesilen Championships friesland 18-31 July Skûtsjes are typical Frisian ships that were originally used as cargo ships by Frisian farmers.

Once a year, skippers of these historic ships participate in the yearly sailing championships in their fight to become the skûtsjesilen champion. A map of the various locations (wedstrijdlocaties) indicates where each race can be best viewed – the map should help ‘translate’ the Dutch. www.skutsjesilen.nl

Special events in August WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

Grachtenfestival Amsterdam 14-23 August

Gay Pride Amsterdam 25 July - 2 August One of the world’s most gay-friendly cities hosts yet another gay pride with a week of parties and events that will lead up to a blowout weekend of festivities, including the world-famous canal parade on the second Saturday of the event.

photos: flickr Salomao Nunes

What started out as a four-day event in 1998 has since evolved into a ten-day classical music marathon. Over the course of ten days more than 150 concerts are held on a unique range of stages, including private homes and gardens, roof terraces, in cruise ships, traditional rooms in canal houses, and subway tunnels. www.grachtenfestival.nl

SAIL Amsterdam 19-23 August

www.sail.nl

Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen 20-30 August photos: flickr Dondersteen

SAIL is one of the largest mari­ time manifestations in the world, and the largest event of any kind in the Netherlands. Hundreds of thousands of spectators gather to wave in an entire flotilla of tall ships sailing into the city to moor in its Eastern harbour, where people can visit the ships (free of charge).

www.amsterdamgaypride.nl

The Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival returns to Groningen to offer 11 days of high quality, cut­ ting-edge international perform­ ing arts, with a mix of artistic mediums in venues across the city. www.noorderzon.nl access | summer | 13

Cover story

From below sea level to sky high

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Say ‘Dutch’ and ‘wind’ in the same breath and the image conjured is, of course, windmills. Yet, what may surprise many is the role played by a Dutch company in the global world of airports – the expat way of travel.

From their foundation, The Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), saw the potential in the ­airways of the world and currently have some of the world’s busiest airports in their portfolio.

by Tracey Sullivan

In December 2014 this high flying company landed in a new head office in de Haagsche Zwann building in The Hague, and has some impressive projects in the making. Winner of the City of The Hague’s 2009 Zilveren Ooievaar (Silver Stork) for enterprise and industry, this company embodies Dutch ­creativity, ingenuity and enterprise. And, as we discovered, there is a good chance that on your many travels as an expat, wherever they may have been, you will have passed through some of their state-ofthe-art inter­national airport terminals.

photo: NACO

Pioneering foresight

The company has always been based in The Hague and internationally focussed. It was established in 1949

by Dr Albert Plesman, a Hague native and son of an egg trader, who seemed always destined to look to the air. » access | summer | 15

Cover story | From below sea level to sky high

During World War I Plesman was an officer in the Dutch air force. After the war, in which the Dutch remained ­neutral, he was involved in the founding of the Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) and was its president-director until his death in 1953.

After World War II there was an urgent need for new airports worldwide.

Even those not damaged or destroyed, demanded development as ever larger and more numerous aircraft took to the air. From those early post war days NACO established strong foundations with project planning, designing and building airports both at home and overseas. “Supplying ready-made airports the world over” was the news­ paper headline in January 1949.

In the early 1960s the company’s reputation and growth increased, and was consolidated with its involvement in the construction of Amsterdam’s

See for yourself Two airports in the Netherlands offer ‘behind the scenes’ tours.

Reservations are recommended: Take a tour off the beaten path at Schiphol and Maastricht-Aachen Airports. www.schipholbehindthescenes.nl www.maa.nl/en/over-maa/rondleidingen 16 | access | summer

a­irport Schiphol. Since then NACO has worked continuously on the development of the airport and has been involved in the planning, design and construction of numerous extensions and renovations. This important European air travel hub has grown from accommodating 18 million passengers in 1987, to allowing close to 55 million passengers to take to the air in 2014. In spite of being among the busiest airports in the world it is also consistently voted among the best by international travellers for its “clarity and comprehensibility, simplicity, peace and quiet, comfort, details and quality.”

The last 50 years of growth and development in international air traffic and aviation related technology is paralleled by NACO’s growth, involvement and reputation as a world class and worldwide airport consultant. In an environment where passengers’ needs are as important as the services the industry requires. NACO has developed parallel expertise.

Conquering complexity

Once a building and an airstrip, an ­airport has become an increasingly complex organism, some are cities

phOTOs: NACO/eCg

Supplying ready-made airports the world over. mOvie: NACO

in themselves. Not only the complicated primary function as a transportation hub, with consideration given to air traffic control, maintenance facilities, security, baggage handling etc., but also the incorporation of retail, food and beverage outlets, hotels, the coordination with existing infrastructure and the consideration of environmental and aesthetic concerns are all integral elements of airport projects.

In responding to the ever more demanding and increasing numbers of users, NACO has decades of experience.

The company combines state-of-theart expertise with international experience and high calibre collaborative partnerships. The solutions that they provide on the ground are innovative, customer-friendly, efficient and culturally sensitive, as well as being pragmatic, cost effective and sustainable. Âť access | summer | 17

Cover story | from below sea level to sky high

Recently completed projects include providing new passenger terminals and infrastructure to airports in vastly different locations and requirements in Gibraltar, Taiwan, Botswana and Brazil.

The projects in Beijing and elsewhere must take into consideration the many interdependent systems of airport design and construction and their interaction with their surroundings.

This includes all forms of public transport from metro and inter-airport

phOTO: NACO

In 2011 NACO provided the winning design for the new Beijing airport, that when completed will be the largest airport in the world with an annual capacity of Did 130 million ow... n k u yo s ld’ the wor line s i M L K rcial air e m m o ďŹ rst c (1919). y n a p com

passengers and a total of eight runways. We would be mistaken to think that building an airport is simply designing a building through which we, the passengers, wander to and from our flights.

18 | access | summer

trains to high-speed trains, and runway designs and taxiway layouts configured to minimise fuel burn and CO2 emissions. These are in fact only two of the sustainability considerations when designing an airport. Add to that integrated waste management s­ystems as are evident at Schiphol and the c­omplexity of the picture begins to overwhelm.

Last year NACO also supplied the ­winning design for the new international airport in Mexico City. Designed to be one of the world’s largest and most sustainable airports, it takes a pragmatic approach to Mexico City’s difficult building environment and also revolutionises the concept of what an airport can be. Comprised of a single terminal building whose very form evokes flight, it minimises the use of materials and energy while ­maximising comfort and convenience for its users.

The design works with the city’s temperate, dry climate using displacement ventilation to fill the space with fresh air. Comfortable temperatures will be maintained for almost all of the year with almost zero air conditioning or heating.

An expat appreciation

Flexibility, expandability, sustainability seem to be the baseline requirements from airport providers. Efficiency, ­convenience, comfort and beauty are the demands of the ever more globally mobile traveler. It is safe to say that most expats in the Netherlands have had their fair share of using Schiphol as a gateway to the airstreams, and nodoubt also moved through many other airports around the world. Now, just think how much experience and expertise goes into their development, and with your Dutch hat on, how many can be attributed to a company based here, in the Netherlands.

This small country, despite being largely below sea level (and that includes Schiphol airport), has certainly found a way of making an impact high above, riding the winds of innovation and ingenuity. «

About the author tracey sullivan is a freelance writer and editor, a poet and a mother - not necessarily in that order. She has a fledgling online presence at: rimeandspindrift.wordpress.com access | summer | 19

Internationally Focussed A school that provides opportunity and challenge both inside and outside the classroom. Where talent and excellence is fostered and potential is fully realised, producing well-adjusted confident students ready to go out and make their mark on the world.

www.britishschool.nl

Internationally British

Arts & Entertainment

Air on a recorder

Renaissance entertainment For classical music buffs longing for the enchanting sounds of a madrigal or motet of the Renaissance, listen no further.

By Karen T. Slingenberg

The Royal Wind Music (RWM) is a recorder ensemble of impressive ­magnitude, playing music from the period 1520-1640, which transports the listener to the court of England’s Henry VIII and beyond. But even for the i­nexperienced Renaissance goer, it promises to be a worthwhile experience; so go and feast your ears on the lively, soothing tones of this unique ensemble.

The RWM was established in 1997 and conceived by its Dutch founder and leader Paul Leenhouts. This recorder ensemble consists of double sextet and a double-bass recorders, ‘a special recipe’, according to Paul Leenhouts. The

recorder players, who studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory, come from all over the world.

Unique recorders

The ensemble plays a unique collection of over 50 recorders made by Adriana Breukink (the Netherlands) and Bob Marvin (Canada). Both makers modelled their instruments on Bassano examples found in the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) in Vienna. The ensemble’s Renaissance recorders vary from a 15 cm small sopranino to a three-meter long sub-contrabass recorder, which according to Eva Gemeinhardt of the RWM’s PR Department, is “… one of three instruments of this size in the world.” The latter was designed in 1998 for the RWM following Renaissance principles, in collaboration with Adriana Breukink, Winfried Hackl and Paul Leenhouts. » access | summer | 21

Arts & Entertainment | Renaissance entertainment

Eva Gemeinhardt states that “there is probably no other ensemble in the world having such a unique collection to play on.”

From a historical perspective

Another aspect of the RWM’s uniqueness is their interpretation of Renais­ sance music. According to Petri Arvo (artistic board of the RWM); “…one of [our] most important goals is to find, create and dive into the sounding form of seemingly abstract material.”

The ensemble’s Renaissance recorders vary from a 15 cm small sopranino to a three-meter long sub-contrabass recorder.

This is no small feat considering how long ago Renaissance music was composed. The further back in history one goes, the less reliable musical sources become, yet as Petri Arvo points out: “Through careful examination of material we are able to make interpretations which we think are loyal to Renaissance practices, the modern view of a historical concept, and our own thoughts about musicality and musical philosophy.”

22 | access | summer

Understanding Renaissance music

For the modern concert goer, Renais­ sance music might not be one’s priority. However, as with many unfamiliar things, looking at its context might help audiences to appreciate this ancient musical form.

What typifies Renaissance music, according to Petri Arvo, “… is the same or similar melodies passing through all of the voices in a more or less symmetric way or pattern. This results in a ’mesh‘ of complex and simple harmonies together, voices crossing and doubling each other momentarily in unison and in octaves, and stopping together from time to time in cadences, allowing the listener to get back on track again. This form is also heavily related to the context of the time, where symmetry and perfection was a great virtue in any area of culture, ­science or society.”

RWM’s educational pursuits

RWM also aims to educate young ­audiences through concerts and ­programmes. One programme introduces young audiences to the different sizes of the instruments. Music is played from around the world, and children are encouraged to make their

own music, creating a memorable experience for budding young musicians. Petri Arvo believes that: “Renaissance music is absolutely for everyone. It is inspiring, demanding, beautiful, soulful, touching, slow, fast, loud and quiet... sometimes all of the above, even at the same time!”

Conclusion

Renaissance music is an area of previously uncharDid you k tered territory. Where now..

T . h e o Baroque music is widely ldest re cord found, to date, er known, Renaissance dates t o t h e music has had little attenlate phOTO: mArCO BOrggreve 1 3 00s. tion, with little attention in contemporary concert Performances in August programming. Thanks to ensembles 9 August 2015: MAfestival Bruges (BE) like the RWM, the world is being www.royalwindmusic.org educated and entertained in true Renaissance fashion. As Petri Arvo points out, “Many first-time audiences have been very positively surprised about Renaissance music and approach About the author the ensemble for questions. There Karen T. Slingenberg, a freelance writer is passionate about are still many of those audiences to everything from cooking and crafts to current affairs and the arts. www.thelongandshortofit.eu reach.” « access | summer | 23

Education | Partner feature

A Wider Choice Providing students with the best possible springboard into higher education and employment has always been one of the highest priorities at The British School in The Netherlands (BSN).

The introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in 2008 – to run alongside the well-established A Level Pro­ gramme - was a demonstration of the school’s commitment to offering a wider choice and opportunity for students in the Sixth Form (age 16-18). This academic year saw the BSN adding another qualification into the offering.

Greater opportunities

The IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) offers a very practical approach to post 16 study. Combined with the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualification, it provides an interesting alternative for students and is accepted as an entry requirement into university.

Michelle Cooke joined the BSN as IBCP Co-ordinator and has a background in both teaching and business management, and says: “…the real value of the IBCP is that 24 | access | summer

students tackle a specifically careerfocused study which will help to strengthen their position and enhance their employability and project management skills in the future.”

Students taking the two-year IBCP course have their studies broken down into three components: At least two IB Diploma Programme courses at standard or higher level An IBCP ‘Core’ that includes approaches to learning, community and service, language development and a reflective project An approved vocational professional qualification, in the case of the BSN, this is the BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in Business. Over the two-year course, students will study a variety of business topics but will have four compulsory units: the business environment, business resources, introduction to marketing and business communication.

• • •

The students are taught alongside IB Diploma students, whilst other components take the form of tuto-

rial sessions and practical working groups. This is complemented by real workplace case studies and project work with organisations such as Ikea, Shell and Asics.

These aspects, combined with the high student to teacher ratio is something the students really value, as Sixth Form student Billy Price explains: “Our group is quite small, which means that we can really get a lot out of each lesson – spending time going over things in detail.”

070 315 4077 www.britishschool.nl

With A Level and the IBDP firmly established at the BSN, adding the IBCP means that we are able to widen access.

Kevin Sandeman, Director of Sixth Form further describes the benefit of this additional option: “The BSN is the only European school outside the UK, to offer these three pathways at Sixth Form. With A Levels and the IBDP firmly established at the BSN, adding the IBCP means that we are able to widen access to our Sixth Form.” « access | summer | 25

Education

The amazing opportunities that e-learning offers expats There are amazing opportunities arising for expats in the fields of both learning and teaching online.

By reNÉe velDmAN-TeNTOri

Developments in technology alongside a growing worldwide culture of sharing knowledge means that expats can benefit, no matter where you are located.

“We are experiencing an e-learning explosion. It truly is learning without borders.

All you need is a computer, Internet connection and an interest.”

here are five tips to get started.

1

Establish your learning goals.

Would you like to learn for fun or undertake something more serious? Perhaps you want to just explore some interests further or maybe you require a qualification? A book such as “A Career in Your Suitcase” by Jo Parfitt and Colleen Reichrath Smith can be a good tool here to help you clarify your current and desired skill set.

26 | access | summer

2

What are your resources?

If you have a computer, Internet connection, some spare time and a desire to learn, these are really the only resources you need. Courses vary drastically in price so you may wish to set a budget.

An iPad is an ideal learning resource, which makes your study even more flexible.

3

What is your learning style?

Some of us are highly disciplined and don’t mind reading large volumes of text.

Others are more visual or like to listen to learning materials.

Understanding your own preferred learning style can be an advantage when choosing an online course.

There is plenty of information and even online tests available if you are not sure.

4

Here a few to get you started: Udemy www.udemy.com

Launched in 2010, Udemy is a learning platform where experts of any kind can create courses. Offering more than 22,000 course alternatives, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Most are free or low-cost.

Skillshare www.skillshare.com

Experiment with different learning platforms

There are a growing number of learning platforms for you to try.

Focussed around short videos and online projects, Skillshare started in 2011 and has since had industry leaders such as Seth Godin teach low-cost courses. Topics include business, design, DIY and much more. Âť access | summer | 27

Education | The amazing opportunities that e-learning offers expats

Podcasts www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts

but on completion, you can often opt to pay for a skills assessment to receive certification.

Many universities around the world now also offer options to undertake their courses online.

Many businesses and individuals are creating value packed podcasts. Apple is one of the leaders in this field but other options are available for Android. If you’re new to podcasting, think of it as a recorded radio programme you can listen to at a time that suits you.

Coursera www.coursera.com

There are many more learning platforms to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Even just some basic online research should help you make the decision.

5

Try teaching online

Do you have a skill to share? Several of the e-learning platforms such as Skillshare and Udemy offer the opportunity to create a class. Why not share your own knowledge with the world?

Wishing you every success in your e-learning journey and I’d love to hear about your online learning experiences. «

Bringing together more than 100 highquality educational institutions from around the world, this is a good place to come for on demand and structured courses. Everything from arts to engineering and plenty in between is free, 28 | access | summer

About the author Renée Veldman-Tentori loves to connect, share, learn and teach. She is the online editor and community manager at TheHagueOnLine and a lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in Marketing Communications. www.zestee.com

Travel

Up, up and away

By Sally Squirrell

Paragliding is not for the faint hearted! When you can’t catch a thermal or the wind drops you might end up spinning around and around in the air. But, when you do catch a thermal, you soar like a bird high up into the sky with literally a bird’s eye view of all that is below you.

photo: David van der Mark

Let’s start with the basics

Parasailing is the flying that you do while being towed behind a boat with a big parachute attached to you, going where the boat goes. Paragliding is the real deal, YOU are in control. Free to go as far as your eye can see and your understanding of thermals will take you. Thermals being rising bubbles or columns of air: as the sun heats air near the ground, that air expands and rises and creates thermals. Paragliders use these to gain lift, and rise up within the thermal column to fly higher and can reach up to 7,000 metres. » access | summer | 29

phOTOs: By sAlly squirrell

Did ow... n k u s yo hquake t r a e l a The Nep ply touched e have de nd support o le many. T donating to r conside 555 Giro

“ok, now trust me, we’re just going to run off this hill and then we will fly.”

Paragliding has its history in the space and aerofoil industry of the 1960s. Today, based on those inventions the current paraglider canopy is a teardrop-shaped parachute made from two layers of fabric.

Some physical things to think about

• over 14 years of old • your weight should be above 45kg, and under 110kg for tandem flying • you should be reasonably fit and healthy to walk to the launch place and to carry the paraglider yourself • you should have good eyesight so you can judge a good landing place from the air

30 | access | summer

It does not have a frame as hang gliders do. Air flows through the cells formed between the two layers of fabric and the supporting fabric allowing the canopy to stay inflated due to the cells only being open at the leading edge. All this fabric and suspension lines, amazingly enough, fold neatly up into the size of a backpack.

Just run, jump and believe

My only experience of tandem paragliding was in Nepal. My ‘instruction’: “ok, now trust me, we’re just going to run off this hill and then we will fly.”

Travel | up, up and away

Leave it to the Dutch to find a simple and pragmatic solution. With the help of a winch, you are raised to approximately 300 metres above the ground and then the wind takes it from there.

This means that here you will probably be learning to take off and land in a farmer’s field or on the beach, rather than on the slopes. You can of course, take a mountain course; though this involves travelling to another location where there are mountains. So, to avoid travelling distances by land, to learn how to travel in the air consider the local options.

Why not try paragliding out yourself?

You can sometimes see experienced paragliders skimming the dunes in Scheveningen, just missing the concrete bunkers as they soar through the air, or across farmers fields in the provinceS of Utrecht and Brabrant. You can paraglide all over the Netherlands, the location up to you and what you want to

mOvie ArTuN kOruDAg

Now I find myself contemplating paragliding here in the Netherlands where hills, even small slopes, are few and far between – so how will this travelling through the skies work here I wondered?

see, as well as the weather. Alone or in tandem despite the lack of elevation the possibilities exist to do a bit of travel the Dutch air currents.

Two sites you can visit to explore your options, if you are daring enough, are Paragliding Holland and Sky Gliders.

Make a note of their phone numbers and call them though, as information in English is missing. For a map of where you can take to the skies in the Netherlands, visit Slope. Happy gliding ÂŤ

About the author Sally Squirrell enjoyed her first paragliding experience and is inspired to try paragliding again in the Netherlands, farmer field style. www.eekhoornandsquirrell.com access | summer | 31

Law | Partner feature

Life after death Your digital legacy contains all your digital possessions. These include photos, videos, documents, music, e-mail accounts and your social ­p rofiles like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. But, what about the accounts of all the web shops you visit or your online banking details?

‘Even after death, a ‘virtual’ presence continues.

by Sieta Autar-Matawlie

After the death of a loved one, his or her online life continues. This can create difficult situations for the family, for example receiving an e-mail

32 | access | summer

reminder regarding the birthday of the deceased. It is therefore a good idea to consider what you want to do with the digital legacy of a loved one.

Such undesired messaging happens more often than you think.

Nearly eight million people in the Netherlands are active on the Internet. In my meetings with relatives/heirs I notice that often they have no idea about all the online accounts of their deceased relative.

Have you ever wondered what happens to online accounts and domain names when you die?

What happens to your Facebook or Twitter account? And what about your e-mail account or an online shopping credit? And who tells your online friends? How do relatives gain access to your accounts if they don’t know of their existence or passwords?

Many people have a virtual life.

If nothing is recorded about what should happen with these accounts after their death, it can be difficult to settle the legacy. It is therefore sensible to think about this and make appropriate arrangements.

Social media executor

You can make preparations yourself.

You can make a list of your accounts, login names and passwords and

Have you ever wondered what happens to online accounts and domain names when you die?

provide instructions on what to do with them after you die. You can do the same for important files like photos and videos. Keep the list in a safe place and tell a few people where it is. The risk is then that the list can get lost. You can also record your wishes regarding your digital legacy with a solicitor in a will. Or you can appoint a social media executor in your will to ensure that your digital legacy is attended to. You can instruct a social media executor in your will to delete your social media accounts or to convert them into memorial pages. The will is registered with the solicitor at the Central Will Register and the heirs can request and read the will after your death thus ensuring that your wishes are respected.

070 361 5048 www.gmw.nl/en

By making arrangements for your digital legacy, you can ensure your loved ones avoid having to embark on unnecessary legal proceedings. ÂŤ access | summer | 33

Health

By Stephen Davies

It was at the start of spring 2014 that IÂ took my psychology practice out into the parks and alongside the waterways of Amsterdam. I remember a clear, sunny day on the banks of the river IJ, waiting for the ferry to take me over to Amsterdam Noord to meet a client.

Therapy outdoors:

a breath of fresh air!

34 | access | summer

There was a pleasant breeze blowing downstream and from where I was standing I could see the magnificent architecture of the Eye Film Institute alongside which was, at the time, ­decorated with a colourful façade.

Taking in these sights, I was convinced that I was adding value to my therapy process by encouraging people to walk with me through this wonderful city.

I understand that it is not everyone’s preference to start a therapy process outdoors. When many consider the idea of psychological care, they may visualize a room populated by only themselves and the professional they have entrusted with their issues.

I carried out my training, and worked for a few years in this very typical clinic setting. Clients came to the building where I worked. I had a small, tastefully decorated room where each ­individual’s process unfolded over the course of their therapy. We analysed situations, gained insights, and agreed on ways of challenging their restricting patterns of behaviour or thought. I employ the same process now. The setting has simply been enriched.

Out of the box

Promotion of the healthy body, healthy mind philosophy has always been central to my approach. While working in the clinic, I explained the importance of regular physical exercise to every ­client, outlining how it could benefit their moods and increase their selfconfidence, among other things.

Although they understood, they had difficulty applying this change to their behaviour. I realized that I could make that message stronger by not just telling them to get active but by doing it together with them.

I had never even considered therapy outdoors before it was mentioned by an experienced colleague. She told me how clients she had helped would prefer walking around outside while talking through their issues. Her clients found this method less confronting and consequently opened up, talking more readily about their issues. Being an outdoor type myself, the idea fascinated me, so I started considering the logistics of running a psychology practice devoid of a physical practice location. The more I investigated, the more enthusiastic I became. The Netherlands is, after all, a very walking-friendly country. The terrain is flat » access | summer | 35

Health | Therapy outdoors: a breath of fresh air!

and there are more than enough open spaces and suburban park areas scattered around. Finding locations would be easy.

I had never even considered therapy outdoors before it was mentioned by an experienced colleague.

The considerations

There were, however, other issues to consider in the application of this somewhat unconventional method.

The main concern was ensuring the privacy of my clients and upholding the ethical codes by which the profession is bound. I knew that I could not offer a secure therapy environment if those who chose to see me did not feel comfortable discussing their ­situations, for fear of being overheard.

Prior to starting the practice, I spent time observing the surroundings that I could use as potential walking routes, seeking those that were less densely populated and more discrete. I also observed individuals walking around these spaces. The majority of them seemed content within their own bub36 | access | summer

ble, either listening to music or in discussion with members of their group.

Aside from the occasional polite interaction between strangers, individuals passed one another blissfully unaware of what the other was doing. It seemed reasonable for me to assume that my clients and I would remain just as anonymous to other roaming individuals as they would remain to us.

The other concern was the weather!

These flat lands where we live endure their fair share of rain and wind. You’d be forgiven for thinking that it is actually a pretty wet country. My opinion on this matter has changed. It does rain here, of course, but most of the wet weather I have seen in the last year has been brief. When weather warnings are issued walking is cancelled for safety reasons: replaced with Skype or Face­ Time or a rescheduled appointment.

People still quiz me on this working method. In reponse I explain that most people who seek psychological care have to travel to make their appointment. Theoretically, they are just as likely to get wet on their journey to or from a regular practice as they are during a session with me! At least with me, they will keep moving!

Did you k now Precipit ation in ... t of rain, hail, sle he form et or occurs o nly 7% snow of t time in the Net he h lands. er­ I encourage my clients to dress accordingly for our sessions, and I certainly take my own advice. Raincoats keep you dry, gloves and a hat will keep you warm. Hopefully as summer approaches, I shall be encouraging the use of sunscreen!

As I continue through my second year as a mobile psychologist, I am happy to receive an increasing amount of inquiries about my approach, along-

side the positive feedback given by existing clients. My methods feel validated, and to have struck such a positive chord with these individuals feels like a real breath of fresh air. ÂŤ

About the author Stephen Davies is British trained and ACCESS CSN psychologist with his practice in Amsterdam. interactivetherapy.nl access | summer | 37

Education | partner feature

ISH Students explore what’s ’Beyond Boundaries’ at the TeDxyouth@ish event in June TEDx stands for ‘Ideas worth spreading’, and its programme is designed to help communities and individuals spark conversation.

The umbrella theme ‘beyond boundaries’ sets the tone for the coming event and the program will feature a diversity of speakers from across several disciplines addressing topics linked to this theme.

for the third time, the international school The hague (ish) is organising a TeDx youth conference for ish students and guests on the afternoon of 9 June, 2015.

Talking Heads – students in the lead

movie

38 | access | summer

mOvie: freDDie verBurgT

Previous TEDxYouth@ISH events ‘Spark your talent’ and ‘Dream, Dare, Do’ inspired and enthralled the audience and we look forward to another thought provoking TEDxYouth@ISH event.

Enthusiasm abounds

We had an overwhelming response to our ‘call for speakers’, from which ten have been selected from both the student body and outside the school. Among the topics to be featured are: how to overcome emotional, physical and social boundaries, whilst achieving admirable results in sports and personal life. The audience will discover space and hear about the transfer of technology from an European Space Agency expert; the concept of money and cash in the future will

More than just speakers

In addition to the speakers, the programme will include musical entertainment ranging from percussion, electronic, pop and classical music to Gypsy jazz and be complemented by performances of contemporary dance. TEDxYouth@ISH participants can also join workshops and explore the exhibits in the Plaza.

The TEDxYouth@ISH event will take place on Tuesday 9 June at the International School The Hague.

For more information about the event see www.tedxyouthish.com.

phOTOs: ChrisTel vAN meeuWeN

be explained by an expert in financial history; we will be exploring the unknown depths of the oceans with a young scientist and we will admire accomplishments beyond our imagination. One of our student speakers is passionate about reaching out to help orphans and investing in a non-profit organisation. Another student will explain how the influence of the media can restrict development and sets boundaries for progress in African countries. A linguist will question general visual perceptions and give insight into new concepts of human cognition.

What is TED and TEDx?

TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks.

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics – from science to business to global issues – and takes place in more than 100 languages. Independently run TEDx events also help share ideas in communities around the world. «

070 328 1450 www.ishthehague.nl

access | summer | 39

Family

Things to do this summer (or before if you want to brave the Dutch weather!) with your children that will make the cobwebs blow away! The benefit of living in the Netherlands is even if it is ‘not on your doorstep’, it’s never really that far away……

The wind through your hair!

By fleur DuggAN

Our top five tips for letting the wind fly through your hair this summer are: Open Air Museum in Arnhem.

This is an ideal way of exploring things close by with children. The Netherlands has fantas­ tic bicycle lanes. When you don’t know your area that well, every trip is like a little adven­ ture that can reveal hidden secrets on your door step. At the ANWB­store (Dutch Automobile Assocition) you can get bicycle maps . Find the closest store to you here.

40 | access | summer

2

mOvie: mOreByNumBers

The Netherlands Open Air Museum is full of historical stories. These stories are brought to life during your visit to the museum.

You can play an exciting smugglers game with your whole family, try to find your way out of the mysterious maze, bake your own bread or learn how to milk a cow!

phOTO: DiueiNe_mONTeirO

1

renting or buying a bicycle or a bakfiets

3

Beaches and lakes

The enchanting Efteling in Kaatsheuvel with fantastic rides and the fairy tale forest is a trip well worth making. In my family’s opin­ ion the best theme park ever. It has some­ thing to offer the whole family. Depart early in the morning so you make the most of it, and do bring a buggy or rent a bolder car for little legs. The exciting rides will thrill you and the magical forest will inspire you. In its adopted role as the ‘guardian of fairy tales’, the Efteling has protected these magical fairy tales for more than 60 years, keeping Fairies & Magic alive – for young and old.

mOvie: ADriAN4 4uk

5

Beaches and lakes, great for family fun and days out with friends. There’s nothing more refreshing than a nice sea breeze on a sunny day. A few of our tips would be: Zoutelande beach in Zeeland, the beaches of Hoek van Holland and Scheveningen; and the Lakes in Friesland, or the Loosdrechtse Plassen.

4

phOTO: mArie-ii

mOvie: efTeliNg

magic of The Efteling

Dutch capital of events - Rotterdam In Rotterdam, which the Lonely Planet charac­ terised as having an ‘oh so cool spirit’, there is Euromast , Splashtours & KidsMarina. It’s a great family day out and is known as the ‘Dutch capital of events’. There’s always some festival, fair or other activity in Rotterdam especially for children and they often create their own beaches along the Maas in the summer, some­ thing in itself to see.

access | summer | 41

Community

Where Filipinos find ‘home’ in the Netherlands

photos: Myra Colis

By Myra Colis

42 | access | summer

Filipinos worldwide are known for their friendliness, hospitality and cheerfulness towards fellow Filipinos and foreigners alike. For Filipinos who really want to connect, building new circles of friends and acquaintances in a foreign country can come naturally.

For a span of 9 years in China, I’d made friends with more or less only 15 Filipinos! In the Netherlands, however, I’ve already met and known more than a hundred Filipinos in just 2 years here! What made this huge difference?

Unlike my experience in China, one can find many active Philippine organisations in the Netherlands that both new comers and old timers can call a place like home.

Where Philippine connections begin

The Philippines is the 5th largest Christian country and the 3rd largest Catholic country in the world. So it’s no surprise that more than 15% of the listed Filipino organisations in the Netherlands are religious groups, including the Filipino Catholic Community, Jesus is Lord and the Word International Ministries. In Christian communities, this is where Filipinos start to develop strong bonding. This connection typically leads to formation of socially oriented activities like community picnics in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day or fundraising events for victims of natural calamities in the Philippines. Notably, every Filipino gathering comes with salu-salo (means eating together).

Empowering Philippine women for over 20 years

Of about 18,600 first and second generation Filipinos in the Netherlands, more than 80% are women. In 1991, the Stichting Bayanihan (Philippine Women’s Centre in the Netherlands) was established to advance the participation, integration and emancipation of Filipinas through social service and orientation trainings on the rights of women and migrants, domestic ­violence, intercultural communication and upbringing of children.

Of about 18,600 first and second generation Filipinos in the Netherlands, more than 80% are women.

In fact, Bayanihan currently serves as a social cultural counsellor to relevant Dutch institutions such as Jeudgzorg and Zorginstellingen, acting as support, ­cultural communicator and bridge to kababayans (fellow Filipino) whose children were taken out from their homes. It also received the Banaag (bright light) Award in 2012, the Presidential Award for Filipino » access | summer | 43

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“

Does your logo reflect

who you are? A professional and suitable corporate

image makes your company trustworthy, and adds to your self-confidence.

M-space is a graphic design studio based in The Hague, with experience with international clients. To find out more, and discuss your needs and interests, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

www.m-space.nl

Community | Where filipinos find ‘home’ in the Netherlands

Individuals and Organisations Overseas, and was commended for its work on ensuring the well-being of Filipino au pairs and marriage migrants in the Netherlands. In April 2014, Bayanihan’s Seniors Group was formed to provide the same service for the Filipino seniors.

LSE: a new home for aspiring Filipino leaders and social entrepreneurs

LSE stands for ‘Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship’, the two cornerstones of a 6-month, non-for-profit, empowerment programme for Filipino migrants and overseas workers.

The LSE Netherlands was launched in September 2013. To complete the programme, participants must prepare and present a business plan to a panel of experts by the end of the course.

LSE attracts participants of all ages and diverse backgrounds with 41 graduates in 2014 and nearly 40 enrolees this year.

These are few of the many ‘homes’ for Filipinos in the Netherlands. To further connect with the community, Filipinos en masse are celebrating the Philippine

phOTO: myrA COlis

Did you k now..

There a . re over 10 milli Filipino on migr (10% of ants worldwid e the Phi l i p p i n e populat ion).

Independence Day this summer at Spaarnwoude Houtrak on June 6th and at Den Haag’s Zuiderpark on the 13th. When craving for Philippine delicacies simply drop by at Baryo Pilipinas restaurant or check out fresh Philippine produce made available in the Netherlands by Sarap Pinoy. «

About the author Myra Colis is a Filipino migrant and entrepreneur. She arrived in 2012 and founded E3 Data Intelligence Services, offering market research services and organising educational training events.

She is also on the Board of Stichting Bayanihan and the LSE Secretariat Team. access | summer | 45

Education | Partner feature

Languages, both new and old, come to life at the DISDH

Languages play a vital role at the German International School The Hague. While German is the main language of instruction, English and Dutch make up key ­e lements in the education offered from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

In secondary school, French is added to the curriculum making DISDH students’ truly multilingual.

Next to the modern languages taught at the school, a select group of students learn Latin. It is particularly through their experience that the image of languages coming alive can best be depicted. Bringing a dead language back to life can be quite a challenge. As opposed to the other modern languages taught at the school, Latin cannot be easily practised out on the streets, it is not a language the students use on holiday nor does it seem particularly 46 | access | summer

helpful in the modern world. Yet, it is a language which helps students learn structure and proves helpful when learning other languages.

This makes the enthusiasm the students show for learning Latin all that more impressive.

“Learning Latin is fun and gives me a feeling of success.”

Students receive weekly lessons both on a one-to-one basis as well as in small groups of two to four.

This ensures a relaxed learning atmosphere where individual needs are at the forefront. Each student’s learning can follow its own natural flow. The teacher picks up on the level and abilities of each of the students and designs the lessons accordingly. Under these conditions, students learn quickly and make good progress.

The method

The students learn in a cooperative manner, both from and with each other. This methodology helps

promote the student’s interest and facilitates learning. Through their Latin studies, they are able to translate original texts by the likes of Cesar and Cicero. Further, students are prepared for and have the opportunity to complete their ‘Latinum’, a recognised exam in Germany and prerequisite for certain faculties at some German universities.

Developing language skills is a priority at the German International School The Hague. Students are given the tools they need to converse, study and work in a multitude of languages. Based on their personal preference of language, students go on to study at universities all over the world. Rather than being a barrier, language opens a window of opportunity. Through their language studies, DISDH students are ready for life in an international environment while at the same time feeling at home in their guest country, the Netherlands. «

070 - 354 94 94 www.disdh.nl

“ I really enjoy the relaxed classes which make for a pleasant learning atmosphere.” access | summer | 47

Food

Briam By mAgDAliNi zOgrAfOu

I n g re d i e n

ts

gs 6-8 ser vin

led otatoes, pee p e g r la 4 • ½ cm thick 1 1 d e c li s d an s, m courgette iu d e m 3 • cm thick sliced 1-1½ ly onions, fine w o ll e y 3 • rated chopped or g ubergines, a ll a m s 4 • cm thick sliced 2-2½ pers, cut p e p ll e b n e • 3 gre into chunks h flat-leaf s e fr f o l fu d , • Han hly chopped g u o r , y le s r a p r finishing plus extra fo the dish m tomatoes, iu d e m 4 d • 400 g canne chopped, or atoes chopped tom live extra virgin o l m 0 5 2 • oil to poons toma s le b a t 2 • paste water • 350 ml • Salt ly epper, fresh p k c la B • ground 48 | access | summer

a greek vegetable dish for summer

As any expat will attest, there’s nothing better than tasting the food of your home country and savouring the flavours that are embedded in your DNA; that wake up memories and connect you to your roots. for me, it is when i cook greek food that i feel the happiest.

Briam is a traditional Greek dish of vegetables – potatoes, courgettes, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes – baked in the oven with onions, parsley and lots of olive oil. After a couple of hours of slowly simmering, they become sweet and melt in your mouth while the sumptuous sauce gets infused with their freshness and deep flavour.

Feta cheese and crusty bread are all the accompaniments you’ll need.

Just make sure you have enough, because once you start dipping that bread into the sauce, there’s no turning back.

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Note: Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over each layer of vegetables as you add them to the pan rather than solely at the end so the dish is seasoned throughout.

Arrange the potatoes at the bottom of a large baking dish and add the sliced courgettes on top.

These two vegetables need to be at the bottom of the

pan as they require more time to cook.

Add half of the onions, followed by the sliced aubergines. Add the rest of the onions and the bell peppers. Add the tomatoes and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. Add the tomato paste to 350 ml of water and stir to dissolve.

Pour it all over the vegetables along with the olive oil. Add a last sprinkling of salt and pepper. Mix a little with a large spoon without messing up the vegetable layers and place the baking pan on the lower rack of the oven.

Check the vegetables every half hour, mixing each time carefully with a large spoon.

The briam will be ready after about 2 hours or when the vegetables are soft and crispy around the edges.

The tomato sauce should be shiny, rich and plentiful.

Allow to cool slightly and serve sprinkled with some chopped fresh parsley. «

About the chef Magdalini Zografou is a Greek girl cooking in her little expat kitchen in the Netherlands. mylittleexpatkitchen.blogspot.com access | summer | 49

Volunteering | partner feature

Thinking about volunteering? That’s great! Whether you have recently moved to the city or have already settled in, the volunteer The hague event offers something for everyone.

volunteer The hague event:

discover new opportunities

070 - 302 4444 www.volunteerthehague.nl

Taking place on 11 June from 16:30-19:00 this event will showcase the new and exciting volunteering opportunities open to internationals living in The Hague. It will take place in the cultural heart of the city, at Theater aan het Spui on the Spuiplein. Representatives from various organisations such as Laluz, Stichting Present, Den Haag Cares, ACCESS, The Hungry Mind and The World in your Classroom among many more will be attending, offering you information and a chance to sign up. After browsing the information stands, there will be plenty of time to mingle with fellow-inter-

50 | access | summer

nationals and enjoy a tasty selection of Dutch food and drinks.

Why Volunteer?

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the motivation, what unites people is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

Volunteer jobs come in all shapes and sizes. The time commitment can differ from a few hours a day to several times a week. Tasks vary in complexity and specialisation and can be done by you or with a group of co-workers or friends. It could

be having a weekly coffee with an elderly person, cleaning up a garden, cooking for the homeless or organising a fun afternoon for children with disabilities.

The World in your Classroom

An example of a volunteer project is ‘The World in your Classroom’ (TWIYC), during which internationals give guest lectures about their home countries to Dutch high school students – teaching them about different cultures and giving them the chance to practice their English. Joana Bouza Serrano – a history teacher and writer from

programme highlights • guest speaker • meet & greet with volunteer organisations • volunteer job market • Drinks & bites Date Thursday 11 June 2015 Time 16:30 - 19:00 Location Theater aan het spui, spuiplein

Portugal – who participated last year, had this to say about the experience. “I moved to The Hague with my husband and two children last year and was looking for a way to get to know my new home town. My own children go to an international school, so it was very interesting to learn more about how the Dutch high school system works. I would really encourage people to volunteer as there is a lot you can get out of it.

TWIYC allowed me to experience the international atmosphere of this remarkable historical city and I greatly enjoyed meeting my fellow lecturers from all over the world!” «

Volunteer The Hague event You’re invited!

Thursday 11 June - from 16:30 to 19:00 pm - Theater aan het Spui - The Hague www.volunteerthehague.nl/event

VOLUNTEER THE HAGUE

access | summer | 51

Ostrich Pillow Light This portable, adjustable and comfortable pillow is a must-have for any trip.

The Ostrich Pillow Light is perfect for power nap­ ping, allowing you to catch a quick snooze on an airplane or in a car. www.ostrichpillow.com

€34

Summer Travel Essentials

BY CHRISTOPHER AN-TRAUMER

PhoneSoap Polish free

AirHelp

App!

AirHelp helps air passengers get compensation from air­ lines – between €200- €600 – when their flight gets can­ celled, delayed or overbooked.

If the claim is successful, AirHelp keeps a 25% contingent fee from the final payout.

Our phones and electron­ ics are filthy and it’s not hard to see why. Clean, sanitise and polish your phone and other elec­ tronic devices with this wax-based antibacterial polish. www.phonesoap.com

www.getairhelp.com

€13 52 | ACCESS | SUMMER

Shopping Rolo Travel Bag Kindle Voyage

€ 20 6

This is Amazon’s most popular e-reader to date, and probably the best e-reader ever. The Kindle Voyage is glareresistant, ­hi-res, and thinner than ever. Leave your books at home and pick up one of these e-readers!

This super-compact travel bag may be the most conve­ nient option for travelling yet.

It’s a carry-on and a portable wardrobe all-in-one, giving immediate access to exactly what you want, and the attached hanging hook allows you to hang it up at your destination. www.rolotravel.com

www.amazon.com

Whether you’re making your way by plane, train, automobile, or even on your own two feet, no trip is complete without travel accessories.

Here are 7 great products and services that will make your life so much easier.

SWIMS loafers from

€85

The SWIMS loafers offer the utmost in versatile footwear: wear them on the beach, on a boat or even at the office.

And when the summer season is over, throw them in your washing machine! www.swims.com

€46

Connect This free app brings together your social networks, email and phone contacts by putting them all on a convenient world map. You get an alert when a friend is nearby or in your city – at home or when you travel – so meeting up is that much easier. www.connect.com

free

App!

ACCESS | SUMMER | 53

Education | partner feature

Mother Nature at True Colors mother Nature is True Colors’ playground. There is a corner in rijswijk where children cared for by True Colors childcare are encouraged to forage in the exciting discovery corners; chase in a game of hideand-seek; splash about with water or study the creepy crawlies.

As soon as the sun comes out, the doors at True Colors slide open to a world of indoor and outdoor play and creative activity.

Nature at every step

070 792 0270 www.truecolorschildcare.eu

Dining out in the picnic corner is a favourite for all the children. Even more exciting are picking fresh cherry tomatoes, strawberries or salad for lunch from the rooftop garden. Regina Stork, Manager at True Colors explains: “… we help

54 | access | summer

children appreciate and enjoy nature and all it has to offer.” And what about sleeping outdoors?

At True Colors, weather permitting, children are able to sleep outdoors with all the benefits these have.

In fact, even children who struggle to go to sleep often fall asleep more easily and also sleep for longer when they do so in the fresh air, bundled up cosy and warm. A practice common in Scandinavia, this is new to the Netherlands.

Added value

Children at True Colors are from parents who work for international organisations and companies such as the European Patent Office and Shell. They all have busy jobs and a young family. Providing an earlybird tasty breakfast is just one of the ways True Colors can help relieve some of the pressure on

photos: True Colors

­ arents. Some parents find this p very helpful, and for the children it forms a sociable and great start to the day. The children also get a hot meal at lunchtime.

The Netherlands is a country with lots of water. So the sooner children get used to it, the better. This is why swimming lessons are provided to children from the age of 2.5. It starts with becoming at ease around water and only later evolves into proper swimming lessons. There is also yoga, music and toddler’s gym ­lessons and regular visits from a children’s hairdresser complete

As soon as the sun comes out, the doors at True Colors slide open. the picture. Sound like home?

Good. It is what we aim to be, a home from home.

True Colors is an international childcare centre in Rijswijk near The Hague. It has been serving the children of the local international community for over 10 years! Want to know more, feel free to visit and keep your eye on this space for updates on all we do. « access | summer | 55

Do you want to learn English or Dutch? > Summer intensives in either English or Dutch > Multiple locations > Business English > Dutch & English for all levels E : languages@britishschool.nl W : bsnlanguagecentre.nl T : 070 315 4080

ACCESS Ezine quarter pageCORRECT - APR2015indd.indd 1

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Innovative International Education

Are you looking to expand your horizons and meet new people?

Then connecting women is for you!

Come join us to meet an international community of diverse women and to listen to an inspiring speaker at one of our gatherings.

We meet on the first Monday of every month (except August and January) in The Hague.

You don’t need to be a member to join our events.

For more information visit our website... www.connectingwomen.nl

“Learning is the Heart of The International School of The Hague” E: ish.admissions@ishthehague.nl

I: www.ishthehague.nl

T +31(0)70 328 1450

ACCESS Trainers

Meet our Trainers ACCESS Trainers are an integral part of the ACCESS Community. They provide training opportunities on topics of relevance to the international community ACCESS serves, in English or other languages. Trainers who work with ACCESS are vetted for their relevancy to the international community.

We offer courses in the following categories:

• Creative • Cultural awareness • Global mobility • Having a baby • Health and physical well being • Languages and art • Professional skills development Are you interested in being part of the ACCESS trainer network?

Do you have a course, which provides value to the international community?

Contact ced@access-nl.org or click here for more information.

Have a look at all the courses and register online:

access-nl.org/courses-workshops.aspx Meet our Trainers online:

access-nl.org/meet-the-trainers.aspx

Digital photography Megan Alter

Professional photographer & photography teacher Amsterdam

Learn to take better photos. Megan believes in learning by doing; her classes not only teach theory, but how to put that theory into practice. Sign up for a class now and take control of your camera so you can express yourself more fully and preserve beautiful memories with your images.

www.meganalter.com/classes access | summer | 57

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s on l i n e at www . acc e s s - n l . o r g , o r contact t r a i n e r d i r e ct l y .

Health and nutrition Joyce Bergsma

Nutritional therapist Amsterdam

www.eatlivelovefood.com

Trained in the UK, Joyce Bergsma offers private consultations and also seminars in corporate spaces. She specialises in ­mental health and how nutrient deficiencies influence it.

Her successful weight loss programme, fun and informative workshops on Fermentation, Mindful Eating and Adrenal Fatigue are the perfect introduction to changing your ingrained habits.

Career coaching Caroline van den Bogaard

International career coach Amsterdam & via Skype

www.cctransitions.com

Caroline inspires and motivates international professionals to look for ways to continue their career in a new country, and to make the transition easier through career coaching.

She knows the challenges and opportunities that profession­ als face when transitioning to another country, having lived and worked abroad herself. She is a certified career coach and has a Master’s degree in occupational psychology.

Career and life coaching Marie Dewulf

International career and life coach

the Netherlands & via Skype

www.coach2moveon.com

Marie is an expatriate, a Life and Career Coach and trainer/ facilitator whose focus is on cross-cultural adaptation, c­ommunication skills, and career development/transition.

She works with you to discover what your hidden talents are and how these can be identified and released to unlock YOUR potential. It’s about discovering what you can do with a guide by your side.

Learning Dutch Nitha Dijkstra Dutch Language Courses The Hague

www.dutchenroute.nl

58 | access | summer

There is no better way to get to know a country and the people than by learning the language. Nitha Dijkstra has taught Dutch for almost ten years now and with her company she offers lively courses, with the emphasis on enjoyable, practi­ cal and effective. With a lot of energy and a down to earth attitude Nitha will help you to learn all about the language and the culture of the Dutch.

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s on l i n e at www . acc e s s - n l . o r g , o r contact t r a i n e r d i r e ct l y .

Art history Wendy Fossen

Freelance Art historian & Art history teacher The Hague

www.casadellarte.nl

Wendy is owner of Casa dell’Arte and works as a freelance art historian. She has been giving art history courses in both Dutch and English for over 7 years. She also works as a museum guide at the Gemeentemuseum, and as a tour guide in Italy. Wendy holds degrees from the Universities of Leiden and Amsterdam and from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale

Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

Truus has over 25 years experience in Dutch midwifery and related areas. She holds a Dutch equivalent of a BA in Educa­ tional Sciences from Amsterdam University and graduated from Amsterdam Midwifery College in 1988. Truus has been an ACCESS trainer since 2005, specialised in prenatal individual or group information sessions for expat couples expecting a baby in the Netherlands.

IT and Self defence William Rumley-van Gurp Professional personal development trainer The Hague & Rotterdam

www.cftrainingtoday.com

William is a qualified and experienced trainer, able to offer tailor-made courses in a range of IT and Self defense areas.

He has 26 years experience in Self defence and Karate. He has also been teaching people to use Microsoft applications since 1997 when working as an IT Trainer for an international organisation based in The Hague.

Arabic and calligraphy lessons Khaled Khaled

Arabic language lecturer Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht

english.arabisch.nu

Khaled has lived in the Netherlands since 1969. He studied Linguistics of Middle Eastern Languages for 8 years at the University of Amsterdam, specialising in the Arabic language and culture. Khaled offers intensive lessons in the Arabic ­language and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, and can also pro­ vide calligraphy lessons.

access | summer | 59

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s on l i n e at www . acc e s s - n l . o r g , o r contact t r a i n e r d i r e ct l y .

Breastfeeding and maternity care consultations Helen Marshall

Lactation consultant and Kraamverzorgster greater The Hague area

helen.marshall1@gmail.com

Helen is a qualified Lactation Consultant IBCLC who helps new mothers who are experiencing challenges in breastfeed­ ing and in maternity care. She qualified as a Paediatric Nurse in Scotland and now supports and educates new mothers in and around The Hague. Helen gives courses and consultations in English and in Dutch to provide support for breastfeeding and mothers-to-be.

Career development and Job hunting Teresa Moynihan

Career coaching & Job hunting support greater The Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

Teresa Moynihan is a HR Professional and a Certified and Licensed Career Counsellor with a Postgraduate qualification in Career and Talent Management from Kingston University in London, UK. Teresa’s extensive experience in HR and Recruitment enables her to incorporate this knowledge into coaching situations involving career issues.

Childbirth preparation Nester Moyo

Senior midwifery advisor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

Nester is a Zimbabwean Midwife Educator who has lived in the Netherlands since 2001, and has worked with ACCESS conducting child birth preparation classes since 2002. Nester is well versed in the education and practice of midwifery in the Netherlands, as she has been a visiting lecturer to some of the midwifery universities in the Netherlands.

Childbirth preparation Chitra Natarajan Childbirth Educator Utrecht

www.akriti.nl

60 | access | summer

Chitra is a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner & Lamaze ­Certified Childbirth Educator. She enjoys her role as someone who can support, help and guide a family during Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Postpartum. Chitra is currently in the process of completing Hypno Fertility Educator certifi­ cate through HypnoBirthing Institute.

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s on l i n e at www . acc e s s - n l . o r g , o r contact t r a i n e r d i r e ct l y .

Physical stress management Dora Lucia Neves

Movement practitioner & massage therapist The Hague

www.consciousrebalance.com

Dora is a qualified professional with 18 years’ experience in physical stress management. With her training in movement skills and massage techniques she has developed her mobile practice Conscious Rebalance which offers Posture Realign­ ment workshops and classes for groups or 1-1 training ­sessions as well as a variety of massage techniques at home or the workplace.

Becoming Bicultural Katerina Pouliasi

Cross-Cultural Psychologist (PhD) Research and training the Netherlands

www.in2cultures.nl

When you live actively with two cultures (between your own family, organisations or society at large) you, partly uncon­ sciously, partly deliberately, acquire a bicultural mind: become able to think and behave in ways that fit different cultures.

Katerina has extensively investigated biculturalism among children and adults. With her tailor-made surveys and work­ shops she will help you discover and advance your potential.

Pre- and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper

Breathing and relaxation therapist/Yoga instructor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

Joke has been working in the yoga field for 25 years (Pregnancy yoga for 18 years). Through different kinds of schooling (Breathing and Relaxation) she has developed a practical preparation for labour and offers tools to cope with fear and pain. Being fully informed and prepared makes for a less stressful delivery.

Coaching with archery Jac Rongen

International coach and facilitator Amsterdam

www.rongen.com

Jac has more than 20 years of experience in helping people deal with personal issues through archery. His method is swift and relaxed as the sessions take place in a private park.

Jac feels that the best way to deal with past pain or future anxiety is to focus on the present while learning new skills in archery. This allows one to focus on the here and now rather than on past problems in order to achieve more in the future. access | summer | 61

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s on l i n e at www . acc e s s - n l . o r g , o r contact t r a i n e r d i r e ct l y .

Helping you feel at home in the Netherlands Caitríona Rush

Cross-cultural consultant the Netherlands

www.athomeabroad.nl

Caitríona has spent 18 years living and working in 8 countries around the globe. She provides workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions to both individuals and businesses.

Her goal: to help internationals be happy living in the ­Netherlands, and to facilitate companies in achieving increased effectiveness and success when doing business with other cultures.

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman

Fysiotherapistacupuncturist The Hague

www.partnersinwellness.nl

Lee has undertaken extensive post-grad courses specialising in childbirth preparation, prenatal and postpartum com­ plaints, menopause and infertility. Lee is currently practicing physiotherapy and acupuncture in a private practice in ­Voorburg and shares facilitation of the ACCESS childbirth preparation courses. She has been a Dutch resident for the past 20 years and a childbirth educator for ACCESS for 15 years.

Life coaching Carolyn Vines

Certified core energy life coach the Netherlands

youfirstcoaching.com

Besides being a Certified Professional Coach, Carolyn is an award-winning blogger, international speaker, author of the memoir “Black and (A)broad: Traveling Beyond the Limita­ tions of Identity”, and mother of 3 bicultural, bilingual kids.

She teaches parents experiencing mid-life crises, who also have small kids, how to unplug from their external busy-ness and reconnect to themselves and find their own solutions.

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz

Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

62 | access | summer

Ria is a qualified antenatal teacher with over 15 years experi­ ence. Ria trained with the Stichting ter Verbreiding van de Psycho Prophylaxes Method, a Dutch Lamaze variant. She is a lactation consultant, personal coach and is qualified to teach Baby Massage. Ria is in the process of obtaining the official Lamaze Trainer Certificate so she can train others to give this wonderful course.

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“Hi, my name is Kasia. I’m an expert in expats. So I know what you’re going through. New environment. New job.

New banking products. My multilingual colleagues at our International Client Desk and I are specialised in advising and serving you! At abnamro.nl/expat you’ll find more information and the Mobile Banking app in English.

You’re always welcome!”