My Dutch Schooling

My schooling days, Rotterdam

So you want to move to the amazing country of the Netherlands, but you are not sure exactly how to do it? It really is a great place to live, once you have settled in, but it can be a hard experience. -WikiHow

Last day in school

Yasmin, our beloved teacher

This is I have proven true. Moving and getting a permanent visa at The Netherlands is not easy. I am happy and thankful that I am done with all of the procedures.

This time, I would like to tell my stories about my Dutch schooling. Yes, schooling and training for my Dutch language. To all who are planning to migrate in The Netherlands, to learn and to speak their language is a must. Before I came here to live, I took first a Dutch exam at the Dutch Embassy in Manila. When I arrived here, after I gave birth to our son, I started my Dutch schooling in Rotterdam.

at the back is our school building

our farewell note for our teacher

sometimes saying goodbye is easier to write than to tell

Why do I need to attend to a Dutch school? Because within a three year period, I need to pass the Dutch Naturalization Exam. You are not permitted to take the exam unless you have taken first a Dutch language course to a school or a training center that accredited by the IND.

My schooling was every Monday evening. My husband coming home early so he can take charge in taking care of our son. I walk going to the train station, then I take the train going to Rotterdam Central.
Our school is only a few meters away at the back of Rotterdam Central. It is an old architectural building. There is a lake in front and a tram lane. We started our schooling springtime and we finished in the autumn.

farewell party

For me, I have some special memories there. It is different, when there are people who have seen how you eager to learn, how you struggles to succeed in your endeavor, and truly understand your feelings. They are all there. My classmates and our teacher.

my simple gifts

the cup of coffee for my teacher that now has a good story :)

dinner at a Vietnamese Restaurant in Rotterdam with my teacher and Malaysian classmate

we remain as friends even after school

On our last day, we have a small farewell get together. We brought foods and drinks. Our teacher brought some simple decoration to make our room festive. I wrapped gifts for my two female classmates and also for our teacher. I feel like crying when I saw how happy my teacher with my gift for her. She is really appreciative.
We became good friends. There was a time that even our course has finished, I met one of my classmates and our teacher and have dinner together. Since childhood, I have this deep respect for teachers. I admire them.

accomplished! going home after our last day in school

I also have some photos to share. I always cherish that time. I already passed the Dutch Naturalization Exam. My Dutch schooling for me was one of that moments of my lifetime.