The Netherlands has long been a centre of commercial and cultural success, using its citizens' ingenuity to hold back the sea, create beautiful art and amass fortunes built on international trade.

People in the Netherlands are known for their commitment to tolerance and acceptance of outsiders, which has often helped fuel the growth and vibrancy of the financial and cultural arenas. With one of the highest population densities in the world and close proximity to many of Europe's largest population centres, the Netherlands is ideally situated for foreign business endeavours. An international assignment in the Netherlands can be challenging, however, as you try to adapt and understand the business and social subtleties of Dutch culture. A thorough understanding of the cultural and business landscape of the Netherlands will make your transition to living and working in the Netherlands much smoother and effective.

Communicaid's Living & Working in the Netherlands courses are designed to respond to the needs of international assignees being seconded to the Netherlands by providing practical information and advice on the various aspects of living and working in the Netherlands . Participants of a Living and Working in the Netherlands course will also gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying elements that shape Dutch business and social culture to help ensure their international assignment is a successful one.

Benefits

A Communicaid Living and Working in the Netherlands course will provide you with:

- A comprehensive overview of the historical, economic and social context of the Netherlands
- Key communication tools and skills to understand-and respond to- business and social   subtleties and nuances of Dutch culture
- An awareness of key cultural differences and their impact so as to overcome them
- Essential practical information about living and working in the Netherlands to improve your   international assignment

Who should attend

A Communicaid Living and Working in the Netherlands will be of benefit to you if you:

- Are about to relocate or have just relocated to the Netherlands for business purposes
- Work on short-term assignments or projects in the Netherlands and spend periods of time in    the Netherlands

Course Content

All our Living and Working in the Netherlands training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal/organisational requirements and existing skills set. A Living and Working in the Netherlands course typically includes:

- A geo-political, socio-economic and historical overview of the Netherland
- An overview of Dutch people and society: attitudes, values, lifestyle
- Practical information for relocating to the Netherlands
- Tips and strategies for successful living and working in the Netherlands
- An introduction to Dutch social and business culture and etiquette
- Attitudes and values in Dutch business culture: openness, honesty
- Management and negotiation styles
- Effective business communication: Dutch directness, body language, humour
- Using English as an international language
- Working practices in the Netherlands : time at work, greetings, meetings, presentations

Approach

Living and Working in the Netherlands courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres in London , Paris , Frankfurt and New York or at your offices in any location worldwide. We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input, activities and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Living and Working in the Netherlands course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy.

MvD - Cultural Awareness Expert - The Netherlands
BSc Economic Geography, Utrecht State University , Netherlands .

MvD is currently Director of the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), a bi-lateral trade promotional organisation with offices in Amsterdam and London . Responsible for the organisation of trade missions and trade promotional events, MvD is ideally placed to deliver programmes on securing profitable Anglo-Dutch relations.  With over 10 years' experience in this field, MvD has not only developed an in-depth knowledge of the differences in business cultures between the UK and the Netherlands, but is adept at tailoring his programmes to meet the unique requirements of each of his clients.

MvD has delivered training to a diverse range of clients including a combined Dutch and British delegation from Conoco and Fluor Daniel, comprising senior level project managers from both cultures preparing to work together.  Other examples of MvD's experience include a trade delegation from Business Link, Kent and a group of company representatives from the Republic of Slovenia intending to develop their trade links in the Netherlands .

MvD has also delivered a number of programmes for Communicaid to key senior managers of Adidas with the aim of helping the British and Dutch employees work more effectively together.  Drawing on his extensive knowledge of both cultures as well as management experience, MvD was able to bridge the gap between the two and ensure they had successful working relations.