Inburgering loosely means integration. It is expected of all immigrants to the Netherlands not EU affiliated and between the ages of 18-65 to take a test proving that they are capable of integrating. There are four different tests you can take:
The test I will be taking is the Staatsexamen II. The Staatsexamen focuses only on the language. You learn about the culture through readings, videos, and listening activities, but the main goal is to be fluent enough in Dutch to get by in the Netherlands and - for lack of a better way to put it - prove yourself useful to Dutch society. The Staatsexamen II tests Dutch as a second language. You need to have passed this test in order to apply for Dutch jobs and attend Dutch universities.
The first two tests are mostly for those belonging to Eastern cultures. These students learn the language as well, but the underlying idea is that they learn the basics of being a Dutch citizen (samenleving): what form to fill out if there's an accident, who to report a robbery to, where to go to get your driver's license, how to apply for a job, what to say to the medewerkster (cashier/salesperson) at the kassa (register/checkout) when you're checking out at the grocery store, etc.
From here, I can no longer speak with any kind of authority on the first three exams - I'm having enough trouble trying to figure out exactly what it is I'm supposed to do (for the record, so is the city hall and the school where the classes are held... ah, Dutch bureaucracy)! I have five years to take and pass the exam. Once the exam has been passed, I get a diploma showing that I have mastered Dutch as a second language.
To prepare for the tests, you can study on your own or at an institute of your choice. Or, you can take naturalization classes known as inburgeringscurses. This is what I have chosen to do. And I'll tell you why. As long as I attend 80% of the classes, it's free. The city of Utrecht pays for it, books and all! A whole year of classes three days a week for three hours a pop. All the books you use during your year of study are also included. If you miss more than 20% of the classes, you pay a whopping €270. The average you can expect to pay at an institute is €400 for a 12-15 week course. And books and CDs aren't included. See, I haven't even been here a year and I'm already thinking like a Dutchie!
So, that's just a bit of an overview. For those yearning to know, I have already started (if you can call it that). I've experienced some adventures since day one (if you can call it that), so check back to hear all about it!
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4 comments:
Veel succes & I look forward to reading all about how it goes for you! This is great you are sharing about this here since it seems the program has made some slight changes since I took part. From all that I have read of your thoughts & attitude about living here so far, I believe you'll do wonderfully!
I had to do a class switch, but I'm very happy with where I am now. It's a long time, but I think I'm ready for it:) I'm curious to hear about your experience!
Ohh... i'11 be taking the statexamen II too.. but the problem with the inburgeringscursus that i'm taking is that the school isn't that great. I'm hoping to switch schools as i'm learning alot faster than my classmates (compared to people with lower education level.) Do you know how to go about doing that? From the school assigned by the gemeenteehuis, to one of your choice - and hopefully the gemeente still pays for it?
Hi Shanni! I honestly just started and they put me in the wrong group as well. All I did was switch from level 2 to level 3/4 by talking to my teacher who arranged for me to move to another class. Now I'm happy as can be! If you are in the highest level your school offers and aren't happy with it, I would recommend setting up a meeting with your contact person at the gemeente. Veel succes!
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