An introduction to Dutch history and culture

As a foreigner, travelling and finding your way around the Netherlands is not difficult.
The country is well organized, compact and pretty internationally oriented. With many signs and information also available in English. And many Dutch take pride in speaking a very comprehensible English.

So, understanding fully what's going on around you, and why, should be a piece of cake ? Well, that remains to be seen.
Because, when you listen to experts in the field, like expats and other long-stay guests, you regularly hear sounds of frustration about peculiar habits and frequent miscommunications, and how difficult it sometimes is to get real contact with the Dutch.

It also is true that many foreign residents know rather little about the backgrounds of this country. May be just because on the surface, everything seems so easy.
To understand the here and now, some historical knowledge might come in handy.

For one thing, most of the Netherlands basically being man-made lands, their history is very unique. This had strong consequences on the social and cultural level.
In the same time these parts were always intensely linked to, and extremely aware of global and European developments. And in history the Netherlands also had a remarkable influence on this outside world.
All this makes the country and the frame of mind of its people sometimes highly surprising in the eyes of a visitor, and in any case complex.

An introduction into Dutch history can be a lecture or presentation, or a more informal talk during dinner, or with coffee and cake in a restaurant or at your hotel. Any setting will lead you along some broad geographical, social and political lines that constitute the intricate history of this country. Making clearer why the Netherlands are what they are today.
Making it possible for you to understand and appreciate much better the things you see and will come across during your stay. And it is of course also an excellent opportunity for other questions you may have on this country, or simply for further practical tips for your stay in Holland.

Duration : approx 1 hour.

• As part of an educational Dutch or European program.
• The start of a vacation in the Netherlands, e.g. a bicycle or walking tour.
• Foreigners living in Holland, e.g. business people, students, expats and their partners.
• Foreign guests of Dutch based companies.

A lecture can be combined with a day trip on history and culture, see the routes- and what-pages of this site.

Consider a special business excursion if you want to dig deeper into the Dutch character and customs in business and trade. Also much easier to grasp with some background knowledge of history.