Dutch language course (Inburgeringcursus) is not paid by the city hall anymore?

When you choose to immigrate in the Netherlands, it is REQUIRED to do the inburgeringcursus (dutch language exam). You need to learn the language in order to make your life here easier, talk with the people and live normally.

Yes, you read it right, starting January of 2013, all immigrants who will do the dutch language course will pay the said course by themselves. The Gemeente (City hall) will not pay for it anymore. It is a new law. The over all course estimation will be around 5000 euros (or lower).

I am lucky that I did the course and got the diploma before this law. I think you can get a studiefinanciering (money finance for studying) in IB GROEP. This money is payable after 6 months of getting the inburgering diploma. For more info, check the website of DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). Hope this article will help you.

***This law is not applicable to all immigrants, some immigrants are NOT REQUIRED to do the said course.*** Check the website of IND or DUO for more informations.

3 years

Most people said, the first 3 years in other countries are the biggest adjustments, especially here in NL. Number one of that adjustment is the culture then followed by the language. Dutch is one of the most difficult languages in the world. I am proud of myself that I can communicate now with the people around me (not yet fluently but at least I'm doing my best).

I finished my inburgeringcursus, got my diploma, got a work and now my main goal is to get a EU citizenship and maybe a driving permit.

With my baby Nia (actually she's 2 and half now, not a baby anymore, but she acts like one from time to time) she's going to a peuterspeelzal (kindergarten). She's doing great and growing fast. Here's a new picture of her.

Proud of what she made

Now, I can see myself getting old here in NL.