Hey there, :)I'm an Australian, aged 21, who came to Holland in April 2001 on the Netherlands-Australia Working Holiday Scheme. I'm a computer graphic artist and web-designer. I travelled to Holland to be with my dutch girlfriend, with the intention of perhaps staying more permenantly. I am living with my girlfriend and her family in Drachten, Friesland.
While life here is wonderful and there's many new things to experience, I have encountered many problems in finding a job. After finally obtaining the correct WorkPermit and a SoFi number - it seems that in Friesland there are literally no job opportunities of any kind for anyone who only speaks English. I have contacted every uitzendbureau(employment agency) in Drachten, also some in Leeuwarden and Groningen and none are willing to help someone who doesn't speak Dutch.
While I always intended on learning Dutch, I had no idea it would be absolutely necessary to learn it so quickly. There are courses available for learning Dutch in Drachten, but they are too expensive and run for an entire year. My only option is to teach myself Dutch, and do it fast to make myself employable, as I do wish to stay in Holland but I cannot afford to live without income for more than a few months.
At present (05/22/01) my level of knowledge is low and my ability to speak dutch is limited to only the most basic of phrases and expressions. I would be grateful for any help or advice anyone could give. In return I can help out with my abilities as an artist & webdesigner. (you can see my work at: http://members.dingoblue.net.au/~djgraf1x/_cv/ )
Its a pleasure and an honour to be part of the Learn Dutch Connection and I look forward to being an active member. :)
Daniel.