laura89

Help!! boyfriend has moved to holland...- anyone know how easy it is to get a job.?. willing to learn dutch but as it stands I know nothing.

Also any English people living there at moment- really worried about making friends because of language barrier....

I have just finished a phd in forensic psychology not sure how easy it is to get a job in this field.

thanks for your help

scot47

Forensic Psychology - without Dutch ? Cannot see how you can expect to get anything without a high level of language skills.

BritInParis

English is widely spoken to a high standard in the Netherlands so you could certainly live there without too much difficulty. Finding employment without any Dutch language skills is likely to be a different proposition however.

If you are a forensic psychologist then you may wish to look for employment at a relevant international organisation in the Netherlands like the International Criminal Court or Europol.

Novocastrian

When I first went to work in a Max Planck Institute in Germany I spoke little or no German. It won't be a problem in e.g. a Dutch University / research Institute.

Ask your PhD supervisor for advice about Dutch academics working in your speciality.

scot47

So did you decide to move. How is the job market for forensic psychologists who do not speak Nederlands ?

Jollyjerm

Probably going to want to have the language figured out if you're working in a field that technical. That said, I hope you moved. Please update us!

scot47

Any news from OP ?

fortuner

English being widely spoken in the Netherlands really depends on where you live. From experience, it certainly isn't widely spoken to a high standard everywhere.

BritInParis

I must admit that whilst I've never had a problem only speaking English whilst in the Netherlands my experience is limited to some of the larger cities and towns. The OP didn't mention where she would be living so her experience could be different.

scot47

I am curious about how anyone could think of practising Forensic Psychology without a command of the language of the country.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_psychology

BritInParis

The ICC and its related courts as well as Europol would only require English. They're both headquartered in The Hague. Beyond that I suspect you would struggle.

Hypochondriac

I've been twice and never had a problem as everyone spoke English! Culturally though it may be a struggle. The upside I'd that it's quite close if you feel like you have to come home.

Cynic

Most people speak English to varying levels. My Mother in Law couldn't speak a word of English. I'd always advise all to try and learn the language.

GeniB

Love to know what happened to Laura? was that a panic post do you think?

I lived in NL for 30 yrs and believe me most people might be able to speak English but many won't.Like the UK and France they expect you to speak the language pretty darn quick.( which I happen to agree with btw) My OH worked in a company with only one other ex-pat when he arrived.He was on an intensive Dutch course in the first week! Noone spoke English to him ,he had to have a translator.I took a 12 week intensive course but it still took me 3yrs to master the basic every day language.Some do have language skills and can learn quickly.The OP hadn't as yet got a job so could go to college to learn.Her skills would be greatly appreciated I am sure.Wish her luck anyway in whatever she finally chose to do

scot47

My guess is that she found that to practise Forensic Psychology you have to speak, read and write the local language(s).