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Living with the Weather in the Netherlands
f you're an American evaluating best places to move abroad, ask yourself if the weather there will be an issue.

Darien Wilson
Jan 213 min read


Setting Expectations for Scouting Trips When Planning an International Move to the Netherlands
If you have the funds, a trip to scope out the Netherlands ahead of your move is a great idea, but you probably won't be able to view potential rental properties.
Here's why.

Darien Wilson
Nov 13, 20254 min read


Renting with an Institutional Landlord as a New Immigrant in the Netherlands
Renting a property from an institutional landlord is not a practical choice for new immigrants to the Netherlands. Here's why.

Darien Wilson
Oct 7, 20254 min read


Life on the DAFT Residence Permit: Integrating without Built-in Connections
Compared to Americans who emigrate for love, school, or work, Americans who come on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) residence permit can face unique challenges when it comes to integration into Dutch society.

Darien Wilson
Sep 19, 20253 min read


Life on the DAFT Residence Permit: Work-Life Balance
Life on DAFT can feel like standing on the outside looking in at a culture with great work-life balance. You can see the benefits of work-life balance in action, but they don't apply to you.

Darien Wilson
Sep 10, 20255 min read


Compulsory Identification in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, carrying valid identification is compulsory for everyone aged 14 and older.

Darien Wilson
Aug 13, 20253 min read


Understanding Trash and Recycling in the Netherlands
You've cooked your first meal as a new resident in the Netherlands, and as you're cleaning up after dinner, you realize you aren't sure how trash and recycling work here. What goes where?

Darien Wilson
Jul 30, 20253 min read


Understanding the Housing Rental Pricing Structure in the Netherlands
Tulips, bicycles, and windfmills...the charm of the Netherlands may have you asking yourself: "Should I live here?" By Darien Wilson ...

Darien Wilson
Jul 23, 20253 min read


Gaytriarchs Podcast Interview
Excited to share that I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Gaytriarchs podcast!

Darien Wilson
Jun 21, 20251 min read


Understanding the DAFT Residence Permit: Why Rent to a DAFTer?
What is the DAFT Residence Permit?
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Netherlands established on March 27, 1956. It allows American citizens to obtain Dutch residence permits as self-employed entrepreneurs.

Darien Wilson
Jun 5, 20252 min read


Beyond Amsterdam: Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands
By Darien Wilson A house for sale in Amsterdam When most Americans think of the Netherlands, Amsterdam usually comes to mind. With lanky...

Darien Wilson
Jun 3, 20255 min read


As An American Moving to the Netherlands, What Can I Bring?
An international move goes well beyond a typical domestic one, because you're officially importing your belongings. That means it's important to understand the rules around what you can bring, and when.

Darien Wilson
May 23, 20254 min read


Packing Essentials for Your First Weeks As An American Moving Abroad: Netherlands Edition
Moving abroad soon? Learn what to pack in your suitcase versus what to buy in your new country — plus tips to survive those first few weeks without your stuff.

Darien Wilson
May 22, 20258 min read


Understanding Dutch Housing Terminology: A Guide for Americans Renting in the Netherlands
As an American searching for a property to rent in the Netherlands, you may find yourself confused or even bewildered by some of the Dutch housing terminology—especially after translating listings from Dutch to English. For example, gestoffeerd literally means “upholstered,” but what does that actually mean in terms of housing?
Here’s a quick breakdown of common Dutch housing rental terms and how they compare to what you might be used to seeing when shopping for properties i

Darien Wilson
May 20, 20254 min read


Essential Apps for Americans New to the Netherlands
Here are a few apps that have been vital to my life as an American living in the Netherlands, along with cultural translations so you'll understand why you'll need them.

Darien Wilson
May 14, 20254 min read


DAFT Visa Housing Challenges: Why Finding Housing in the Netherlands Presents Challenges for Americans Moving Abroad
One of the first steps of the DAFT visa (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) application is to secure housing in the Netherlands, and that presents a number of challenges.

Darien Wilson
May 12, 20255 min read


31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Coaching and Consulting for Americans Considering A Move Abroad
I offer one-on-one consulting for people who want an experienced, strategic thought partner—and maybe even a little accountability along the way.

Darien Wilson
May 10, 20252 min read


Part 31 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : Finding Purpose
One thing I’ve noticed time and again among others who’ve moved abroad is that the happiest immigrants are the ones who are moving toward something.

Darien Wilson
May 9, 20253 min read


Part 30 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : The Global Housing Crisis
If you’ve been frustrated by the housing market in the U.S., the unfortunate news is... this is a global problem. Countries around the world are dealing with record housing shortages, rising rents, and slow construction.

Darien Wilson
May 8, 20252 min read


Part 29 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Disability Access Abroad
If you're an American abroad, what kind of disability access can you expect in your new location?

Darien Wilson
May 7, 20254 min read
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