PSG Welcome Guide 2012 - 2013 - UWC Maastricht

PSG
Welcome Guide
2012 - 2013
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Word of Welcome
The Parent Support Group (PSG) and Welcome Committee at United
World College Maastricht welcome you to Maastricht.
We hope that this Welcome Guide will be of help to you and your
family in getting settled in the Maastricht area. The sooner you get
settled, the sooner you consider it a home from home, a place where
you are just as comfortable and content as if you were home!
We all remember those first few weeks of adjusting to a new country.
This Welcome Guide was compiled by UWC parents. The
information is not exhaustive and is based on our subjective
experience. We try our utmost best to keep this guide up to date.
When you have additional information that is worth a mention,
please do let us know.
Parents at UWC Maastricht are quite involved at school and the
numerous volunteer-run events and activities are great ways to
meet fellow parents, to make friends with other international
families and to exchange information.
We have all been there, so please do not hesitate to participate and
to approach other parents. Also, feel free to contact your Year
Representative when you have any questions. Most Year
Representatives have been here a little longer and will be able to
help you or point you into the right direction!
A soft copy of this Welcome Guide can be obtained through the
school web: www.uwc-maastricht.com ---> School Life ---> PSG --->
PSG Welcome Guide.
Whether you will be here for a short time or somewhat longer, we
hope you will enjoy your stay!
The Welcome Committee
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Table of Contents
Important Phone Numbers …..................... 04
General Expat Info …................................. 05
A-Z Information …...................................... 06
Dutch Abbreviations …............................... 35
Useful Search Terms …............................. 37
Useful Dutch Phrases …............................ 38
Books on the Netherlands (English) …...... 39
Children's Books on the Netherlands ….... 40
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EMERGENCY NUMBER – ALARM NUMMER
112
is free from any telephone (mobile/cell or land line),
operators speak English and will contact
the appropriate emergency service:
police – politie
ambulance – ziekenauto
fire alarm - brandweer
This Dutch web site includes English information what you should do in emergencies.
In non life-threatening situations
Animal Ambulance (dierenambulance) …......................................
Dentist (tandarts), out-of-hours service, emergency only …..........
Emergency Room (Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht) …...........
Fire Department Maastricht (brandweer) …..................................
First Hart Aid (Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht) …...................
GGD (Municipal Healthcare Services) ….......................................
Huisartsenpost (HAP)
Out-of-hours services Family Doctor / GP ….................................
Police (politie) …............................................................................
Municipality (Maastricht) …............................................................
0900 – 443 3224
0900 - 424 3434
043 - 387 6700
088 – 450 7100
043 – 387 7892
043 – 850 6666
043 - 387 7777
0900 – 8844
043 – 350 5050
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EXPAT GUIDES
ACCESS
A no-for-profit organisation intended to bridge the gap between the international
community and English-speaking services available. Through this link you can download
free publications on various subjects.
EXPATICA
An English-language news & information source for people living in, working in or moving
to the Netherlands. Please find attached a copy of their Survival Guide.
Maastricht Region published "Bright side of Life", Expat Guide for the Maastricht Region 2010.
Maastricht Region is similar to its sister organisation Brainport who published Brainport
Expat Guide, an even more detailed guide to life in Eindhoven and the rest of the
Netherlands.
MAASTRICHT MUNICIPALITY (GEMEENTE MAASTRICHT)
The Maastricht Municipality web site includes useful information and comes in four languages
(Dutch, English, German and French). The “Inhabitants” Section includes info (English) on:
Municipal Service Desk, mandatory registration, traffic, parking, etc., waste and art & culture.
The “Visitor” Section includes info on traffic, parking, shopping evenings and shopping Sundays.
PROVINCE OF LIMBURG
This English brochure includes information and facts on the province of Limburg.
DUTCH NEWS IN ENGLISH:
• Crossroads, an on-line expat magazine for the Maastricht region.
• Dutch News & Dutch Daily News
• Radio Netherlands Worldwide News, news, radio, television and current affairs are all
covered in English and radio is covered in several languages.
OTHER USEFUL ENGLISH WEB LINKS & REFERENCES
• New to Holland, the official website of the Netherlands on immigration
• Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Discover the Netherlands, great children‟s website.
• Limburg Development & Investment Company LIOF, informs businesses and
entrepreneurs about possibilities the Maastricht Region offers them.
• Maastricht Region provides information on living, working, culture, education and housing
in the Maastricht Region.
• Charlzz, three countries, four languages, one website and offers an extensive overview of
all leisure activities in the Euregion Meuse-Rhine. This is a great site!
• Maastricht Cultural Highlights, your English guide to various cultural events.
• Maastricht Tourist Information, Limburg Tourist Information & Limburg Tourist Guide
• Limburg (Belgium) Tourism, on-line brochures (4 languages), great source of information!
PARENTING, ETC.
• (A)WAY: Belgian parenting magazine in English
• Kingkalli, a free German on-line family magazine:
• Parenting in Holland
• Expat Women, helping women living overseas
• Third-Culture Kids
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A-Z INFORMATION
Adapator plugs
After school day care
Airport
Allergy
Amusement & Theme Parks
Animal Farms
A.N.W.B.
A.P.K.
Baby Clinic
Baby-sitters
Bicycles
Bin liners
Birthday
Book shops
Breakfast
Carnival
Car Rental
Cash passport
Child Benefit Allowance
ChipKnip
Christmas
Christmas Markets
Cinema
Citizen Service Number
Cleaning Company
Clothes
Clothing Alerations & Tailor
International Clubs
Coffee places
Conversion Tables
Cultural Youth Pass
Daylight-saving Time
Decathlon (sports shop)
Dentist
DigiD
Dog taxes
Drive-through Restaurants
Driving
Driving licence
Dry-cleaner
Drugstore / Chemist
Dutch Public Holidays
Electricity
Factory Outlets
Fair-trade
Family Doctor / GP
Farm Shops
Fishmonger
Flowers
Furniture & Appliance Shops
Garden Centre
Gelateria
Gift Vouchers
Groceries
Gym
Gym clothes
Haberdashery
Hairdresser
Health Insurance
Health Shop
Home Improvement
Hospital
Ideal
IKEA
IND
Insurances
Integration
International Service Desk
Ironing Service
Junk Mail
Kennel
Kumulus
Kijkwijzer
Language Courses
Language Schools
Launderette
Laundry Service
Library
Light bulbs
Locksmith
Lunch boxes & beakers
Maastricht dialiect
Maastricht events
Magazines
Markets
Municipal & Regional Health Service (GGD)
Museum Card
MVV
Nightshop
Optician
Organic Food
OV-Chipkaart
Parking
Parking Disk
Passport Pictures
Pet shop
Pharmacy
Photocopy Service
Photographer
Physiotherapist
PYO – pick your own
Postal code
Post office
Play parks
Primark
Public transportation
Queen's Day
Re-cycling
Religion
Restaurants
Season tickets
Second-hand / thrift shops
Shoes
Shoe repair
Shopping centres
Shopphing hours
Shopping Sunday
Sint Nicholas
Skate parks
Smoking ban
Soft play centres
Sports
Souvenirs
Swimming lessons
Take-away meals
Taxi
Telephone & Internet
Telephone, Satellite & Radio
Stations
Theatre
Tip
Tourist Information Offices
Toy Shop
Utilities
Vaccinations
VAT
Veterinarian
Weather forecast
WiFi hotspots
Zoo / Animal parks
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A-Z INFORMATION
ADAPTOR PLUGS (OMVORMERS)
These are helpful while you settle in as it takes time to change plugs. All Dutch
electrical sockets use plugs with two circular pins which are standard
throughout much of Northern Europe.
AFTER SCHOOL DAY CARE (NA-SCHOOLSE OPVANG)
MIK (Maatwerk in Kinderopvang) stands for made-to-measure in child care and
is the main childcare provider in the Maastricht area. Their web includes
English registration documents. MIK BSO De Vlinderboom, (Kelvinstraat 3,
Maastricht) works together with UWC Maastricht. They provide pre- and after
school daycare for UWC students and are open from 7am until 7pm. Also, they
are open during the school holidays.
For information on the Dutch Childcare System click here.
AIRPORT (LUCHTHAVEN/VLIEGVELD)
Maastricht has its own airport: Maastricht Aachen Airport, Vliegveldweg 90, 6199 AD Maastricht
Airport. It currently offers flight to several European destinations.
In addition to this airport there are other nearby airports: Brussels Airport, Brussels South
Charleroi, Airport Cologne Bonn Airport, Dusseldorf International Airport, Eindhoven Airport,
Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt Hahn Airport, Liege Airport, Schiphol (Amsterdam) Airport, Weeze
Airport. easyJet offers cheap flights from Brussels Airport, Cologne Bonn Airport, Düsseldorf
International Airport and Schiphol (Amsterdam) Airport while Ryanair serves Maastricht,
Brussels Charleroi, Eindhoven, Düsseldorf Weeze and Frankfurt Hahn.
ALLERGY (ALLERGIE)
Grocery shop Albert Heijn sell the Euroshopper brand which, just as their own
brand (AH Huismerk), has clear allergy labelling. Through this link you can
print an overview of their milk free (melkvrij) and gluten free (glutenvrij)
products. Also, O'Cool, a Belgian food shop chain has a variety of gluten-free
products, while German food shops sell more lactose-free products. Bakeries
such as Bakkerij Paulissen and Bakkerij Steevens have shops in Maastricht
which sell gluten-free products! IJssalon De Wilg (Akersteenweg 66,
Maastricht) specializes in lactose-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and diabetic ice
creams!
Several students at UWC have one or more allergies and might be able to pin
point you in the right direction. It is best to contact them through the primary
school office!
AMUSEMENT & THEME PARKS (ATTRACTIEPARKEN)
For a list of Dutch parks click here and for a list of European parks click here.
ANIMAL FARMS (KINDERBOERDERIJEN)
• Daalhoeve Animal Farm, Romeinse baan 200, 6215 SK Daalhof, Maastricht
• Kinderboerderij De Wieringenberg, Maastrichterweg 2b, 6228 XT De Heeg, Maastricht
• Boerderij Oan Köbbes, Maasvelderweg 1, 6229 XT Heugem, Maastricht
• Activiteitenboerderij De Grubbe. Vijverdalseweg 1, 6226 NB Scharn, Maastricht
• Animal Farm Pietersheim, Neerharenweg 3620 Lanaken, Belgium
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A.N.W.B. (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond)
The A.N.W.B. (the Royal Dutch Touring Club) offers a wide range of services related to
roadside assistance and medical and repatriation assistance abroad, legal assistance, travel,
information products, insurances, selling travel related products and many other products and
services. By becoming a member, they provide free break down assistance via its 850 ANWB
“Wegenwacht” patrols and a total of around 50 dedicated battery vehicles. ANWB offices also
house a Tourist Information Desk (VVV) and a travel agent. They are located at Wijcker
Brugstraat 24, 6221 ED Maastricht.
APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring)
The Dutch vehicle road worthiness test is a Periodic Technical Inspection or General
Regular Safety Inspection. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the vehicle is not a
hazard on the road (it is the equivalent of an MOT in the UK). For further details in English
click here.
BABY CLINIC (CONSULTATIE BUREAU)
The consultatiebureau is a health clinic and will be responsible for providing routine healthcare
and checking the development of your child from birth until primary school at the age of 4.
Groene Kruis Dominicura runs baby clinics in Maastricht and surrounding areas and can be
contacted on 043 - 3690 680. When your child turns 4 routine health care is taken over by
Municipal & Regional Health Service (GGD), Gelissendomein 8, 6229 GJ Maastricht
BABY-SITTERS (OPPAS)
Some families who have been here a little longer might be able to help. Some secondary
school students are keen to earn some extra pocket money and some families use university
students to help out. Please do check the notice board at school (near primary school office)
where students regular leave their details or the “Parent Info” page (school life → PSG →
Parent Info).
BICYCLES (FIETSEN)
Cycling is popular as a form of daily transport. Wearing a helmet is not required by law and
therefore still optional. For further information: biking in Maastricht and where to park your bike
in Maastricht. All bike parks are still for free, but a charge of 50 Euro cent per bike could soon
be introduced. You can rent a bike (both adult and children's bikes) at Orangebike, Sint
Jacobstraat 4. Interested in buying one, Maastricht has several bikes shops where you can buy
new and second-hand bikes. Fietsspecialist "Aon de Stasie" (Stationsplein 26) is a bike shop
next to Maastricht's Railway Station which sells”, rents and repairs bikes. Jules & You also
offers a used bikes buying and selling service.
Would you like to learn how to bike? Need a refresher how to stay on? Wondering about road
signs, the proper size of a bike or where to go for a nice trip? The Maastricht Bicycle School
offers an English course for both adults and children which consists of 3 parts: riding skills,
traffic rules and signs for cyclists (including how to drive safely and legal requirements), basis
bike maintenance (simple techniques for mending tires and exchanging inner tube). Price per
part amounts 15 Euro. For further details: bikeschoolmaastricht@gmail.com.
BIN LINERS / GARBAGE BAGS (RESTZAKKEN)
You can only use special red coloured city council bin liners or garbage
bags! Most grocery shops sell these bags at their customer service
counter. For further information: Maastricht's Waste Policy.
BIRTHDAY (VERJAARDAG)
Cake (Taart)
If you plan to bake your own cake you might like to know that Dutch supermarkets do sell icing
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pens. Amazing Oriental, the Asian food shop at Mosae Forum Maastricht, does sell “‟Betty
Crocker” type cake mix and food colouring. Food colouring can also be purchased at Jamin
(Brusselse Poort 43), Cook shop "Kookhuis aan de Maes" (Markt 16-18) and Belgian
supermarkets.
Bakeries and grocery shops sell regular cakes. Carrefour in Belgium sell cakes (sponge cakes
with sugar paste) which are very similar to English cakes. However, if you are after a special
and/or personalized cake, then you should go to a bakery such as Patisserie Noblesse
(Scharnerweg 37) or Patisserie De Vries (Brusselse Poort 85). They have special cake books
from which you can order personalised novelty cakes. Alternatively, you can also order through
Blueberry's Cupcakes or Jayne's Cupcakes. You can also order a “taart op maat” cake at Hema
(Grote Staat 10).
Decorations, etc. (Versiering)
Grocery shops, toy shops, Action (Scharnerweg 66), Blokker (Muntstraat 39-41), Hema (Grote
Staat 10) and Xenos (Entre Deux, Spilstraat 6c – 20) sell a good variety of birthday invitations,
decorations, party bags, etc. If you are after helium balloons, piñata‟s, and so on then pay a
visit to In't Panhuis (Markt 74) or the Funny Deco Store (Clavecymbelstraat 68).
Party Ideas (Kinderpartijtjes)
Please find attached a few ideas of birthday party venues!
Afrikacentrum Cadier & Keer
Bisschopsmolen Maastricht
Bonnefanten Museum Maastricht
Bowling Maastricht
Bowling & Soft Play Schin op Geul
Cargo Maasmechelen & All In Echt
Discover Corner – Ontdekhoek
Fun Valley (Dagstrand Oost-Maarland)
Funville
GoGo Valkenburg
Happy Kidz
Hoensbroek Castle
Kralen & Zo
Maastricht Underground
McDonalds Geusselt, Maastricht
Mosaic Workshop Maastricht
Natural History Museum Maastricht
De Pannekoekenmolen Gulpen
Pietersheim Lanaken (Belgium)
Rocca Climbing, Gulpen
Sterrenland at Brasserie Dali
De Valkenier, Valkenburg
Velvet Caves, Valkenburg
Presents (Verjaardagskadootjes)
In addition to regular toys shops (see Toy Shops), shops like Action (Scharnerweg 66), Blokker
(Muntstraat 39-41), Kruidvat (Mosae Forum 139), Wibra (Sint Amorplein 7a), Xenos (Entre Deux,
Spilstraat 6C-20), Zeeman (De Leim 5) and even non-food sections at supermarkets offer a
good selection too.
BOOK SHOP (BOEKWINKEL)
• Amazon is a great way to get books in your own language. Shipping fees have come
down and you get your books within a week. Bol is the Dutch version of Amazon!
• De Slegte (Grote Staat 53), on second floor they have reasonably cheap second-hand
English books!
• Selexyz Dominikanen (Dominicanerkerkstraat 1). This is a great book shop which is
located in a renovated church and includes a Coffeelovers outlet. They also carry a
selection of foreign books, English books on the Netherlands and have a great children‟s
books section. Please find attached another interesting link about this book shop.
• Sarah Hassall has recently become an Usborne Representative and lives in the Maastricht.
When interested, feel free to directly contact her: sarahhassall@hotmail.com
• De boekenwurm (Mariastraat 6) is a children's book shop.
• A couple of times a year an English book shop organize a book fair at UWC Maastricht.
Also, MECC Maastricht is host to an annual book fair “Boekenfestijn” which includes a
good selection of foreign books. This fair takes place end of April, beginning of May.
• Second-hand shops (see Second-hand Shops) also sell foreign second-hand books!
• Centre Ceramique (Avenue Ceramique 50) is home to Maastricht‟s largest library and also
offers a selection of foreign books. Children and teenagers (

Maastricht area.
BREAKFAST (ONTBIJT)
There are a few places in and around Maastricht where you can now enjoy breakfast and
which are worth a mention. Hotels, e.g. Van der Valk Maastricht (Nijverheidsweg 35) next to
UWC Maastricht and 't Hierderhepke (Burgemeester Cortenstraat 49) are great places to
have breakfast. Also, Ikea Heerlen In de Cramer 142, 6412 PM Heerlen (09:00-10:30) and
Hema Maastricht, Grote Staat 10, 6211 CW Maastricht, (09:00-10:00) both offer breakfast for
only 1 Euro per person!
CARNIVAL (CARNAVAL)
Dutch carnival has the same origins as carnival in other parts of the world: a short period of
excess before a long one of fasting during Lent. It is celebrated in the Netherlands with
particular passion in the Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, where virtually all
businesses except cafés and restaurants close for three days. In Maastricht, Carnival begins
with the running up the flagpole of "het mooswief" (Maastricht dialect for the green-grocerwoman)
and the firing of the cannon on Vrijthof square. These events are followed by a grand
procession. Despite the cold, people get dressed up and go from café to café singing songs,
participating in parades and consuming large quantities of beer.
During the run up to Carnival, toy shops and department stores like Blokker (Muntstraat 39-41)
V&D (Grote Staat 5-15) etc. sell carnival outfits, accessories and other decorations. Two other
shops worth a mention are In't Panhuis (Markt 74) and Karnevalswierts Heerlen (Winkelcentrum
't Loon, Homerusplein, 6411 AW Heerlen). Carnival is also the time to buy Halloween outfits
since they will not be on sale later in the year. Please find attached an interesting link on
Carnival in Maastricht and what to expect!
CAR RENTAL (AUTOVERHUUR)
For further info, please click here.
CASH PASSPORT
A cash passport is a prepaid currency card and a convenient and secure way to carry foreign
currency. Chip and PIN protected, 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance service with free
replacement funds up to the available balance on the card and no risk of identity theft and fraud
to your personal bank account. For further details click here.
CHILD BENEFIT ALLOWANCE (KINDERBIJSLAG)
Child Benefit Allowance is money from the government towards the expenses of raising a child.
If you live or work in the Netherlands and you have a child or children under 18, you will be
entitled to Dutch child benefit. Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) is the organization that
implements national insurance schemes in the Netherlands.
CHIPKNIP
The chipknip is a smart card which can be uploaded with virtual cash via special
machines at banks. It is designed to pay for small items and parking meters.
CHRISTMAS (KERSTMIS)
Christmas Day (25 December) is normally reserved for religious observances and family
gatherings. Boxing Day (26 December) is also a holiday in the Netherlands. Originally, Dutch
people did not exchange presents at Christmas, but this tradition has now become more
popular. However, most Dutch children still assume that only Sinterklaas will shower them with
presents on 5 th December. Please see “Sint Nicholas” section for further details about this
Dutch tradition.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS (KERSTMARKTEN)
There are many Christmas Markets leading up to Christmas. From late November through
early January, Vrijthof square turns into Magical Maastricht! The Christmas Markets in
Valkenburg (the Netherlands), Aachen and Monschau (Germany) and Hasselt & Liege
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(Belgium) are all worth a visit!
CINEMA (BIOSCOOP)
Most films are shown in their original language and subtitled in Dutch. A few foreign films aimed
at younger children are shown in two versions: the original (subtitled) version, advertised as OV
(originele versie / original version), and a version dubbed into Dutch for those who may be too
young to read. Make sure you specify which version you want to see when buying tickets.
Movies are shown with a pause, a 10 minute break to buy snacks and/or going to the toilet!
Maastricht has 2 cinemas: Pathe Maastricht (Wilhelminasingel 39) and Lumiere
(Bogaardenstraat 40B). There are also cinemas in neighbouring Lanaken and Maasmechelen
(Belgium). Prices of Belgian cinema tickets are cheaper and some other bonuses are the free
parking, generous seats and plenty of leg space. Also, be aware that the selection of movies
shown in Dutch and Belgian cinemas may vary and that OV (original version) movies are quite
often shown during evenings only!
CITIZEN SERVICE NUMBER (BURGERSERVICENUMMER)
The Citizen Service Number (Burgerservicenummer (BSN)) is a unique personal ID number of
every citizen who is registered in the population register (Municipal Personal Records Database)
at the municipal authorities and the successor to the „SoFi‟ number. The citizen service number
will be used by all government organisations and used on tax forms but it will also cover medical
care, education and more or less every other point of contact with the authorities.
CLEANING COMPANY (SCHOONMAAKBEDRIJF)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list cleaning companies under
“schoonmaakbedrijven”. It also pays off to ask around and check notice boards at supermarkets
where some people offer domestic help.
CLOTHES (KLEDING)
Maastricht has a good selection of clothes shops and quite a few clothing brands have a
Maastricht shop. Here is a small selection of some main shops: Department store Bijenkorf
(Achter het Vleeshuis 26), C&A (Grote Staat 29), Hema (Grote Staat 10), H&M (Mosae Forum
99), Name It Maastricht (Munstraat 20), V&D (Grote Staat 5-15), Wibra (St. Amorsplein 7A),
Zara (Spilstraat 6a - 10), Zeeman (De Leim 5).
CLOTHING ALTERATIONS & TAILOR (KLEDINGREPARATIES/KLEERMAKER)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list clothing alterations and
repairs/tailor under “kledingreparaties” and “kleermaker”.
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INTERNATIONAL CLUBS (INTERNATIONALE CLUBS)
Alliance Francaise des Pays-Bas - Maastricht is an organisation whose mission is to
promote French language and culture outside France.
Genootschap Nederland-Engeland Zuid-Limburg promotes links between the United
Kingdom and the Netherlands.
International Women's Club South-Limburg promotes networking between women of
many ages, cultures and backgrounds. In addition to the already established
International Women's Club, a Junior International Women's Club was founded in 2011.
They are part of the International Women's Club and often meet for drinks, cinema
visits and runs through Maastricht.
Lions Club Maastricht Mondial is an English-speaking and mixed club, which was
founded in 1994, making it probably unique in the Netherlands. Also, when interested
in becoming a member, please contact secretary via their web.
Maastricht International Playgroup (e-:mail: mipmip@home.nl) is a wonderful way to
meet other international families and they provide an English-speaking environment for
parents to socialize and relax with their children (0-4). They meet weekly from 09:00
until noon at Judo Hall "The Dojo" which is near UWC Maastricht. No membership is
required!
COFFEE PLACES (KOFFIE- EN LUNCHROOMS)
The Dutch love their cup of coffee. Please find attached just a few places in town where you
can enjoy a nice brew or other hot/cold drink.
� Brasserie at Van der Valk hotel (Nijverheidsweg 35), this hotel is next to UWC Maastricht.
Several mums frequently meet here for a drink after drop off.
� Coffeelovers, has 3 Maastricht outlets (Plein 1992, Visitor Centre at Maastricht University
and Selexyz Dominicanen)
� Douwe Egberts Cafe Maastricht, Entre Deux, Spilstraat 6a-17
� La Place at Entre Deux, Entre Deux, Spilstraat 6b-10
� La Place at V&D Maastricht, Grote Straat 5-15
� Teazone, Koestraat 9
CONVERSION TABLES (OMREKENTABELLEN)
For further information click here or for more details on the metric system click here.
CULTURAL YOUTH PASS (CULTUREEL JONGEREN PASPOORT - CJP)
To encourage young people (12-27) to take an interest in culture, the cultureel jongeren
paspoort (CJP – Cultural Youth Pass) has been introduced. It costs € 15 and can be bought at
the VVV (tourist information office), theatres and through their web. It offers considerable
reductions for many events, as well as an overview of what is happening on the culture scene in
the Netherlands.
DAYLIGHT-SAVING-TIME
The clocks go forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday morning on the last weekend in April,
marking the beginning of zomertijd (summer time), internationally known as daylight-saving time.
The Netherlands scrapped the principle of summer time in 1939 but reintroduced it in 1977 at
the height of the oil crisis. Without this changing of the clock, it would start getting light at
3.30am by mid-June. The clocks go back again in the last weekend in October (wintertijd).
DECATHLON
Decathlon, Wiebachstraat 75, 6466 NG Kerkrade (opposite Roda JC soccer stadium) is a
mega sports shop, good value for money.
DENTIST (TANDARTS)
Dentists are listed in the Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) under
“tandartsen”. Finding a dentist in the Netherlands is much like finding a doctor, although you
do not need to find one located in your neighbourhood.
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Dentists have an on-call service for each other. In non-emergencies at weekends, you should
phone the ordinary number for your dentist to find out who is on call.
Smile Dental Studio (Akersteenweg 104) is an international practice near UWC Maastricht
and Royakkers Tandheelkunde (Achter de Comedie 12a) is recommended by Jules & You.
DigiD AUTHORISE (Digid Machtigen)
The Dutch Government has introduced a new system, DigiD Authorise (DigiD
Machtigen, in Dutch), which will enable tighter privacy in the use of citizens' Digital
Identity (DigiD), it was announced on 28 February 2011. The Tax Administration
(Belastingdienst, in Dutch) has been the first user of the system.
The Dutch are able to access an increasing number of online services offered by Dutch
government agencies by using their DigiD. However, DigiD is as personal as the PIN of a
debit card, and so it is important not to share it with others. Nonetheless, sometimes it is
helpful for someone else to arrange matters on your behalf. As a result, DigiD Authorise has
been introduced in order for someone to assist a citizen without needing to know that
citizen's DigiD details
DOG TAXES (HONDENBELASTING)
Dogs must be registered at the local town hall (gemeente) and an annual tax must be paid to
the tax office (Belastingdienst).
DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS
Drive-through restaurants are not very common in the Netherlands. McDonald's Maastricht
De Geusselt, Stadionplein 2, 6225 XW Maastricht (next to Maastricht's football stadium) is
the only restaurant in town that offers this service.
DRIVING (AUTORIJDEN)
The Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Management (Ministerie van Verkeer
& Waterstaat) has published an English publication: Road Traffic Signs & Regulations.
DRIVING LICENCE (RIJBEWIJS)
The RDW (Rijksdienst voor Wegverkeer) issues Dutch driving licenses and includes English
information on their web.
DRY-CLEANER (STOMERIJ)
Maastricht offers a good variety of dry-cleaners (stomerijen), just check Yellow Pages and the
Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids). Some of them also do repairs/alterations and offer
shoe repair services. Wasserij Stomerij 't Washoes (Burgemeester Cortenstraat 25) is very
close to UWC Maastricht.
DRUGSTORE / CHEMIST (DROGIST)
There is a difference between a drugstore / chemist (drogist) and a pharmacy (apotheek).
Drugstores (such as DA Drogisterij & Parfumerie, Etos, Kruidvat and De Tuinen) supply nonprescription
medications, general toiletries, cosmetics, etc. Pharmacies are the only outlets for
prescription drugs. Also, supermarkets like Albert Heijn, C1000 and Plus sell non-prescription
medications.
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DUTCH PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (NEDERLANDSE FEESTDAGEN)
The Dutch word for Public Holiday is feestdag. Banks, schools and shops are closed on public
holidays and public transport is limited. Police stations and hospitals do NOT close. Public
holidays that fall on a weekend are not forwarded!
Nieuwjaarsdag New Year's Day (01 January)
Goede Vrijdag, Eerste & Tweede Paasdag Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
Koninginnedag Queen's Day (30 April)
Hemelvaartsdag Ascension Day
Eerste & Tweede Pinksterdag Whit Sunday & Whit Monday (Pentecost)
Eerste & Tweede Kerstdag Christmas Day & Boxing Day (25 & 26 December)
ELECTRICITY (ELECTRA)
Many utilities companies offer integrated services, providing both gas and electricity supplies.
For further details click here.
FACTORY OUTLETS
• Maasmechelen Village Outlet (Zetellaan 100, 3630 Maasmechen, Belgium) is a Factory
Outlet which is located in Maasmechelen, Belgium and part of the Chic Outlet Shopping
Villages. Monday-Friday: 10:00-18:00, Weekends: 10:00-19:00, free parking. This outlet
consists of more than 95 shops, several restaurants and a cinema.
• Designer Outlet Roermond (Stadsweide 2, 6041 TD Roermond) is part of the
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet chain and located in Roermond, north of Maastricht. This
outlets consists of more than 100 shops and several restaurants. Monday-Sunday: 10:00-
19:00 and Thursday: 10:00-20:00, no free parking though!
FAIR-TRADE
Dutch grocery shops sell more and more fair-trade products. The Fair-trade mark is an
independent consumer label which appears on Dutch products as a guarantee that they have
been certified against internationally agreed Fairtrade standards and indicates that the product
has been certified to give a better deal to the producers involved. At Albert Heijn look out for
"puur&eerlijk fairtrade" or Max Havelaar products while Albert Heijn, C1000, Jumbo and Plus
all sell "fair trade original" products. Maastricht also has two Fair-trade shops: "dit is waar" (St.
Amorsplein 5) and Wereldwinkel Maastricht (Brusselselstraat 7).
FAMILY DOCTOR / GP (HUISARTS)
In the Netherlands, the family doctor (huisarts) is the key in the world of health care, treating
patients for basic non-surgical problems and providing consults for most of your general health
questions. The huisarts also serves as your link to most other services such as hospitalization,
specialists, midwifery, physical therapy, etc. They are listed under “Gezondheidszorg” or
“Artsen” and in the Yellow Pages and Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) under
“(huis)artsen”. For out-of hours emergency services: Huisartsenpost (HAP) - 043 - 387 7777.
FARM SHOPS (BOERDERIJWINKELS)
On the outskirts of Maastricht, there are several farms that have a shop where you can buy
fresh local produce. De Poshoof, Postbaan 8, 6218 HT Maastricht is a shop where you can buy
fresh white aspargus, strawberries and other local produce and they also sell products from
other local suppliers, e.g. Hoeve Nekum wine. Bemelen near Maastricht has two farm shops
that are worth a mention too: Bemelerhof, Bemelerweg 3206226 NE and Vaessen, Oude
Akerstraat 4a. Last but not least, this area is also know for its fruit produce, so look out for fruit
stalls (strawberries, cherries, etc.) when you are passing through neighbouring villages in the
summer months, well worth a stop!
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FISHMONGER (VISWINKEL)
Maastricht has a few fishmongers. Although supermarkets sell fish too, the best way to stock up
on fresh fish is Friday market (08:00-13:00) at the “Markt” where you can buy a good variety of
fresh, smoked and fried fish. This market is next to the regular market towards the Boschstraat.
FLOWERS (BLOEMEN)
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to flowers which you can either buy at the market,
supermarket or flower shop. flower shop Savelkoul (De Leim 8) is near UWC Maastricht and
depending on your budget and choice of flower/colour, they put together a fresh bouquet of
flowers. There is also Bloemen Leliveld De Heeg (Rijksweg 60) and Garden Centre Intratuin,
(Molensingel 75). Most flower shops offer deliveries, should you wish to order a bouquet for a
friend. Through Regiobloemist (English) you can order flowers too and this service delivers
fresh flowers in every city in the Netherlands. For international deliveries, Fleurop-Interflora is
the largest floral company in the world, offering an international floral delivery network in over
150 countries.
FURNITURE & APPLIANCE SHOPS (MEUBELS & HUISHOUDELIJKE APPARATEN)
• BCC (Beek or Heerlen): for white goods, televisions, computer equipment, audio, digital
cameras and mobile communication devices.
• Dixons: a high street chain selling consumer electical goods, such as audio equipment,
computers, kitchen appliances and mobile phones.
• IKEA: the largest chain of furniture shops in the world. For indoor and outdoor furniture,
sofas, dining tables and chairs, book shelves and so on. IKEA is situated at Furniture
Boulevard Heerlen which has its own railway station too: Station Heerlen Woonboulevard.
• Media Markt: chain of stores selling a wide range of white goods (fridges, washing
machines, cookers), kitchen equipment, computers and so on. They are located at
Franciscus Romanusweg 2, 6221 AE Maastricht.
GARDEN CENTRE (TUINCENTRUM)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list Garden Centres under
“tuincentrum”. Aveve, Groenrijk, Intratuin are all part of a chain. Intratuin has a shop in
Maastricht (Molensingel 75) but an even bigger shop in Heerlen, next to Ikea (In de Cramer 144,
6412 PM Heerlen). Another great garden centre is Gronsveld garden centre (Rijksweg 6, 6247
AH Gronsveld). Home Improvement shops also sell garden plants and accessories. Garden
centres are also the place to stock up on seasonal and Christmas decorations.
GELATERIA (IJSSALON)
• Australia Homemade, St. Amorsplein 1, 6211 GT Maastricht
• Gelateria Luna Rossa, Hoogbrugstraat 45, 6221 CP Maastricht
• Gelateria Luna Rossa, Graanmarkt 4, 6211 HG Maastricht
• IJssalon De Wilg, Akersteenweg 66, 6227 AB Maastricht
This gelateria specializes in dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, diabetic ice creams.
• IJssalon Venezia, Nieuwstraat 10, 6211 CS Maastricht
GIFT VOUCHERS (CADEAUBONNEN)
Boncadeau can be purchased at post offices and redeemed at 12 different Dutch chain shops.
VVV Cadeaubon (tourist information office) can be redeemed at 167 Maastricht shops! For an
overview of more gift vouchers click here. Shops such as Hema (Grote Staat 10), Douglas
Perfumery (Grote Staat 26) and book shop Selexyz Dominicanen (Dominicanerkerkstraat 1) sell
gift vouchers too.
GROCERIES (BOODSCHAPPEN)
Shopping in the Netherlands is a very different experience.
• The first thing you learn as a Dutch shopper is that you must provide your own bag. They
do not have bags for you unless you want to buy one!
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• Trolleys (winkelwagens) are coin operated, remember to take a 50 Euro cent coin with you.
You can also get a free key ring that includes a special trolley coin at Albert Heijn
(customer service desk).
• Plastic (PET) soft drinks bottles carry a 25 Euro cent deposit (statiegeld). Glass beer
bottles carry a 10 Euro cent deposit with a further 1.50 Euro deposit for the plastic crate.
When you return empty bottles there is a machine that collects them and gives you a
receipt which you have to redeem at the checkout counter / customer service desk.
• You can find almost everything you want but there are speciality shops such as the
butcher (slager), the fresh bakery (bakker), and fishmonger (viswinkel).
• The “Food Shopper‟s Guide to Holland - Ada Henne Koene (€ 11.95)” is a great book and
will provide you with the English and Dutch names of a broad array of food.
• Shops are not open 24 hours and most are closed on Sundays. For further information on
shopping evening and shopping Sundays: Maastricht Shopping.
• Maastricht also has a night shop "Nightshop Maastricht" (Stationsstraat 5).
Albert Heijn at Maastricht railway station is open on Sunday (08:00-22:00) while their
Scharnerweg shop is open until 10pm on week days.
Albert Heijn (09:00-18:00), Aldi (11:00-17:00) and Jan Linders (09:00-17:00) in nearby
Valkenburg are open on Sunday too.
Some Maastricht bakeries such as Bakkerij Paulissen, Patisserie Noblesse and Patisserie
Peter Lemmens open for a couple of hours on Sunday morning, just like some shops in
neighbouring Belgium. Grocery Shop Delhaize (Maaseikersteenweg 231), Nulens Bakery
(Brugstraat 9) and flower shop Leliveld (Brusselseweg 810) are all located in Smeermaas
and open on Sunday morning (08:30-13:00)!
THE NETHERLANDS
Albert Heijn has several shops in Maastricht from a small shop at Maastricht‟s railway
station to an XL shop at indoor shopping mall Brusselse Poort.
Aldi & Lidl are German discount grocery shops. You might be surprised, their shops in
native Germany have a bigger and slighter different selection (more organic products).
Since they have shops all over Europe, you have no difficulty figuring out what you are
buying since their labelling comes in many different languages!
C1000, Jan Linders, Jumbo, Spar
BELGIUM
Carrefour Liege
Colruyt (similar to Aldi & Lidl), Kiezelweg 16, 3620 Veldwezelt
Cora, Chaussée de Tongres 269, 4000 Rocourt
Delhaize
GERMANY (great to stock up on breakfast cereals, more choice and bigger boxes!)
Kaufland
Real
REWE CITY Markt
FOOD FROM HOME
There are quite a few shops in and around Maastricht where you can buy “food from home”.
Most Dutch supermarkets have a foreign food section. Jumbo (Franciscus Romanusweg 2,
Mosae Forum & Malbergsingel 74) offers a good selection, including a small halal meat section!
Also, families frequently travel back and forth to their home country so do not hesitate to ask!
African Food:
Afrikana, Grote Gracht 55, 6211 ST Maastricht (they also sell Indian flour and spices)
Raja Market, Alexanderstrasse 82-84, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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American & British Food:
Food from home, Dusseldorf (Germany), Kurfurstenstrasse 28, 40211 Düsseldorf
Gourmet Food & Gift, Brussels (Belgium), 186 Rue Stevin, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Maastricht based on-line expat shop
Stone Manor, near Brussels (Belgium), Rue Theophille Delbar 8a, 1410 Waterloo
Please note that the Amazing Oriental also sells American food (macaroni and cheese,
maple syrup, crackers, food colouring and so on)!
Asian Food (Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, etc.):
Düsseldorf (Oberkassel) has the largest Japanese population in Germany and Europe!
Amazing Oriental, Mosae Gusto Maastricht
San Wah, Sint Antoniuslaan 37, 6221 XJ Maastricht
Toko, Markt 63, 6211 CL Maastricht
Dae-Yang , Immermannstrasse 21, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
HARU Chan, Rue des Begonias, 1170 Brussels, Belgium
KEN Chan, 120 Rue Kelle, 1150 Brussels, Belgium
Raja Market, Alexanderstrasse 82-84, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Shilla, Brussels (Belgium), Brusselsesteenweg 410, 3090 Overijse, Belgium
Shockiku, Dusseldorf (Germany), Immermannstrasse 15, 40210, Düsseldorf, Germany
Super Store Tagawa, Chaussée de Vleurgat 119, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Greek Food:
There is a large Greek community in Aachen and a smaller one in Maasmechelen, Belgium
Elfo, Schönebergstraße 29, 52068 Aachen, Germany
Irish Food:
The Cottage, Annastraße 36, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Italian Food
There is a large Italian community in Genk and Maasmechelen (Belgium)
Baldi Supermarkt, Oude Baan 137-139, 3630 Eijsden (Maasmechelen), Belgium
Da Gianni (bakery), Oude Baan 153, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen), Belgium
open on Sunday morning, great Italian breads, focaccia‟s and pizza‟s!
Delhaize, a Belgian grocery chain shop also sell a good variety of Italian food.
Felicetti, Thomasboslaan 86, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium
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Jewish (Kosher) Food:
Hoffy's, Lange Kievitstraat 52, Antwerp, Belgium, +32 3 234 3535
Pasternak Kosjer Producten, Zwanenveld 37-30, 6538 XX Nijmegen, 024 8485169
Kosher4u, Lamorinièrestraat 25, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium, +32 4 84 223 119
Middle Eastern Food:
• Carthage Markt “Halal”, Koning Clovisstraat 3a, 6226 AE Maastricht
• Icen Markt, Oude baan 62.64, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen), Belgium
• Mini Super Persia, Boschstraat 103, Maastricht
• Turkish Halal supermarket Yildiz Plaza, Holsteinbastion 49, 6217 LZ Maastricht
Nordic Food:
Ikea, In de Cramer 142, 6412 PM Heerlen has a small food shop.
Scanshop, Chaussee de Tervuren 133, 1410 Waterloo, Belgium
Polish Food:
Polski Sklep "Lidya" A. Thijmstraat 67, 5921 BB Venlo
Polish Delicatessen, Rijksweg 98, Geleen
Swojskie Jadlo, Kuringersteenweg 132 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Russian Food:
MixMarket, Sittarder Straße 30, 52078 Aachen, Germany.
Several UWC famlies weekly go to this shop and love it! They also sell Asian, Balkan,
Polish, Romanian and Turkish food!
Spanish Food:
Bon Bini Valencia Frankenstraat 149, 6224 GM Maastricht
Turkish Food:
Turquoise Mosae Gusto, Laag Mosae Forum 15, 6211 DV Maastricht
GYM (SPORTSCHOOL)
Maastricht has several gyms. Yellow pages lists gym under “sportschool”. Two gyms are worth
a mention. Several UWC families are a member of these gyms, who also offer baby-sitting
services: Il Fiore (Avenue Céramique 201) and Pelikaan Health & Raquet Club (Dousbergweg
4). No-men (Meerssenerweg 95) is a women only gym.
GYM CLOTHES (GYMKLEDING)
The PSG sells gym clothes, for further details please contact Riki Nudler (nudlers@home.nl).
These gym clothes wear the UWC logo but are NOT compulsory! Sport shops also sell the
required attire: black shorts/trousers and white t-shirts.
HABERDASHERY (FOURNITUREN)
Panhuis Kreatief, Grote Gracht 15, 6211 SR Maastricht sell a wide variety of haberdashery. You
can also buy fabric (stoffen) and haberdashery at the Maastricht Market. and most food shops
sell a small selection too. Buttons & Beads (Minckelersstraat 16) is another great shop!
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HAIRDRESSER (KAPPER)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list hairdresser under “kapper”. In
addition, several UWC families go to Colette Fleming Hairstylist, Europalaan 27, 6226 CM
Maastricht, 043-362 6226. This UWC mum is from Ireland and has her salon near UWC.
HEALTH INSURANCE (ZIEKTEKOSTENVERZEKERING)
For more information: Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport
HEALTH SHOP (NATUURVOEDING- OF REFORMWINKEL)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list Health Shops under
“natuurvoeding / reformwinkels”. Reformhuis Smulders is located on Tongerseplein 20.
HOME IMPROVEMENT / HARDWARE (DOE-HET-ZELF)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list home improvement and
hardware shops under “doe-het-zelf winkels. Shops like Formido (opposite UWC Maastricht),
Gamma, Hubo and Praxis are all part of Dutch home improvement chains. These home
improvement shops are also the place to hire tools, ladders and heavy duty equipment to
clean/polish floors and so on.
HOSPITAL (ZIEKENHUIS)
Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht (AZM), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht
Full English telephone directory
Emergency Room: 043 - 387 6700
Open 24 hours a day, the Emergency Room (Spoedeisende Hulp) cares for people who
urgently need medical treatment. Most patients will be seen by an ER doctor, but depending on
the complaint they may also be examined by a different medical specialist.
iDEAL
This is the difficult-to-spell payment method developed by various Dutch banks to make online
payments via your own bank (ABN AMRO, Fortis, ING, Rabobank and SNS). It is, says the
iDEAL website, a „fast, reliable and efficient‟ way to buy all sorts of products and services on the
internet.
IKEA
IKEA, the Swedish home products retailer has a shop which is situated at Furniture Boulevard
Heerlen (In de Cramer 142, 6412 PM Heerlen). As of June 2010, Furniture Boulevard Heerlen
has its own railway station: Station Heerlen Woonboulevard. The other nearby IKEA shop is
located at Port de Liege 7, 4342 Hognoul, Belgium.
IND
The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (Immigration & Naturalisation Service) is responsible for
the implementation of Dutch immigration policy. This means that the IND assesses all
applications by foreign nationals who wish to stay in the Netherlands or become nationals. A
complicated and difficult job – and one which is very politically sensitive.
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INSURANCES (VERZEKERINGEN)
The following main types of insurance are available: health insurance (mandatory), vehicle
insurance, house (bricks and mortar) insurance, house contents insurance, legal costs
insurance and personal third party (WA Wettelijk Aansprakelijkheid) insurance. Third party
insurance is almost always necessary for people with children (balls through school windows,
riding a bike into people‟s cars, damage to a friend‟s clothes during rough games in the
playground, taking other people‟s children in your own car, etc). Yellow Pages and the
Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list insurance companies under the
“verzekeringsmaatschappijen”.
INTEGRATION (INBURGERING)
Inburgeren is the process of integrating into Dutch society. Most people from outside the
European Union now have to pass an inburgering exam and a language test to get a
residence permit. The aim is to make sure immigrants understand Holland‟s customs
and culture as well as the language. The immigration service website
www.inburgering.net gives enormous amounts of information as to how to go about
becoming integrated – all of which is in Dutch.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE DESK
The International Service Desk Maastricht Region opened in November 2009. The desk is
located in the Town Hall of Maastricht, next to the Municipalities Service Desk on the second
floor and was established to assist foreign newcomers and businesses with basic information.
Four computer screens provide information about living, working, settling and doing business in
the region. When you are interested in making an appointment to talk to someone at the
International Service Desk: International Service Desk, Mosae Forum 10, 6211 DW Maastricht,
+31 (0)43 350 5010, international@maastricht.nl
IRONING SERVICE (STRIJKSERVICE)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list Iron Services under
“strijkservice”.
JUNK MAIL (RECLAME)
If you prefer not to receive any unaddressed junk mail through your letter box, then you can
collect an “antireclamesticker” at the Maastricht Municipality Office.
Nee/Nee: no junk mail and no free local newspapers. Nee/Ja: no junk mail but delivery of free
local newspapers. In both cases, your normal addressed mail will always be delivered!
KENNEL (DIERENPENSION)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list kennels under “dierenpension”.
Also, please click here for more info on dierenpensions in the Maastricht area.
KUMULUS CENTRE FOR AMATEUR ARTS & MUSIC
KUMULUS was established in 1993 when the local music school merged with a creativity centre
and offers individual music lessons, visual art courses, audiovisual and digital art subjects,
theatre and musical lessons, creative writing, art theory, ballet and dance.
KIJKWIJZER
The Kijkwijzer (viewing indicator) is a set of minimum age limits for viewing films, tv shows and
playing computer games. The limits are described as „guidelines‟ but cinemas can face
prosecution for not adhering to the rules. The Kijkwijzer currently has four age categories:
suitable for all ages; suitable for those over 6; suitable for those over 12; and suitable for those
over 16. The censorship system also uses pictograms to warn viewers that a film contains
certain types of content, such as sex, violence and coarse language. For further info click here.
LANGUAGE COURSES (TAALCURSUSSEN)
Maastricht University has Dutch language courses available. You should contact the language
center or "Talencentrum". There are a variety of language schools in Maastricht or nearby, such
Page | 20

as Berlitz, Dutch for you too, Jules & You, Leeuwenborgh,: some of these have evening courses,
some will be held during the day. Also, there are a number of courses provided by the City of
Maastricht, for which there are specific rules. There is the "inburgering" course, for which you
need to contact Werkplein (the labour office). For more information on language courses in the
area click : here.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS (SUPPLEMENTARY)
To stay in touch with their mother tongue, several UWC students go to a supplementary
language school on either Friday afternoon or on Saturday. For further details on the
Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Polish and Russian supplementary schools, please contact the
school office.
LAUNDERETTE (WASSERETTE)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list launderettes under “waserette”.
De Wasbeer is a self-service launderette, located at Frankenstraat 153, Maastricht.
LAUNDRY SERVICE (WASSERIJ)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list laundry service under
“wasserij”. There are quite a few laundry services who also offer dry-cleaning. Wasserij
Stomerij 't Washoes is located at Burgemeester Cortenstraat 25, which is very close to UWC
Maastricht.
LIBRARY (BIBLIOTHEEK)
Public libraries are great places, not only to find books in your own language (many libraries
have sections in English, French, German, and other languages), but also to access the Internet
and to find information on culture in general. Centre Ceramique (Avenue Ceramique 50) is
home to Maastricht‟s largest library. Children and teenagers (

MAASTRICHT DIALECT
The official form of Dutch is known as Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands (ABN), literally general
civilized Dutch. The written form of ABN is considered the official spelling of the language.
Maastricht has its own dialect: Mestreechs. Please find attached an interesting article: Do you
speak Mestreechs?
MAASTRICHT EVENTS (MAASTRICHTSE EVENEMENTEN)
For information on Maastricht events such as Preuvenemint, Tefaf, etc: Maastricht Events.
MAGAZINES (TIJDSCHRIFTEN)
Some Maastricht supermarkets and “boekhandels” such as Bruna, Primera and the XL Albert
Heijn at Brusselse Poort Maastricht sell foreign magazines. Selexyz Dominikanen
(Dominicanerkerkstraat 1) and “Internationale Lektuurhandel Nick” (Muntstraat 17) have quite a
big selection of foreign newspapers and magazines.
MARKETS (MARKTEN)
On Wednesday and Friday morning, the “Markt” Square is full of stalls selling fresh products,
meats, cheeses and other merchandise. The Wednesday market is particularly known for its
clothes and fabrics and the Friday market is renowned for its excellent fish. For further info:
Maastricht Markets, Markets in and around Maastricht and Charlzz info on markets. Another
great market is the Tongeren Antiques Market in Belgium, which takes place every Sunday from
6am until 1pm.
Weekly Market: Wednesday, 08:00-13:00 at the Markt
Organic Market: Thursday, 13:00-15:00 at Wycker Burgstraat
Weekly Market,: Friday, 08:00-16:00 at Markt Square
Weekly Fish Market: Friday, 08:00-13:00 off the Markt Square towards
Boschstraat
Antique & Flea Market: Saturday, 08:00-15:00 at Stationstraat
MUNICIPAL & REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE (GGD)
GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst) is the municipal health organisation for preventive
healthcare. The services they offer include screenings, check-ups for school age children,
immunisation, etc. They are also responsible for the medical screenings which is sometimes
required to obtain a residence permit (chest X-Rays or tuberculosis check). Once you have
registered at the town hall, the GGD will automatically inform you about their immunisation
programmes. The GGD is located at Gelissendomein 8, 6229 GJ Maastricht, 043 - 850 6666.
MUSEUM CARD (MUSEUMKAART)
The “museumkaart” represents a personal pass to enter more than 400 Dutch Museums! It is
valid one year and costs €39.95 (€19.95 up to 24 years of age): a cheap way to explore Dutch
museums and every time you wish to! It is quite easy to purchase, you only have to complete a
form and the card is immediately yours, together with a leaflet explaining the card's advantages
and the museums you can enter for free.
MVV
A machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf is an authorisation for temporary residence in the Netherlands
and is the stamp most non-European Union nationals need in their passport to enter the country
for longer than three months. An MVV must be applied for in the country of origin. But the stamp
only gets you into the country. You then need to apply for a residence permit
(verblijfsvergunning) and probably go through an inburgeringscursus (citizenship course) as well.
Page | 22

NIGHTSHOP (AVONDWINKEL)
Maastricht has a night shop "Nightshop Maastricht" at Stationsstraat 5, 6221 BM Maastricht.
OPTICIAN (OPTICIEN)
You can visit an optician without an appointment. They will test your eyes and can prescribe
glasses. They will also test for glaucoma. An optician can neither treat eye diseases nor make
referrals. If you have problems with your eyes go to your family doctor.
ORGANIC FOOD (BIOLOGISCH)
Dutch supermarkets sell ever more organic products. There is also a weekly organic market at
the Stationsstraat every Thursday afternoon. Look under markets for further details. Please
click here for an overview of Limburg organic farm shops. Germany also offers a good selection
of organic food, so you might want to check to find out what is on offer on the other side of the
border! Some Maastricht shops: Estafette Organic Shop (Rechtstraat 48a), GooodyFooods,
(Theodoor Schaepkenstraat 11a) and Tuin van Sint Pieter (Recollectenweg, near #20).
OV-chipkaart
The OV (openbaar vervoer) chip card is replacing the paper strip-card and ticket system on
Dutch buses and trams and should be operating nationwide by 2010. The smart card can be
loaded with „money‟ and the cost of each journey will be automatically deducted. Cards can
either be personalised or anonymous and pre-paid cards will also be available.
PARKING (PARKEREN)
After passing the parking zone limit, you will not find any free parking! All remaining parking
spots must be paid for via parking meters or machines (Monday-Saturday: 8am-6pm, Thursdays:
8m-9pm. As of 1 st April 2011 you also have to pay during Shopping Sundays (1 st Sunday of the
month) from 12:00 until 17:00. For information (English) on where to park: Maastricht
Bereikbaar (Maastricht witihin reach). Please note that the Sphinx parking area (Frontensingel)
near Maastricht's Markt offers affordable parking, maximum of €8 per day!
PARKING DISK (PARKEERSCHIJF)
Disk parking refers to a parking regulation with free parking when using a
parking disk (or clock disk). In bordering Belgium you can still park for free
(maximum of 2 hours) and parking disks are still used. You can purchase a
parking disk at e.g. Action (Scharnerweg 66) and Halfords (Brusselsepoort 74)
for a few Euro‟s.
PASSPORT PICTURES (PASPOORTFOTO’S)
Specialized in foreign passport pictures and other official document requirements.
• Foto Artica Maastricht, Burgemeester Cortenstraat 15, 6226 GP Maastricht
This shop is opposite Albert Heijn, where you can park for free!
• Graus, Wycker Brugstraat 20, 6221EC Maastricht
PET SHOP (DIERENWINKEL)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list pet shops under “dierenwinkel”.
Supermarkets do sell a small selection of pet food while some garden centres have pet sections
too. Pet store chain Tom & Co (Maaseikersteenweg 183, 3620 Lanaken) has a shop in
neighbouring Belgium.
Page | 23

PHARMACY (APOTHEEK)
In the Netherlands it is a good idea to register with a pharmacy in the same way as with a family
doctor / GP or dentist. Choose one that is convenient for you.
During week days pharmacies are open from 08:30 till 18:00. Please find attached a list of
Maastricht pharmacies. In case of emergencies, please note that there is always a pharmacy
on call. Straver pharmacy is a 24 hour pharmacy on Akersteenweg 88, close to UWC
Maastricht.
Calpol, a British brand of children's medicine, is not available in the Netherlands. However,
there are Dutch alternatives. Nurofen for Children is not available in the Netherlands either but
can be purchased at Belgian pharmacies!
PHOTOCOPY SERVICE (KOPIEER/COPY SERVICE)
Libraries and supermarkets have photo copiers available to make copies. However, if you
require multiple copies, it is best to go to a copy service. Maastricht has several of these
copy centres. Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list photocopy
services under “copy- en printservice”.
PHOTOGRAPHER (FOTOGRAAF)
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list photographer under “fotograaf”.
The school photographer comes to school once a year to make class, individual and sibling
pictures. Also, UWC mum, Svetlana Kirtland, is a familiar face at school and involved in the
Year Book. She makes pictures of school events all through the year and is a photographer.
She has her own studio and when interested in family pictures, please do have a look at her
web page.
PHYSIOTHERAPIST (PHYSIOTHERAPEUT)
Consult your doctor and you may then be referred to a physiotherapist.
PICK YOUR OWN PYO (ZELFPLUK)
There are a few farms in the Maastricht area where you can go for “pick your own” fruit:
• Aardbeienland (Strawberry Land), Kreuzelweg 3, 5961 NM Horst (just north of Venlo)
• Blauwe bessen (blueberry farm), Weg naar As 121, 3670 Meeuwen-Gruitrode, Begium
• Blue Berrie Hill, Genenberg 28a, 5872 AL Broekhuizen
• Boomkwekerij Frijns (apples and pears), Groot Welsden 30, 6269 EV Margraten. This
fruit farm opens its door to the public during National Apple Pick Day which yearly takes
place on a Saturday in September.
• Jacobs Fruit, Heide 114, 3800 Sint Truiden, Belgium. Please check web for details on
which weekends they are open for apple en cherry picking.
POSTAL CODE (POSTCODE)
Dutch postal codes are written as a sequence of four digits followed by two upper case letters,
for example 1234 AB. To find an address or post code with Postcode.nl: Click here (in English)
Page | 24

POST OFFICE (POSTKANTOOR)
Please find attached general information about Dutch post offices, its services and an overview
of Maastricht post offices. Some Albert Heijn shops and Primera book/card shops have now
started to offer postal services too. Roadside mail boxes where letters are posted are orange!
Post Office Box: Postbus
Post Office: Postkantoor
Express Post Service: Express Post
Recorded/Registered Delivery: Aangetekend
Letter: Brief – Postcard: Ansichtkaart
Parcel: Pakket
Stamp: Postzegel
PLAY PARKS (SPEELTUINEN)
▪ Speeltuin Heer, Heer, Akersteenweg, Maastricht (next to Judo Hall “De Dojo”)
Free entrance, free parking at Laan in den Drink, Maastricht.
▪ Speeltuin Fort Willem, Caberg, Kastanjelaan 50, 6217 SB Maastricht
Entrance fee: €1.70 per person, paid parking at Leen Bakker opposite speeltuin.
▪ Speeltuin Merregelhoof, Sint Pieter, Mergelweg 259, 6212 XE Maastricht
Entrance fee: €1.50 per person, free parking at Mergelweg, Maastricht.
Play Parks near Maastricht
▪ Dagstrand Oost Maarland / Fun Valley, Oosterweg 5, 6245 LC Oost-Maarland
Entrance free: please check web, paid parking: €4 – €6 per car.
▪ De Nachtegaal, Meerssen, Gemeentebroek 6, 6231 RV Meerssen
Free entrance and free parking
▪ Taverne & Speeltuin 't Koetshoes, Valkenburg, Oosterweg 42, 6301 PX Valkenburg
Free entrance and free parking.
▪ Play Park & Animal Farm Pieterheim, Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken, Belgium
Free entrance and free parking.
▪ Bokrijk, Belgium's biggest play park, Bokrijk 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
Free entrance, paid parking: €5 per car.
PRIMARK
Primark, the UK clothing retailer, has a Liege shop at indoor shopping centre “MediaCité”,
7/113 Boulevard Raymond Poincare, 4020 Liege, Belgium. For further details click here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (OPENBAAR VERVOER)
For information (in English) on the various ways of Maastricht click here. Maastricht has two
railway stations: Maastricht (main) and Maastricht Randwyck (near hospital). The Nederlandse
Spoorwegen (www.ns.nl) is the national train company. NS offers season tickets and discounts
for off-peak travel (voordeelurenabonnement) including a kortingskaart („discount card') which
takes 40 percent off the price of tickets, not only for you but for up to three other people
travelling with you. It has an OV-chipkaart built in. To find out the best deal for you, visit an NS
counter. Tickets are checked regularly and fines are heavy. You save 50 eurocents through
purchasing your train ticket via the ticket machines (also in English) rather than at the counter.
There is talk that paper tickets will be phased out in favour of the swipe-card system. For more
information (in English) on the Dutch railway system, please click here.
Page | 25

You can purchase a VEOLIA OV-Chipkaart when you make regular use of public transport. The
smart card is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip and can be used to pay for
multiple trips on various types of transport. A disposable OV-chipkaart is available for occasional
travel. This can either be loaded with a set amount or a travel product, or a card can be bought
for a single trip, short-term use or use on specific transport. To use the card, hold it up to the
card reader at the entry and exit barriers of transport: the price of a trip is automatically
deducted. The OV-Chipkaart can be loaded with credit in Euros. For further details in English
click here. and for an English brochure click here. In addition to regular transport rates, you can
also apply for a Dalkorting discount (20% on bus fares and 40% on train fares) for travel after
9am during week days, weekends and public holidays. For further details (Dutch) click here.
Public transport journey planner 9292 is also available in English; a great tool to plan your
journey.
QUEEN’S DAY (KONINGINNEDAG – 30 APRIL)
Although Queen Beatrix celebrates her official birthday on 30 April, her real birthday falls on 31
January. There are two reasons for this. Queen Beatrix wanted to continue celebrating
Koninginnedag in April as a mark of respect for her mother and the weather is much better at
the end of April than at the end of January. People celebrate Koninginnedag either by visiting
one of the two towns or cities the Queen visits on the day (which are different each year), or by
going into town. Maastricht yearly organize a flea market and open-air concerts.
RE-CYCLING
Waste separation has proved to be a complicated matter, please check the Maastricht Region
website to find out about waste management in your municipality.
Maastricht has over 60 bottle banks (mileuperrons) which are quite often located near
supermarkets, as are collection points for unwanted clothing, batteries, etc. The recycle bins
(glasbakken) are labelled: wit glas (white glass), bont glas (coloured glass) kunststof verpakking
(everything plastic except for hard plastic, e.g. toys), papier & karton (paper & cardboard) and
blik & drankkartonnen (tin & coated juice/milk cartons).
Plastic (PET) soft drinks bottles carry a 25 Euro cent deposit (statiegeld). Glass beer bottles
carry a 10 Euro cent deposit with a further 1,50 Euro deposit for the plastic crate. When you
return empty bottles, there is a machine that collects them and gives you a receipt which can be
redeemed at the checkout counter / till.
• GFT (Groente, Fruit en Tuin): biodegradable waste (vegetable, fruit and garden waste)
• Restafval: residual waste, household waste that cannot be recycled, brought to wastecollection
parks (afval- or milieupark) or is not collected separately (like glass, paper,
plastics etc.). Maastricht has 3 milieuparken: Beatrixhaven, Noorderbrug and Randwijck.
• Biobak: A green plastic bin used for biodegradable kitchen and garden waste (GFT)
• Afvalkalender: Waste instruction calendar for your neighbourhood.
Page | 26

RELIGION (RELIGIE)
Buddhism
Kadampa Temple - Schin op Geul
Roman Catholic & Protestant Christian Church Services in English
AFNORTH International Chapel – Protestant & Roman Catholic services
Catholic Mass at Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basilica
Damascus Road International Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Maastricht International Church
Salvation Army
Christian Church Services in other languages
� Armenian Church: for further details click here
� Maastricht Chinese Christian Church: Turennestraat 30, 6221 AS Maastricht,
Sundays @ 10:30-12:00.
� Église Wallonne: French church services in Maastricht and Heerlen, for further info
click here.
� Italian mass, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Maagd der Armen Mariaheide, Gouverneur
Verwilghenlaan 50 B-3630 Mariaheide, Maasmechelen, Belgium. Sundays at 11am
� Polish mass at AFNORTH Brunssum. For further details, please contact the Afnorth
International Chapel.
For further information on Dutch and other church services in the Maastricht area:
www.maaskerken.eu
Greek Orthodox Church
Griechische Gemeinde Kreis Aachen
Griechisch-Orthodoxe Kirchengemeinde Erzengel Michael / Hagios Dimitrios
Jesuitenstraße 6, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Hinduism
Murugan Temple
Sri Sivasubramaniya Thevastanam, Schipperswal 26c, 6041 TC Roermond
Islam
Vereniging Moskee El Fath (Turkish), Sint Lucassingel 70, 6217 JC Maastricht
Mosque Nour (Maroc) - Parkstad Mosque (Turkish)
Jehovah Witnesses
Jehovah's Temple Maastricht Maaskant, Bemelergrubbe, 6226 NK Maastricht
Jehovah's Temple Dousberg, Peymeestersdreef 22, 6216 PJ Maastricht
Judaism
Jewish Community of Maastricht, Capucijnengang 2, 6211 RV Maastricht
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (LSD)
Heerlen Military Ward, Burgemeester de Hesselleplein 26/A, 6411CH Heerlen
Page | 27

RESTAURANTS
Culinary traditions are deeply rooted in Maastricht, as attested by the no less than 5 Maastricht
restaurants sporting a total of 6 Michelin stars in front. dinnersite (available in English) is a
great source of info on local restaurants. Many restaurants now offer children‟s menus and
some have small children‟s corner too! For more information on typical Dutch dishes click here.
Compared to other countries, Dutch people used to consider going to a restaurant a treat.
Restaurant meals are slightly more expensive over here and reason why people quite often left
the children at home to enjoy a meal for two at a restaurant of their choice. This is slowing
changing though with the arrival of more and more reasonably priced family restaurants.
Fast-food chains like Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald's are all located on
the Markt and so is Wok to Go (Markt 59). There is also, Sushi-ya (Markt 4 & Wycker
Brugstraat 25), great place for take-away sushi.
Please find attached a list of some family friendly restaurants which UWC families enjoy!
• Buitengoed Slavante (Maastricht), Slavante 1, 6212 NB Maastricht (play park)
• Coffee Lovers, they serve a large variety of coffees and have an excellent lunch menu.
• Friture Royale, Spoorweglaan 1, 6221 BS Maastricht
• La Place, V&D‟s top floor restaurant, Grote Staat 5-15, 6211 CT Maastricht
• Pizzeria Napoli, Markt 73, 6211 CL Maastricht
• De Bokkenrijder Viergrenzenweg 232, 6291 BX Vaals (play room)
• De Pannekoekenmolen, Molenweg 2a, 6271 JN Gulpen (play park
• De Nachtegaal, Gemeentebroek 6, 6231 RV Meerssen (play park)
• Dennenhof at Bokrijk, 3600 Genk, Belgium (play room)
• 't Koetshoes, Oosterweg 42, 6301 PX Valkenburg (play park)
• Restaurant at Pietersheim, Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken, Belgium (play park)
• Sterrenland at Brasserie Dali, Staatsbaan 19, 3620 Neerharen, Belgium ((play room)
SEASON TICKETS (JAARKAARTEN)
Swimming pools, Bokrijk Open Air Museum, Dagstrand Oost-Maarland / Fun Valley, GaiaPark
Kerkrade Zoo, Kasteelpark Born, Mondo Verde, Snowworld Landgraaf, etc. sell different types
of season tickets that are valid for 1 year and offer unlimited entrance.
SECOND-HAND / THRIFT SHOP (TWEEDEHANDS / KRINGLOOPWINKEL)
• Beta, Mergelweg 6, 6212 XH Maastricht
• Emmaus Kringloop, Hartelstein 204, 6223 HV Maastricht is also a good place, open on
Saturdays (14:00-16:00) and Sundays (14:00-17:00).
• Kringloop-Zuid is located at Abdissenweg 1 in Limmel (Maastricht) and is open from
Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. You may dispose of or purchase used goods in
reasonable condition and they can also be picked up free of charge at your home.
• Mattie's Kringloop, Glacisweg 67a, 6212 BN Maastricht
• Regin's Kringloop, Tongerseweg 57, 6213 GA Maastricht
• Terres des Hommes, Dorpstraat 18, 6227 BN Maastricht
Supermarkets also have notice boards where you can put up advertisements (e.g. sell chairs or
ask for a baby-sitter or cleaning lady). Marktplaats is the Dutch version of eBay and Craigslist
and very popular. However this web is Dutch only some basic knowledge of the Dutch
language will come in handy.
Page | 28

SHOES (SCHOENEN)
Children's shoes can be an expensive affair. In addition to specialized children's shoe shops
ntrsuch as Shoebidoe (De Leim 1), Shoezefine (Rechtstraat 80), Tikke Takke Tone
Kinderschoenen (Heggenstraat 1) there are slighty less expensive alternatives: Brantano,
Bristol, Dolcis, Durlinger, Scapino Schoenenreus, Van Haren and Ziengs. Both
Brantano in Belgium and Dolcis sell a limited Clarks selection. Schols Schoenen
(Rijksweg 40, 6161 EG Geleen) sells a wider selection of Clarks shoes. There is also a
Clarks shoe shop (adults only) at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Roermond,
Stadsweide 68, 6041 TD Roermond. Both Crocs (Spilstraat 6b 16) and Geox are both
located at the Entre Deux shopping centre.
For very small or very large sizes of shoes there is a specialist shop “Beurskens Schoenmode”,
Markt 104, 6191 JK Beek.
SHOE REPAIR
/ COBBLER (SCHOENMAKER
Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids) list shoe repair shops under
“schoenmakers”. Verheijen Schoenmakerij is located at Burgemeester Cortenstraat 6, close to
UWC Maastricht.
SHOPPING CENTRE (WINKELCENRUM)
With exception of Entre Deux, Mosae Forum and Brusselse Poort there are no indoor shopping
centres in Maastricht. There are indoor shopping centres in neighbouring cities like Makado
Beek, Corio Center Heerlen, "het Loon" Heerlen and Roercenter Roermond. Belle-ile Shopping
Centre, Les Galeries Saint Lambert and Mediacite are indoor shopping centres which are
situated in Liege (Belgium), a 20 minute drive from Maastricht. There is also Aachen Arkaden in
Germany.
You might find it useful to also get acquainted with some of the major Dutch chains, which have
shops in Maastricht and all over the Netherlands:
Blokker: This shop will provide dishes, pots and pans, and bathroom supplies, all of those little
things that you need to settle in to a new home. Blokker has several Maastricht shops:
Muntstraat 39-41, Plein 1992, Voltastraat 3, Brusselse Poort 14, Malbergsingel 40,
Ambyerstraat Noord 40A-3 and De Rosarije 105-109.
Bijenkorf: De Bijenkorf or "Beehive" is the premium department store chain in Netherlands,
dating back originally to 1870. It has stores in all main cities of the country, including
Maastricht. Bijenkorf sells both brand name and own-label goods. On the lower floors you
have perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, watches, designer clothes and shoes. On the upper floors
you find household and electrical items, luggage, stationary, books, CDs and DVDs. Prices are
on the higher side. Watch out for "Drie Dwaze Dagen", a big 3 day sale held every Autumn
when prices are reduced. Bijenkorf is part of the same building as V&D, but it has separate
entrances at the Maastrichter Brugstraat and Achter het Vleeshuis.
Etos: This chemist is the premier brand selling personal care products, vitamins, over-thecounter
medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. It has several shops across Maastricht: Brusselse
Poort 87, Dorpstraat 17, Herculeshof 9-11, Malbergsingel 56, Rosarije 327, Scharnerweg 112,
Severenplein 25A-C and Spilstraat 7-9.
HEMA: Hema is a Dutch institution, a department store chain which sells generic "own brand"
goods at reasonable prices. They have a unique position in the Netherlands retail market. They
sell a wide variety of goods to satisfy the average Dutch needs, from basic clothing, household
items, hardware, cycle accessories, cards, stationary, vitamins and cosmetics. A small food
section sells breads, cheese, tapas etc. Hema is about simple style, value and practicality, you
should drop by to have a look. The Hema shop at Grote Staat has a cafe selling sandwiches,
cakes and drinks. Hema has a shop at Grote Staat 10 and at Brusselse Poort 54.
Kwantum: When Ikea Heerlen is too far, Kwantum offers lights, mattresses, tables, bed-sheets
and anything else you may need to furnish your new home, all at affordable prices. Kwantum is
located at the Brusselse Poort shopping centre.
Kruidvat: This is a budget chemist chain with a similar line of goods and is often cheaper than
Etos for branded items, an excellent place to find all kinds of products. Kruidvat has several
Maastricht shops: Ambyerstraat 44, Bunderstraat 11, Dorpstraat 19, Dr. Erenstraat 9, Grote
Page | 29

Staat 55, Herculeshof 39-41, Markt 57, Mosae Forum 139, Voltastraat 19 and
Wyckerbrugstraat 32-36,
Media Markt: This is a large electronics shop where you can buy nearly everything from DVDs
to refrigerators. It is at Franciscus Romanusweg 2 and on week days open until 9pm!
V&D: Vroom & Dreesmann is a mid-range Dutch department store. They sell a wide range of
goods: clothes, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, electrical items, stationary, luggage, toys, books,
CDs and DVDs. You can also buy household items, kitchenware and furniture. V&D is located at
Grote Staat 5-15. There top floor restaurant (self-service) La Place is a great place to eat!
Xenos: This furniture/novelty/grocery store is a great and affordable shop. Xenos is located on
the first floor of the Entre Deux shopping centre at Spilstraat 6c 20.
SHOPPING HOURS (OPENINGSTIJDEN)
On weekdays and on Saturday shops are open until 18:00. On Saturday some shops have their
doors open until 17:00. Mondays shops open at 13:00. Hairdressers, bakeries and butchers are
mostly closed on that day. From Tuesday until Saturday shops open up at 09:00. On Thursday
evening the shops are open until 21:00.
This is another great web which shows you where and when shops are open for business:
www.opentot.nl. You just enter your city or postcode and then select supermarket, bouwmarkt
(diy shop), electronica, drogisterij (chemist), tuincentrum (garden nursery), warenhuis
(department shop), wonen (living) to see which shops near you are open for business.
Be aware, shops in neighouring Belgium and Germany has slightly different shopping hours, so
please do check before you set off! In Germany some shops are only open on Saturday
morning!
SHOPPING SUNDAY (KOOPZONDAG)
On the first Sunday of the month, the shops that are located in the city centre are open from
12:00 until 18:00. For further details, including extra Sunday “koopzondagen”, click here.
SINT NICHOLAS (SINTERKLAAS)
December 6 th is St. Nicholas' birthday when, according to legend, this fourth-century Saint gave
gifts to children. Dutch children still receive chocolate coins around this time. Throughout the
centuries, Sinterklaas has been considered the patron saint of children, as well as of traders.
Consequently, on 5 December he brings them gifts that are discreetly dropped off in a sack on
the doorstep of each household. During the evening, families exchange small gifts.
Despite the initial similarities with Santa Claus, Sinterklaas lives in Spain, not at the North Pole.
Santa Claus flies in from the North Pole on his sleigh; Sinterklaas and his white horse arrive in
the Netherlands from the south of Spain on a steamboat. Santa Claus squeezes down, and then
back up, chimneys himself; Sinterklaas has a whole crew of helpers named "zwarte piet" or
Black Pete.
Sinterklaas arrives in Maastricht middle of November. Children greet him by singing Dutch
Sinterklaas songs (Sinterklaasliedjes). Once Sinterklaas has arrived, children can leave out
their shoe at night in hope of receiving a small gift when they have been very good.
You can also pay Sinterklaas a free visit at his local residence in Sint Truiden, near Hasselt
(Belgium). At “huis van Sinterklaas” children can see for themselves where Sinterklaas sleeps,
how ginger nuts (kruidnoten) are made, follow a lesson at the Black Pete school, etc.
Page | 30

SKATEPARKS
Maastricht has two skateparks. There is a small one under the Kennedy Bridge and a bigger
one “Skatepark De Griend” at Franciscus Romanusweg, in front of Media Markt along river
Meuse.
SMOKING BAN (ROOKVERBOD)
It is good to know that smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars and pipes) in bars and restaurants
are prohibited as per 1 July 2008!
SOFT PLAY CENTRES (BINNENSPEELTUINEN)
THE NETHERLANDS
• Fun Valley (Dagstrand Oost Maarland), Oosterweg 5, 6245 LC Eijsden
• Funville Maastricht, Kesselskade 43, 6211 EN, Maastricht
They offer discount cards (kortingskaart) which entitle families (2 adults, 2 children) to a
25% discount of regular entrance price. Please apply for free for one upon your first visit!
• Kinderstad Heerlen, Parallelweg 4, 6411 ND Heerlen
• Kinderspeeldorp Pee Wee, Posterholt, Heinsbergerweg 65, 6061 AH Posterholt
• Soft Play Max & De Rakkers, Schin op Geul, Walem 7, 6342 PA Schin op Geul
• Speelparadijs De Ballon, Echt, Bandertlaan 13, 6101 LE Echt
• Toverland Sevenum, Toverlaan 2, 5975 MR Sevenum
BELGIUM
• Activ Tongeren, Rutterweg 63, 3700 Tongeren
• Alles Kids, Kessenich, Venlosesteenweg 330, 3640 Kessenich
• De Winning, Steenweg 34, 3620 Rekem (Lanaken)
• Plopsa Indoor, Hasselt, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 70, 3500 Hasselt
• Pretland, Hasselt, Rechterstraat 69, 3500 Hasselt
• SpeelVillage, Heufkensweg 5, 3630 Maastmechelen
• 't Speelmijntje, CMINE 1, 3600 Genk
GERMANY
• Rocolinos Kinderwelt, Durener Strasse 317, Eschweiler
SPORTS (SPORT)
Many different types of sports clubs are located in the Maastricht and surrounding area. Sport
Databank Limburg is a great source of information and through this website you can search for
a specific sports club. If you have difficulties using this Dutch website, then please do send
them an e-mail: sportdatabank@huisvoordesport.org with your specific question. Sports clubs
are also listed in Yellow Pages and the Maastricht City Guide (Gemeentegids), just look under
“sportverenigingen” or just ask other parents at school what their children are involved in after
school.
Page | 31

SOUVENIRS (SOUVENIRS)
• Department shops like Blokker, Bijenkorf, Hema and V&D
• Shops like Xenos, the Douwe Egberts Gift Shop both located at Entre Deux sell great
Dutch gifts!
• De Chauvinis, Achter het Vleeshuis 42, 6211 GS Maastricht (near Bijenkorf)
• De Glimburger, Sint Pieterstraat 52a, 6211 JP Maastricht
• Kiekoet has two shops and sell a good selection of Maastricht presents.
• Lief Lifestyle, Wycker Brugstraat 52, 6221 ED Maastricht
• Bonnefanten Museum Shop, Avenue Ceramique 250, 6221 KX Maastricht
• Nijntje Winkel (Miffy), Maastrichter Smedenstraat 2, 6211 GL Maastricht
• Book shop Selexyz Dominikanen, Dominikanerkerkstraat 1, 6211 CZ Maastricht
SWIMMING LESSONS (ZWEMLESSEN)
In the Netherlands most children learn to swim when they turn 5 or 6 and they can pass 3
certificates, Swim ABC, which include diploma A, B and C. Children are not allowed to swim in
a public pool without some sort of floatation device unless they have achieved the minimum
qualification, the A Diploma.
Maastricht has two indoor pools, De Dousberg (Dousbergweg 10) and Zwembad Heer (Laan in
den Drink 8). These swimming pools will be replaced by a new swimming pool "zwembad
Geusseltbad" near the new UWC Campus and should open sometime in 2012.
The Maastricht swimming pools and Sports & Recreation Centre Polfermolen (Plenkertstraat 50,
6301 GM Valkenburg), Mosaqua (Landsraderweg 11, 6271 NT Gulpen), swimming pool De
Otterveurdt Hoensbroek (Gravin van Schonbornlaan 2, 6442 AX Hoensbroek) and Sauna Vilt
(Rijksweg 164, 6325 AH Berg & Terblijt) do offer swimming lessons too. Several UWC children
follow lessons (in English) at Sauna Vilt. Also, zwemschool Aquarijntje is another swim school
where children have the option to be taught in English and can have private lessons. They
practice in swimming pools all over town, incl. the indoor pool at Cortile Ceramique.
TAKE-AWAY MEALS (AFHAAL- EN THUISBEZORGMAALTIJDEN)
Several Maastricht restaurants do offer take-away meals. You can either ring, place an order
and collect meal at a certain time or have it home delivered. Through "thuisbezorgd" and "thuis
uiteten gids" you can check to see which restaurants do home deliveries in your area. Also,
Thai take-away Maastricht has an outlet at Emmaplein and one in Heer district. An UWC family
can recommend www.justeat.nl which is a website of restaurants that also do home deliveries.
TAXI (TAXI)
Taxis are expensive and not allowed to pick up people on the street except by reservation or at
a taxi rank. There are taxi ranks at the main railway station, the Markt and at the Vrijthof. Look
for the 'standplaats taxis' sign. The taxi sector has been decentralised, although there are still
main taxi organisations (Taxi Centrale). 'Official' taxis have a blue number plate. For
independent companies, check your local a-z listings under 'Taxibedrijf'. For further info, please
click here.
From some train stations “treintaxis” operate, these are shared taxis that shuttle people back
and forth to the station for a fixed fee per ride (EUR 4.30 each or six for the cost of five in the
automatic ticket machines). Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counter or machine in any
NS station. You will pay more if you buy tickets from the driver.
TELEPHONE & INTERNET CONNECTIONS (TELEFOON- & INTERNET AANSLUITINGEN
For further information click here.
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TELEVISION, SATELLITE & RADIO STATIONS (TV, SATELLIET & RADIOZENDERS)
The standard cable TV in Maastricht has the BBC and CNN in the packet. For further
information click here.
THEATRE (THEATER)
Maastricht has several theatres: Huis van Bourgondie (Hoogfrankrijk 27), Kumulus
(Herbenusstraat 89), Magisch Theatertje (Molenweg 4), Pesthuys Podium (Vijfkoppen 1),
Toneelgroep Maastricht (Plein 1992 – #15) and Vrijthof Theatre (Vrijthof 47). The wide range of
entertainment on offer means that there is always something on for someone!.
TIP (FOOI)
Tipping in restaurants, etc. is not obligatory. All waiters/waitresses are paid a full salary with
benefits so tips are more like token fees to thank them for good services (approximately 5-10%
of the bill).
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES (VVV)
In almost every Dutch city or village you will find a tourist information office. Most VVV's offer local
and regional tourist information, hotel booking services, local products, brochures and various
maps. Brochures for hotels, local restaurants and attractions are generally free of charge and
please do look out for the display of small discount cards of various local attractions and sights.
Detailed maps for a city walk, cycling routes or larger, regional maps are often available at a tiny
price. The Maastricht Tourist Office (VVV) is located at Kleine Staat 1, 6211 ED Maastricht.
TOY SHOP (SPEELGOEDWINKEL)
Maastricht has several toy shops, such as Bart Smit, Intertoys and Top Toys which are part of a
chain. Department shops like Bijenkorf (Achter het Vleeshuis 26), Hema (Grote Staat 10) and
V&D (Grote Staat 5-15) have toy departments too and so do large supermarkets like the XL
Albert Heijn at Brusselse Poort or Carrefour in Belgium. Lego is cheaper in Germany and can
be bought at Toys R Us, (Schumannstrasse 4, 52146 Würselen near Aachen) while playmobil
and trampolines tend to be cheaper in Belgium. Dreamland (Rue des Naiveux 14, 4040 Herstal)
is a large toy shop next to Carrefour Liege. Toy shop Krokodil (Boschstraat 105A) has built a
considerable tradition with its‟ toys that meet strict criteria: quality, originality and play value with
a penchant for warm and natural wooden toys.
TRAIN: SEE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
UTILITIES (GAS, WATER, ELECTRICITY) – (GAS, WATER, LICHT)
For further information click here.
VACCINATIONS (VACCINATIES / INENTINGEN)
Baby clinics take care of vaccinations for children under 4 while the Municipal & Regional
Health Service (GGD) looks after older children and adults. The GGD will automatically inform
you about vaccinations due. The GGD school doctor yearly pays a visit to the UWC Maastricht
too to examine children.
VAT (BTW)
Value-added Tax or belasting over toegevoegde waarde (BTW), was introduced in the
Netherlands in January 1969 and has since grown into the most important source of tax
revenue for the government. The Netherlands has two rates, 6% for culturally-related events,
books and sport and 19% for everything else.
VETERINARIAN (DIERENARTS)
Maastricht has about 10 practices (dierenartsen). They have joined forces and share the “on
call”. This means that there is always a vet available for out of office emergencies. When you
call any of the practices out of hours, you will get the name and number of the duty vet. Please
find attached their details. When you are after an English speaking veterinarian, UWC mum
Page | 33

Zoe Oude Groeniger is British and works at Dierenkliniek Kusters, De Beente 28, 6229 AV
Maastricht, near the hospital.
WEATHER FORECAST (WEERBERICHT)
Buienradar is a Dutch web site where you can check the national and local Dutch weather for
the Netherlands and a specific area.
WiFi HOTSPOTS
Maastricht has several venues that offer free WiFi spots: Restaurant at Centre Ceramique,
Coffeelovers (Plein 1992, University & Selexyz Dominicanen), La Place (Entre Deux & Grote
Staat 5) and McDonalds. For a list of more Maastricht WiFi hotspots click here.
ZOO / ANIMAL PARK (DIERENTUIN / DIERENPARK)
With both Belgian and Germany witin reach, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to zoos
and animal parks!
The Netherlands: Gaiapark – Kerkrade, Dentgenbach 105, 6468 PG Kerkrade, Kasteelpark
Born, Kasteelpark 38, 6121 XK Born, Mondo Verde, Groene Wereld 10 (Einsteinstraat) 6372
PW Landgraaf, Zoo Park – Overloon, Stevensbeekseweg 19-21, 5825 JB Overloon, For a full
list of Dutch zoo‟s click here.
Belgium: Antwerp Zoo, Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerp (next to Antwerp's Railway
Station), Monde Sauvage, Fange de Deigne 3, 4920 Aywaille, Mont Mosan, Plaine de la Sarte,
4500 Huy, Olmense Zoo, Bukenberg 45, 2491 Olmen, Planckendael Zoo, Leuvensesteenweg
582, 2812 Muizen, Wildlife Reserve Forestia Theux, Rue Fond Marie 563a, 4910 Theux.
Germany: Aachener Tierpark, Obere Drimbornstrasse 44, 52066 Aachen, Bruckenkopf Park
Julich, Rurauenstrasse 11, 52428 Julich, Hochwildpark Rheinland, Becherhoferweg, 53894
Mechernich , Tierpark Alsdorf, Hubertusstrasse 17, 52477 Alsdorf, Wildpark Gangelt,
Heinsberger Strasse 15, 52538 Gangelt, Wildpark Schmidt, Wildparkstrasse, 52385 Nideggen.
German zoo‟s tend to be less expensive compared to Dutch and Belgian zoos!
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DUTCH ABBREVIATIONS
BS Basisschool (primary school)
BSO Buitenschoolse Opvang (after school day care)
CAS Creative Action & Service (CAS), secondary school students who enrolled in the
IB programme need to achieve a certain number of hours from each category to
get their diploma.
DAL Dutch as an Additional Language
DC Division Council is there to represent the interests the teachers, parents and
students.
ESL English as a Second Language
H&W Health & Welness
ICT Information & Communication Technology
IPC International Primary Curriculum
MIK Maatwerk in Kinderopvang stands for made-to-measure in child care, a Limburg
child care organisation.
MT Mother Tongue is the language a child has learned from birth.
PD Club Professional Development Clubs provide children with the opportunity to further
develop and enrich their skills in the areas of sports, worldly insight, logic, creative
arts and language arts.
PSG Parent Support Group is a voluntary organization of parents, which is run by a
board of elected parents. Its objective is to support the school community.
PDD Professional Development Days are training day for UWC staff and on these days
UWC is closed and children have NO SCHOOL!
Professional Development Days for Primary School: 30 September 2011, 31
October 2011, 9 January 2012, 17 February 2012, 10 April 2012, 29 May 2012).
Rugzak The Rugzak Policy is a government grant that applies to children with additional
learning needs to aid in their educational support.
SEN Special Educational Needs monitors all pupils‟ progress through the student
monitoring system.
TCK Third Culture Kid is a person who has spent a significant part of his/her
developmental years outside their parents' culture.
Page | 35

save
a.s. (aanstaande): coming; next, this
aub (alstublieft): please
BTW Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde: Value Added Tax
ca (circa): around, about
dd (de dato - Latin): dated, from (our letter dated 6 January)
dhr (de heer): Sir
dir. (directeur): Chief Executive Officer (the boss)
dmv (door middle van): by means of
dwz (dat wil zeggen): i.e. (that is, that is to say)
EHBO (Eerste Hulp bij Ongeluk): First Aid [for accidents]
eea (een en ander): these things
enz (enzovoorts): et cetera, and so on
exc (exclusief): exclusive of
geb. (geboren): born/date of birth
gesch. (gescheiden): divorced
igvn (in geval van nood): in case of emergency
iig (in ieder geval): in any case
ipv (in plaats van): instead of
itt (in tegenstelling tot): in contrast with
ivm (in verband met): in connection with
j.l. (jongstleden): last (last Wednesday)
k.k. (kosten koper): costs charged to the buyer (of a house)
KvK (kamer van koophandel): Chamber of Commerce
L.S. (lectori salutem - Latin): To whom it may concern (on letter)
m.b.t. (met betrekking tot): concerning
miv (met ingang van): starting at date/time
muv (met uitzondering van): with the exception of, excepting,
M/V (man/vrouw): man/woman (in job ads)
mv (meervoud) plural
m.vr.gr. (met vriendelijke groeten): with kind regards (letter)
Mw (mevrouw): Madam, Mrs
nav (naar aanleiding van): as a result of
notk (nader overeen te komen): to be agreed
nl (namelijk): namely
o.a. (onder andere): amongst other things
o.l.v. (onder leiding van) supervised by
o.m. (onder meer): amongst other, including
ong. (ongeveer) approximately / about / around
oorspr. (oorspronkelijk) originally
svp (Si'l vous plait - French): please
tav (ter attentie van): attention of, attn
tav (ten aanzien van): with regard/respect to
teab = (tegen elk aannemelijk bod): any reasonable offer accepted
tgv (ten gevolge van): as a result of
t/m (tot en met): up to and including
tnv (ten name van): in the name of
tov (ten opzichte van): compared/ in relation to
twv (ter waarde van): worth, valued at
v.a. (vanaf): from (mostly used for pricing)
vnl (voornamelijk) mainly / especially / in particular
zgn. (zogenaamd): as a matter of speaking, so called
zoz (zie ommezijde): see other side, please turn over,
p.t.o.
Page | 36

USEFUL SEARCH TERMS
(Real) Estate Agent - Makelaar
Airline companies - Luchtvaart maatschappijen
Airports - Luchthavens
Allergies - Allergiën
Baby Health Clinic - Consultatie Bureau
Banks - Banken
Bicycle Rental - Fietsen verhuur
Bicycle Shops - Fietsen winkels
Car Dealership - Auto dealer
Car Rental Companies - Autoverhuur bedrijven
Care - Zorg
Carpenter/Joiner - Timmerman
Church - Kerken
Cinema - Bioscoop
Concert Hall - Muziekcentrum or Concertzaal
Dentist - Tandarts
Doctor - Huisarts
Drug Store/Chemist - Drogist
Electrician - Electricien
Electricity - Electra
Employment Offices (Temping) - Uitzendbureaus
Employment Offices - Arbeidsbureaus
Fault-clearing Service - Storingsdienst
Fire Station - Brandweer
Football (Soccer) - Voetbal
Furniture Shop - Meubel winkel
Garages - Garages
Garden Centre - Tuincentrum
Gynaecologist - Gyneacoloog
Home Care Association - Thuiszorg
Horse-riding - Maneges or Paardensport
Housing – Rental - Huur huizen
Housing – to buy - Koop huizen
Ice Skating Rinks - IJsbanen
Insurance Companies - Verzekeringsbedrijven
Kennels - Kennels, dierenpensions
Language Course - Taalonderwijs
Lawyers - Advocaten
Legal Aid - Bureau voor rechtshulp
Library - Bibliotheek
Locksmiths - Sleutelservice
Martial arts - Vecht- & Zelfverdedigingssport
Maternity Assistant - Kraamhulp
Middle School - Middelbare school
Midwife - Vroedvrouw
Music Schools - Muziekscholen
Notary - Notaris
Painter - Schilder
Pharmacy - Apotheek
Playgrounds - Speeltuinen
Plumber - Loodgieter
Police Stations - Politie bureaus
Post Offices - Postkantoren
Removals Companies - Verhuisbedrijven
Swimming Pools - Zwembaden
Tailor/Dressmaker - Kleermaker
Tax Advisor - Belasting adviseur
Tax Office - Belastingkantoor
Taxi Call Centres - Taxi centrales
Theatre - Schouwburg or Theater
Theme Parks - Attractie parken
Travel Agencies - Reisbureaus
Utilities Companies - Nutsbedrijven
Vet - Dierenarts
Waste/Garbage - Afval
Window Cleaner – Glazenwasser
Page | 37

USEFUL DUTCH PHRASES
In the street – Op straat
Could you please tell me...?: Kunt u mij alstublieft zeggen...?
Can you help me, please?: Kunt u mij alstublieft helpen?
Thanks a lot: Hartelijk bedankt
I thank you so much: Ik dank u hartelijk
Introducing yourself – Jezelf introduceren / voorstellen
Good Morning: Goedemorgen
Good afternoon: Goedemiddag
Good evening/night: Goedenavond
Where are you from?: Waar kom je vandaan?
What is your name?: Wat is je naam? / hoe heet je?
I am from... : Ik kom uit...
My name is... : Mijn naam is...
How do you do?: Hoe gaat het met je?
Hi, How are you?: Hallo, hoe gaat het?
What is your job?: Wat voor werk doe je?
Where do you live?: Waar woon je?
How old are you?: Hoe oud ben je?
The Weather – Het Weer
It is a lovely day!: Het is een mooie dag!
It is hot!: Het is warm
It is cold: Het is koud
Expressing yourself – Jezelf uitten
I am hungry: Ik heb trek / honger
I am thirsty: Ik heb dorst
How cute!: Wat schattig!
Dandy, snob: Snob
Gossip (nosy): Roddels
Saying Goodbye - Groeten
See you: Ik zie je!
Nice to meet you: Leuk je te ontmoeten
Can you give me your phone number?: Kun je mij je telefoonnummer geven?
Shall I call you or will you call me? Zal ik jou bellen of bel jij mij?
Shall I write you or will you write me? Zal ik jou schrijven of schrijft jij mij?
Take care!: Pas goed op jezelf!
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BOOKS ON THE NETHERLANDS (ENGLISH):
Just a few books that are worth a mention and great reading, either to give away as a
present or to keep! These books are available through Amazon or at Selexyz
Dominikanen, downtown Maastricht.
Dutch Delight, Eating and drinking, the Dutch way (€ 14.95)
Learn what they eat and drink, browse through their eating habits and recipes, and
when you are done, try them!
Food Shopper’s Guide to Holland - Ada Henne Koene (€ 11.95)
With over 1,000 entries, the book provides the confused shopper with the English
and Dutch names of a broad array of food and includes sections on: basic cooking
ingredients, beverages, dairy products, breads and patisserie, types and cuts of
meat, fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables, canned and dried foods, delicatessen
and gourmet foods.
Minding your Manners by Magda Berman (€ 14.95)
A Guide to Dutch Business & Social Etiquette.
.NL (€ 16.00)
.NL is a two inch thick and 720 page long exploration of the Netherlands in words
and pictures.
The Dutch I Presume by Martijn de Rooi & Jurjen Drenth (€ 14.95)
Addressing more than 40 prominent aspects of Dutch society and culture, this
book provides an instant insight into the mindset of the natives of the Netherlands.
The Holland Handbook (€ 29.90)
This richly illustrated handbook offers the expatriate essential information on all
aspects of living and working in the Netherlands.
The UnDutchables by Colin White & Laurie Boucke (€ 16.95)
An Observation of the Netherlands: its Culture and its Inhabitants.
View on Maastricht by Thijs Tuurenhout / Karel Tomei/ Ger Houben (€ 49.90)
A beautifully illustrated coffee table book that brings into focus the Dutch city with
the most Mediterranean qualities, Maastricht.
Page | 39

CHILDREN BOOKS ON THE NETHERLANDS (ENGLISH)
A pond full of ink by Annie M.G. Schmidt (ISBN-10: 9045112906 )
David Colmer has produced sparkling new translations for this collection of her most iconic
children s poems, illustrator Sieb Posthuma presents his own colourful take on Schmidt s
universe, and Irma Boom s design turns it all into a dazzling whole.
Hans Brinker by Martijn de Rooi (ISBN 978-90-76214-13-9)
The exciting adventure of Hans Brinker is one of the classic tales about the Netherlands.
Many people know the story of the boy called Hans who saved his village from being
devastated by flooding by putting his finger in a leaking dike
Jip & Janneke by Annie M.G. Schmidt (ISBN-10: 9045106140)
For more than 50 years, Jip and Janneke have been the Netherlands favourite and most
famous toddlers. Some of her 5 minute stories have now be translated into English and
great stories for bedtime reading!
Jip & Janneke, two kids from Holland by Fiep Westendorp (ISBN-10: 9045106655)
Jip and Janneke, the two most famous toddlers in the Netherlands, take you on a journey
through their country, introducing you to tulip fields and cows, cycling and ice skating and
St. Nicholas celebrations. Great keepsake to remind children of their time in the
Netherlands!
Miffy (Nijntje) by Dick Bruna
Books of this famous rabbit have been translated in many languages
Frog (Kikker) by Max Velthuijs
Frog is a picture book character created by Max Velthuijs. In the Netherlands Frog is
known as Kikker. Several books have now been tranlated into English
The cow who fell in the canal by Phyllis Krasilovsky (ISBN-10: 0385075855)
Hendrika is bored with the life on the farm and longs to see the city she has heard so
much about. One day her wish comes true in the most surprising way and life in the fields
is never dull again!
Two-truck Pluk by Annie M.G. Schmidt (ISBN-10: 9045112531)
There‟s a room free in the Pill Building. Up on top, in the tower. When Pluk finds out, he
drives straight there in his red tow truck. Finally he has a home. And right away he makes
lots of new friends: Zaza the cockroach and Dolly the pigeon, Mr Penn, the Stampers and
Aggie. Pluck‟s adventures can begin.
Pluk and his friends (ISBN- 10: 9045111365)
Pluk lives in the Pill Building and has lots of friends: Zaza the cockroach, Mr Penn, Aggie,
Longmount and the Stampers. You’ll meet them all in this picture book!
Page | 40

NOTES
Page | 41

Pre-school & Primary School
Nijverheidsweg 25a
6227 AL Maastricht
Telephone: +31 (0)43 356 1100
admin@uwcmaastricht.com
Secondary School
Nijverheidsweg 25
6227 AL Maastricht
Telephone: +31 (0) 43 367 4666
admin@ism.portamosana.nl
Page | 42