Cosmopolitan Village

The cultural mix

You are never stuck for something to do here. Amsterdam is home to many world-class cultural facilities. These include major museums and classical music venues. There's also a lively jazz, rock and club scene. There are several English-language bookshops, and a thriving English-language comedy theatre, the Chicago Social Club.

In Amstelveen, there's a Cherry Blossom Festival, held since the Japanese Women's Club planted 400 trees in the Amsterdamse Bos to celebrate 400 years of trading between Japan and the Netherlands. Amstelveen also hosts the annual colourful Dragon Boat Races, for corporate teams of various nationalities. In 2006, the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung presented the races with two traditional hand-painted wooden boats.

Dutch holidays

Expats also enjoy experiencing the culture of the Netherlands, especially the traditional Sinterklaas held in December each year. Sinterklaas (who gave his name to Santa Claus) brings presents for the children, while adults enjoy traditional games, foods, and exchanging gifts. The region organises a special Sinterklaas party for Japanese expats at this time.

Other high points in the Dutch calendar are Queen's Day on 30 April (Koninginnedag) a lively celebration in honour of the queen's official birthday, and New Year's Eve, when the city erupts in an explosion of fireworks and fun. For expats, these occasions are favourite times for having family and friends visit, to experience Dutch life at its most festive.

Shopping heaven

With its great assortment of international brands as well as independent stops and specialty boutiques, Amsterdam is an enjoyable place to shop. The famous Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) offer unique fashion finds and other goods, or head to the ritzy PC Hooftstraat for the big names in style.

Dutch design is critically acclaimed and many shops display these contemporary works. If you prefer antiques, head to the cluster of shops in the Museum Quarter. For basic, well-designed goods at low prices, the Dutch chain Hema is as popular with expats as with the Dutch themselves. And then there are the popular markets, where you can find just about anything - including an eclectic atmosphere.

Kid's stuff

Expats have plenty of choice when it comes to schooling. Amsterdam has a British School, a French Lycée and a Japanese School. In addition, there are two types of international school: independent (private) ones (like the International School of Amsterdam) and those partly funded by the government (community schools). The latter place more emphasis on the Dutch language and living in the Netherlands, and are a good option if your stay here is likely to be a long one.

In addition, there are plenty of sports and cultural clubs that provide a range of after-school activities. Children enjoy Amsterdam: the city has plenty of gardens and parks, a big zoo, and numerous cinemas showing English-language films. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun in a boat on the canals, or cycling the area's wide network of bike routes.

Sporting life

Keeping fit is not a problem in the Netherlands. The Dutch are fans of the outdoor life. There are around 800 sport clubs in the city, with a huge range of facilities. You can work out in the gym or enjoy a run in the park, perhaps in training for the annual Amsterdam Marathon (held every October). Or take advantage of the national enthusiasm for golf, sailing, cycling, ice-skating, football, tennis or hockey.

If watching sport is more your thing, a visit to the ArenA, home of Ajax, Amsterdam's legendary football team, is a taste of sporting history. The city also has a successful basketball team, the Astronauts.

Some sporting events are arranged especially with expats in mind. For example, a Cricket Tournament was held (for the first time) in 2007 for Indian companies. Nine companies took part, and the tournament proved so popular that it is now a regular event. There's also a football tournament for Japanese companies.