Immigrants to the Netherlands are obligated to pass tests on Dutch language and culture within three years, or be possibly fined or expelled from the Netherlands. As one of these immigrants, I was among this group. The whole program is called “inburgering”, which means “integration”. Last May, I started taking Dutch language lessons with a small school in Aerdenhout. I started in the summer, but needed to prolong my courses due to starting school in Den Haag too. After taking months of classes, I took the Dutch integration exams in March this year. I passed all of my tests outright! After an additional two years, I can apply for Dutch citizenship via naturalization! Due to my situation, I am able to keep my American citizenship and become a dual citizen.
Today I picked up my diploma from the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (Department of Education), which certifies I passed the integration tests.
