The Spring 2010 Issue contains the following articles:

INTERVIEW

From the Point of View of… Stephen Pegg

“I believe in people who are a life source, who give you energy. And I believe in selflessness; in putting yourself towards helping others. And in humility. People tell me how knowledgeable I am, how educated. But I feel very modest about that. The things I know are a coincidence of life. How can I be lauded for what life has taught me? I don’t want to be judged by what I say, I want to be judged by what I do; sharing everything I have learned. I want to use my experience to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

THE REGION

A Brave New World: Game Industry and Education in Utrecht

by Deborah Valentine

There are many features about the province of Utrecht to draw visitors and investors alike; from its landscape to its history, to its centrality with regards to major transportation networks within the Netherlands as well as Europe, to its educational opportunities. For the business investor, Invest Utrecht, the province’s foreign investment agency, has a dedicated staff available to provide answers and assistance to those interested in setting up or expanding their European operations in the province. The province’s USPs (unique selling points) are quickly and clearly highlighted on their website, www.investinutrecht.com.
Among the diverse variety of study programmes on offer in the province, one stands out as particularly relevant and interesting, namely, the game industry. The Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) is nationally and internationally recognised for its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in digital and interactive media. It is one of the largest Universities of Applied Sciences in Europe specialised in Arts and Culture, which besides teaching also has an active knowledge and research organisation. The University of Utrecht (UU) is also at the forefront of teaching and researching information and computing sciences, and is the home base for the multi-partner programme Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE) which aims to extend the benefits of game technology beyond the entertainment industry and demonstrate its relevance to the public sector. Added to the opportunities for studies in this field are those also on offer from Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU).
For more information on these universities, visit www.hku.nl, www.uu.nl, www.gameresearch.nl, and www.hu.nl.

LEISURE

The Hague Jazz; Great Music, Plenty of Choice

The Hague Jazz is a perfect weekend out: great music; plenty of choice; people in all shapes, sizes and of all tastes; international atmosphere, yet also a small-town feel; big crowds; yet spacey and pleasant.
Also this year is a promising one, with golden oldies, such as Kool & The Gang or the irresistible melancholy, yet uplifting sound of Toots Thielemans, who will be turning 88 this year and has played with great performers such as George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Jaco Pastorius, Natalie Cole, Pat Metheny, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and countless more.
In short, there is bound to be plenty to make sure your agenda is free on June 11 and 12 of this year, so that you can spend a great weekend at World Forum Convention Center, by the Statenkwartier.
For more information on the location, program and how to get there, visit: www.thehaguejazz.com.

TAXES

Study-Related Tax Benefits

By Patricia van der Hut

In these economically turbulent times it may be a good idea to take up a study and see if you can expand your knowledge and improve your opportunities on the labor market. As following a study can be an expensive endeavor, the Dutch tax authorities have created a substantial tax advantage that may give you that last nudge towards taking the plunge and going back to school.

If your study meets certain requirements, the expenses incurred are tax-deductible. These requirements are: the study or course is followed for the purpose of improving your position on the labor market, and you (or your fiscal partner) have borne the cost of the studies yourself.
In short, the tax situation for students is well worth looking into, even if you have already completed your studies. Be sure to seek professional advice, so that you can enjoy the maximum benefit.
pvanderhut@finsens.nl

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EDUCATION

Cosmopolitan, Dynamic & Dutch: International Education at The Rijnlands Lyceum in Oegstgeest

By Deborah Valentine

The availability of an international education in the Netherlands has been on the rise for many years, and for many reasons. The increase in international organisations and corporations coming to the Netherlands has led to an increase in demand for education by the families accompanying the internationally mobile employees. To meet this demand, Rijnlands Lyceum in Oegstgeest made a conscious decision to develop an international stream within the same physical environment as their Dutch activities in the belief that this would enhance not only the experience of the international students, but also of their Dutch students. Difference and diversity are not ‘issues’ at RLO, they are simply facts of life, and the intermingling of the students in non-academic programmes and after-school activities creates a cosmopolitan and dynamic environment which Mr. Mathijs Hekkelman, Head of the International School, believes prepares students better for the world ahead of them, and makes for a more memorable all-round educational experience.
For more information about the Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest please contact them at 071 - 519 35 55 or admission@rijnlandslyceum-rlo.nl, or visit www.isrlo.nl. International School Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest, Apollolaan 1, Oegstgeest.

Hidden Treasures of a Webster Degree

by Deborah Valentine

In reality, a picturesque setting and old world charm should not be high on the list of selection criteria for a post-secondary education. Yet, if these are added to the list of strong academic reasons for selection, then Webster University’s Leiden Campus has found a formula, and location, to make pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in English as rewarding as possible.
Webster University, an accredited US university based in St Louis Missouri has as its mission to “… ensure high-quality learning experiences that prepares students for global citizenship and individual excellence”. As part of this mission, international campuses have been set up overseas and throughout the US itself to provide students with the opportunity to learn and to discover the global world in which they will eventually do business. Among its international campuses is that of Leiden, located between The Hague and Amsterdam. Here students can pursue undergraduate as well as postgraduate degrees in Arts and Business Administration.
For details about the programmes available at the Bachelor as well as the Masters level please visit www.webster.nl , or call 071 - 516 80 00. Webster University, Boommarkt 1, Leiden.

Solid Foundation, in the Past and for the Future

by Deborah Valentine

Starting this fall, Nyenrode Business University in Breukelen will be introducing a tailor-made English-language programme for mid-level professionals preparing for (international) management functions. Compact, concrete and to the point, the Foundations of International Management (FIM) is a year-long course tailored to meet the needs of young executives on the verge of promotion or interested in further preparing themselves for an international career.
The Foundations of International Management-programme offers the framework of key business and management knowledge and is structured in such a way as to allow working executives to combine their studies with their current career. The programme is broken down into three blocs covering the essence of international management: Financial Analysis & Value; Team Leadership & Organisational Effectiveness, and Strategy & Market Leadership.
Spread over 15 weeks and taking place every other weekend (Friday to Saturday), the entire programme can be completed within a year, and can be embarked upon on one of three start dates in September 2010 or January or April 2011.
For more information about the Foundations of International Management contact Ms. Sanne Zweers on 0346 - 291 30 00, or visit www.nyenrode.nl/fim.

ROC Mondriaan – Poised for the Future

By Deborah Valentine

As with the art work of Piet Mondriaan, the ROC Mondriaan in The Hague offers much more than meets the eye. It is one of the largest providers of vocational training in the Netherlands, and in The Hague offers a series of English-language International Stream programmes for students 16-17+ years of age.
The first of the courses offered by Mondriaan in the International Stream were those of the International Hotel & Management School (IHMS). The four-year programme equips graduates to enter a broad variety of positions within the hospitality industry from Front Office, Food and Beverage departments to Sales & Marketing, Finance and HR. For students with a flair and love for cooking and a desire to pursue such a career professionally, the IHMS is introducing a new two-year Chef’s Course in the fall of 2010. Graduates of the Mondriaan International Business School (MIBS), which also offers a four-year programme specialised in marketing and communication, are ready for a future in both the public and private sectors, or as young entrepreneurs themselves. A more recent addition to the International Stream at Mondriaan is the International Tourism and Leisure Management (ITLM) programme in which students spend half a year in the classroom, and half a year on a placement. Graduates have the added advantage of receiving two diplomas upon completion of their studies: a Dutch Diploma as well as the International BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) Diploma which is equivalent to A Levels (UK).
For more information about any of ROC Mondriaan’s International Stream programmes visit their website www.rocmondriaan.nl

The Many Elements of ‘Leren’ at the International School of The Hague

by Deborah Valentine

At the ISH it is all about the students – not simply teaching them ‘stuff’, knowledge, but also providing them with the opportunity to learn the skills required to make future transitions; of countries, in life. Established in the early 1980s as a school for internationally mobile families living in and around The Hague, the International School of The Hague has since grown to be one of the largest educational institutions offering primary as well as secondary education in English to the ever-increasing ‘internationally mobile’ population of the greater Hague area.
For the older students, 12-18 years of age, wishing to pursue a post-secondary education, the ISH offers both the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) as well as the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Yet the mixed backgrounds and mobile experiences do not mean that the ISH is an island in The Hague. Dutch is integral to the school’s curriculum, at all ages, and from its new location in Kijkduin, the school has established close ties and exchanges with many of the local sporting facilities nearby. The ISH is by no means a ‘gated community’ and offers its students, and their families, more than the ‘best of two worlds’; it offers the best of many, including the host country, the Netherlands.
For more information about the IPC, visit www.internationalprimarycurriculum.com, about the IB www.ibo.org, and about the International School in The Hague itself, www.ishthehague.nl, or call them on 070 - 338 45 67 (Primary School) or 070 - 328 14 50 (Secondary School). Wijndaelerduin 1, The Hague.

Thinking on a Higher Plane: The International School of Amsterdam

By Angela Tweedie

A longstanding collaboration between The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) and a world-renowned project from the Harvard Graduate School of Education is shedding light on thinking processes. Fostering creative, effective thinking is an obvious goal for any educational establishment, but ISA has gone one step further, to set up a “culture of thinking”.
Dr. Edward Greene, Director at ISA, says, “We encourage curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning at the school. But most of all, the school aims to develop the habits of mind that lead to deep levels of knowledge, understanding, and empathy.” Says Stephanie Martin, Kindergarten teacher: “Although knowledge and skills are valuable, learning how to think is vital for our students in a world flooded with information”.
To learn more about ISA and Project Zero go to www.isa.nl.

Pursuing a Mission: For Students, International Families and the Wider Community

by Deborah Valentine

A walk through the schools which make up the British School in The Netherlands, a review of the school magazine BSN Insight, and the overall presence of the school in so many local, national and international activities, confirms that the BSN is much more than ‘just a school’ for its 2,000 students, their families and the staff working at all the locations. It has come a long, long way since its foundation in the early 1930s with four teachers and 20 students, and it continues to respond and attend to the growing demand for British International education of the highest standard. The curriculum offered at the BSN is essentially that of the UK, which focuses on the integral development of the person, educating the ‘head, hand and heart’ of each student. This broad and balanced education offered by the BSN has resulted in 90% of its students being accepted at the Universities of their first choice upon graduation, be they graduates of the UK A Level or International Baccalaureate Diploma stream.
The British School in The Netherlands consists of four Junior Schools in the Hague area (Diamanthorst, Vlaskamp, Leidschenveen) and a small satellite school in Assen. The BSN’s Senior School is located in in Voorshoten close to The Hague. In addition there is an active Language School offering language courses in English and Dutch for both children and adults, including the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). For more information about the different locations of The British School in The Netherlands, please visit www.britishschool.nl.

Getting an Education: From Primary to Ph.D.

When you move to the Netherlands with children, there is at least one big decision you will be faced with; what school do you want to send your child(ren) to? Do you want to send your children to a Dutch school, to an international school – or do you hope to find a so-called nationality-based school, such as German, French, or British?
And: What are the options for a university-level education? This is a question that can arise either because your child has graduated from secondary school, or because you yourself have come to Netherlands to study – either as a young student, or as an accompanying spouse.

The options are myriad. On offer in the Netherlands are more than 1,450 English-language courses, ranging from complete bachelor’s and master’s programs to short two-week courses, as well as Ph.D.-programs. Visit www.studyinholland.nl for an overview of your options, which include Arts and Humanities, Agriculture, Medical and Health Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Tourism, Law and countless more.
At primary and secondary school-level, there are various ways for your children to get an international (or at least, bilingual) education. For instance, your child can go to a nationality-based international school; an international school; a school with an ‘international stream’; or a dual-language school, where some of the courses are offered in Dutch and others in English.
In this article, an overview of the Dutch educational system and the options of obtaining an (international) education in the Netherlands.

LEISURE

Château, Chapeau
Limburg Rises Up From the South, But What Lies Buried at Its Feet?

by Tijmen Wisman and Suzanne Schreve

The easy meadows and slow-moving cows that exemplify this tiny backyard of Europe might just get a bit boring after a while. But, when spring breaks through, most of us are already yearning for summer holidays in Europe’s front garden. Lush hills, pastoral towns, medieval churches and stately Châteaux down south lure us in like honeybees. But don’t be fooled by the caravan trail, we have a down south as well and it’s called Limburg. Granted, the sloping landscapes alternating with woodlands, winding roads, trickling rivers and soft-spoken accents do not seem to represent what you might think of as being Dutch, but it just so happens that a long time ago, we were wise enough to keep a little wedge of Belgium to ourselves.
Driving down from the Randstad, you’ll notice straight away when you’ve crossed over into southern Limburg. This land of rolling countryside on Maastricht’s doorstep with castles, Roman remains and vineyards is different from any other province.
Château St Gerlach
For all its architectural elegance, Château St. Gerlach has a comfortable plainness that makes it seem almost homelike. Driving up to the hotel, a sprawling English lawn adorned with sculptures by different artists ease your way in. At the back of the hotel, masses of basil, thyme, mint and rosemary perfume the herb garden and a vigorous growth of roses planted in symmetrical French-style flowerbeds peek out from behind a sturdy stone gate flanked by hedges. Following the smells down to the orchard at the back of the estate, you can hear the rush of a little river filtering romantically through spring’s musical choir.
www.chateauhotels.nl

No Tip-Toeing, Please

by Deborah Valentine

“ … (K)nee deep through the flowers we will stray ….” suggests the song Tip-Toe Through the Tulips – however you would be advised to stay on the paths while visiting Keukenhof in Lisse. Aside from the fact that you are forbidden to walk through the flower beds, wandering along the paths created among the flower beds is by far the best way to admire the full glory of the millions of flowers on display each year. For first-time visitors, as well as the regulars, the amazement that so many different, yet similar flowers exist is sure to express itself in exclamations of “oohs” and “aahs”, not to mention countless photographs.
On March 18, Keukenhof will once more open its gates to welcome visitors from around the world to admire the wonders of nature as well as the art of bulb cultivation. The mosaic of choice for this year will be the famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral which was planted in October of 2009 and awaits its moment of glory. The mosaic, which has been created from almost 65,000 flower bulbs, will include the towers of St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square and will measure 21 by 12 metres.
Keukenhof is open from March 18 through May 16 from 8 A.M. – 7:30 P.M. daily (box office closes at 6 P.M.). For more information on opening times, prices and the agenda of activities please visit www.keukenhof.nl.

EXPAT LIVING

New Expat Service for Companies in The Hague

International organizations and companies account for 11% of The Hague’s economy. For this reason, the municipality of The Hague has set up a new Expat Service, which opened on February 1 of this year. This service is the outcome of a joint effort between the municipality, the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Services), and ACCESS, and offers companies a less time-consuming process for registering their international employees – by means of a simple, yet all-encompassing procedure.
Currently, the service is offered by the Immigration Office of the City of The Hague, located on Stadhoudersplantsoen 24 in the Statenkwartier (near the Gemeentemuseum), but before the end of 2010, their offices will move to The Hague Hospitality Center in the Atrium of City Hall.
For more information, please visit: www.denhaag.nl, select English and then click on Expats and Students.

INTERVIEW

Hold Your Head Up High

Greg Shapiro came to the Netherlands in 1994 to join his high school ( and Northwestern University) pals Andrew Moskos and Jon Rosenfeld, who had set up Boom Chicago – a standup comedy show that they named after their home town. “Basically, we were townies with wanderlust, who wanted to set up a show somewhere else and then take it back home.”
Currently, Greg is doing two solo shows, over and above the regular Boom Chicago gigs. One is called Going Dutch, “a musical Inburgeringscursus and one man’s quest for a second passport”, and How to Be Orange; “a sort of Inburgeringscursus for the rest of the world.”
What would Greg like to say to the Dutch? “The Dutch are not the type to thump their own chest. But who better to lead the world in what the Dutch do best; finding the right balance between work, living and recreation? So I would like to say one thing to the Dutch; Hold your head up high!” His eyes twinkle, “…it might be the only way to keep from drowning.”
To see where Greg will be performing, in the Netherlands and abroad, visit www.barnstormers.nl. Also visit www.thedailygreg.com.

SPORTS

GiroMania!
Amsterdam hosts Italian extravaganza

By Shirley Agudo

Buongiorno, Amsterdam! You’ll hear that a lot in the streets in the beginning of May, when the city will be hosting the start of the 93rd Giro d’Italia cycle race – this time to Rome – with a full festival week of Italian food, fashion, music and other cultural events. Appropriately dubbed GiroMania!, this Italian extravaganza will combine international allure with the intimacy of a true Amsterdam party, all centered around the bicycle as a means of transportation, recreation and competition.

“Hosting the Giro d’Italia in Amsterdam is a once-in-a-lifetime event – a festival that the visitors will never forget,” says Carolien Gehrels, Amsterdam’s Alderman for Sports.

And what a party it will be. For an updated schedule of events for the entire giromania! Celebration, visit www.giromania.nl.

On Wednesday, March 31, a country-wide effort will be organized to earn an entry in the renowned Guinness Book of Records for having one million people, including expats, riding their bikes from noon – 1 P.M. To register for this event, go to www.heelnederlandfietst.nl.

COLUMN

Things to Do to Get a Grip on Dutch Literature ...

By Nette Menke

Reading is good for you if you are a language student. The more you read, the more you will understand. But reading literature is something else. You read novels to get a feel for the author's culture. And you can do this without necessarily knowing the language, because literature can be read in translation.
There are two books by two important Dutch authors that you can easily get a hold of in translation. They are: De Donkere Kamer van Damokles (1958) and De Aanslag (1982), translated as The Darkroom of Damocles and The Assault. These books were written by two of our greatest post-war authors: W.F.Hermans (1921-1995) and Harry Mulisch (1927).
These are books I hope you will enjoy reading, while acquiring a little extra insight into Dutch culture. Ik wens u er veel plezier mee!

CONTEST

Expat of the Year Awards

Honoring the Netherlands’ Exceptional Expats
The Netherlands Foreign Investment agency, Nijenrode Business University, website Expatica and the Undutchables recruitment agency have set up their own awards for the country’s top expats, expat employers and service providers. After an initial round during which members of the public could suggest their own top candidates, a short list of five nominees was put together. The winners are to decided by a combination of public vote and expert panel – with the formal prize-giving set for March 23.
The nominees range from Crossroads magazine editor Sueli Brolin – described by one supporter as “the ideal expat” – to the Maastricht Region Rebranding Service and the European Patent Office.
For more information check: www.expatoftheyear.nl  
Please note that the voting closes on March 14.
 

HR

The Hidden Costs of Intercultural Misunderstandings

What is culture costing you? Due to the rapid increase in globalization, the frequency with which company employees interact with national cultures other than their own has increased dramatically over the past year. Companies that ignore intercultural dynamics among their employees are running a huge risk - miscommunication, inefficiencies and, potentially, the loss of talented people.
Leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development are the themes of training institute De Baak. This organization is dedicated to the human side of enterprise. Their commitment is to the individual: to helping people become their most effective selves and to meet their potential. They explore with them – and help them to reveal – the depth and richness of their talents. In doing so, they allow the individual to become an agent of change, growth or innovation within their organization, thus creating a stronger, more resilient organization that can contribute to forming healthy societies.
De Baak offers both ‘open’ and tailor-made programs to both (international) individuals and companies. Individuals can participate in a broad selection of international programs, events and one-on-one coaching. Organizations are offered customized programs, from large management development projects to short one day-workshops. And, for society at large, they foster dialogue through events such as ‘Meet the World’, that address issues ranging from social responsibility and diversity, to globalization and sustainability.
For more information, visit www.debaak.com.

CONTEST

And These Are the Winning Photos of the Bicycle Mania Photo Contest!

A panel of judges consisting of Bicycle Mania author/photographer Shirley Agudo, Dutch documentary photographer Ben Deiman, Amsterdam photography gallery owner Eduard Planting of Eduard Planting Fine Art Photographs (www.eduardplanting.com), and Bert van Essen, publisher of Bicycle Mania and The XPat Journal, selected these winners of the photo contest of the Winter Issue of The XPat Journal
First prize
Marc van Woudenberg, Family Cycle Train
Marc won a WorkCycles ‘Secret Service’ bike donated by owner Henry Cutler
www.workcycles.nl 

Second prize
Dejan Kamenski, Snow Day
Dejan won a deluxe saddlebag from Hans Struijk bike shop, The Hague
www.hansstruijkfietsen.nl

Third prize
Antton Zubia, Shadow
Antton won a rain jacket also from Hans Struijk bike shop, The Hague

The winners also received a complimentary copy of Bicycle Mania

EXPAT AFFAIRS

Bringing Knowledge Migrants to this Banana Republic

For years, the whole process surrounding the legal entry of expats in the Netherlands was a generous feeding ground for irritation. The process took forever, it was costly, its various stages were to be carried out by different parties, and family members often had to wait months to follow their expat ‘emigrant’.
The Dutch government, realizing how much the economy of this country would benefit from an influx of highly-skilled people, introduced changes – step by step. In the first year, after the introduction of the new regulations, in 2005, 1,600 employees acquired knowledge migrant status. By 2008, this was 6,800. Now, the government decided to increase the costs related to the entrance visa and the authorization temporary stay of a knowledge migrant by 300%.
The ARPN, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of relocation companies such as NOVA Relocation, Paragon Relocation Holland and T & A Relocation, serves as an intermediary between its members and those government organizations, and spin-offs thereof, that are involved in relocation. They have sent a letter of protest to the Standing Committee of Social Affairs and Employment and Justice, with a copy to the IND and the State Secretary of Justice. “Raising the prices of the required documents by 300% is not a matter of adjusting the price to accommodate for inflation. There is no reasonable explanation for this increase in price.”
www.arpn-relocation.org

COLUMN

Funny You Should Ask About... Education versus Wisdom

By Shirley Agudo

Education – the theme of this issue – and wisdom are two entirely different things. We all want our children to get a good education, with the requisite diplomas and academic degrees added to their repertoire and their CVs. But will they find wisdom in their education?
Not necessarily. An even better answer would be: probably not.
Wisdom is a cache that is difficult to acquire. It’s ephemeral, obscure, and most often not included in a school curriculum. Let’s face it, how many times have you seen ‘Wisdom’ listed on a high school course roster? I thought so. Never.

BANKING

ABN AMRO: Giving International Clients Support in a Language They Understand

Rick Scholten has what many would consider a dream job. In an office that lies right smack in the middle of the Schiphol Airport complex, he offers ABNAMRO’s international clients tailor-made financial services – accompanied by a view of hundreds of airplanes coming and going every day, a background of 25 languages, and an almost daily smorgasbord of exotic dishes brought in by his international team.
Every bank will claim that they offer international support. So what distinguishes the service that ABN AMRO offers, from that of other banks? “We have two offices, one here at Schiphol and one in The Hague. In this office alone, there are 50 people who, among them, speak 25 different languages. The majority of these people are second generation immigrants, who not only speak their native language and Dutch fluently, but are also well at home in the Dutch culture as well as in their native culture. This means that they understand not only the language that is spoken to them, but also the culture behind the needs of their clients, and the differences that might exist between what their clients are familiar with and how things work here. Our office in The Hague offers the same depth of support.”
Adds Rick Scholten: “Of course, if you live in the bigger cities, chances that you will find an office that has experience with expat matters are reasonably great. But if you visit a smaller office in, say, Goirle, they won’t be able to offer you the services that we can. Not because they aren’t good at what they do, but because expats is not part of what they do. And welcoming expats and providing them with service while they are here, is one thing. But how many local banks know what to advise an expat when he leaves the country again to live somewhere else?`We feel that it is important to help the expats, also when they leave. Not only because this is in their best interest; it is in our best interest too. Because if we make a mistake, we pay too. And what good does that do anyone?”
www.abnamro.nl/internationalclients

CONTEST 

Young Writers Competition: Update

The deadline for entries for the first Young Writers Competition was reached with a flurry of last minute entries at the end of January 2009. 
In total, over 650 creative young hopefuls from 50 different schools have taken part in the competition. The theme was friendship, and it certainly inspired a lot of creativity. 
You wrote about best friends, and friends who moved away and friends who turned out to be enemies. There are exciting adventures with friends, stories about the meaning of friendship and some are illustrated with drawings and photographs.
The panel of five judges hope to have finalised the winners by mid March. And, if all goes according to plan, the winners and runners up will be included in a special book to celebrate the success of the competition.
They will also be published in the next issue of The XPat Journal (Summer 2010)

Check the website www.youngwriterscompetition.nl for details. 
 

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