Interview with Hanan Bou Akl

This interview shares the personal story of an expat who came to the Netherlands with her husband as her sponser and was not directly supported by All About Expats. They may have been able to use some of our services, such as the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar), Relocation Service, the 30% ruling, or Employment & Career Tools (ECT). This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace personal advice. For more information about our services, please feel free to contact us.

When Hanan moved from Lebanon to the Netherlands in 2023, it wasn’t just another relocation. After years of living between Lebanon, Australia, and France, she and her husband were ready to finally settle down. “Since 2016, it’s been moving from one place to another,” she says. “When we came to the Netherlands, we felt like: this is it. We want to stay.”

Originally from Lebanon, Hanan arrived in the Netherlands on a highly skilled migrant visa through her husband’s job in the humanitarian sector. Today, nearly three years later, she lives in Hoorn, continues her career in design and art, and is building a new life step by step.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Hanan built her early career there as a graphic designer. After graduating in 2010, she worked for multinational advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett and other large firms before transitioning into freelance work and consultancy. Over the years, she collaborated with international NGOs including UNHCR, UN Women and International Alert.

But her journey didn’t stay in one place. In 2016, she moved to Sydney, Australia, where she completed a Master’s degree in Service Design. After almost two years, she returned to Lebanon, just before the COVID pandemic and the devastating 2020 Beirut blast.

“The situation was already unstable economically,” she says. “Then came the banking crisis, the port explosion, and everything became even more uncertain. Lebanon is beautiful, warm, social and full of life. Despite the chaos, people still go out, see family and enjoy the outdoor nature. But long term, we knew we wanted more stability.”

When her husband was offered a finance role in Amsterdam, they decided to take the leap. “He applied, and I didn’t even know if it would work out,” she laughs. “But when he got the job offer, it suddenly became real. We had about four months to prepare. We sold our furniture, shipped some personal items, and moved!”

The couple first settled in Diemen, close to Amsterdam. “It was important for us to live somewhere calm, not in the middle of tourism,” Hanan explains. Later, they moved north to Hoorn, where they eventually settled in their new home.

Looking back at her first week in the Netherlands, several things stood out. “People are very kind and non-judgmental,” she says. “Everyone speaks English, and they’re proud of it. In France, even if people speak English, they don’t always want to use it. Here in the Netherlands, it was so easy to communicate.”

She was also impressed by how efficient everything was. “Opening a bank account was done almost entirely online. Administration is so digitized!.”

And then there was King’s Day, just weeks after her arrival. “We arrived on April 3rd, and then suddenly King’s Day happened,” she laughs. “It was crazy! But it was a full introduction to Dutch culture.”

Despite Hanan’s strong international background, finding work in the Netherlands wasn’t easy at first. “I applied to many jobs,” she explains. “But most required Dutch, and at that time my residency permit was renewed yearly. Employers hesitated.”

Determined to continue her career, she registered her own sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) at the KvK: ‘Hanan Bou Akl Design Consultancy’ and her Art practice business ‘Prime and Flow’. Alongside her design consultancy, she also developed her art practice. “I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a child. That’s what brought me into design. I am indeed multi-passionate. With design I entertain minds, but with art, I entertain hearts. With my wellness practices, they both align.”

Hanan even started creating YouTube art videos about her life in the Netherlands, sharing her artistic perspective on her new environment. After nearly two years, she secured her first consultancy contract in the Netherlands: as a graphic designer at the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in The Hague.

“The organization works in English, which helped. But now I finally have a Dutch-based experience on my CV. That makes a big difference!” she says. After almost a year, her contract ended and she is already searching for the next opportunity, this time with more confidence.

Although nearly everyone speaks English, Hanan is determined to learn Dutch. “I’m taking online lessons with a teacher,” she says. “But finding affordable in-person classes in Hoorn has been difficult. One of the schools charges around €500 per month, which is a lot when you’re on a highly skilled migrant visa and don’t receive subsidies.” Still, she practices whenever she can. “I know words and phrases, but not enough to hold a full work interview yet,” she says modestly. Recently she found extremely affordable Dutch classes with Stichting Netwerk in a nearby community center in Hoorn. In addition, she is on the waitlist at the VONK school classes.

Integration for her goes beyond language. Through a local art initiative that temporarily uses empty spaces in town for exhibitions, she became involved in the creative community in Hoorn with the “Hoorn Heeft Ze” initiative. She even manages their Dutch-language Instagram page, using translation tools to help in her design. “It’s a beautiful way to connect,” she says. “My passion is art, even though my income mainly comes from visual design.”

Coming from Lebanon, where the banking crisis froze many people’s savings from 2020, buying property with the support of a Bank Loan was not possible at that time. “When we came to the Netherlands, we thought: instead of paying rent forever, maybe we can invest in our first home,” she explains. After attending housing seminars and researching the market, they decided not to wait. “Everyone said prices were rising quickly. We didn’t want to waste time.”

Buying their home in Hoorn was, in her words, “a courageous move”, but one that gave them a sense of permanence. Recently, they received their five-year residency permits. “That felt like a big milestone,” she says. “Now it really feels stable to live in the Netherlands.”

While professionally and practically the transition has been positive, one challenge remains: building deep connections. “In Lebanon, family and friends are always around you. Here, we don’t have that. I’ve met many people, and they’re lovely. But building strong, close friendships takes time.”

“I joined local expat groups on social media and started attending monthly meetups,” she says. “I also signed up for Dutch art workshops, dance and pilates classes.” Even everyday moments became opportunities. “Sometimes I start small side conversations at the market or while running errands. You have to create your own opportunities sometimes.”

“ I often think, if we both get sick, who would we call? When we travel, we have to hire a pet sitter because there’s no cousin or close friend nearby. These are small things, but they remind you that you’re far from home.” Still, she remains optimistic. “It takes time. We’re not university students anymore, we don’t automatically meet people every day. But slowly, we are building our circle.”

Although Hanan notes there isn’t a large Lebanese community where she lives. In addition, she finds connection through spirituality and yoga. “We go to monthly meditation Satsangs (gatherings) in The Hague where our international yoga school offers them. It helps us feel connected to our roots while embracing Dutch culture, because we also did yoga in our own country”, she says.

Hanan appreciates the openness she finds in Dutch workplaces. “The culture here is very direct but non-judgmental. People are honest, which helps, especially for someone like me who’s naturally shy. You can be honest without it feeling confrontational.”

One key difference she notes is the emphasis on mental health and work-life balance. “Dinner (family time) is at six, and that’s it. You can take a day off without feeling guilty. In Lebanon, work is more tied to personal identity. Here, it’s easier to separate your professional life from your personal life, which I really respect.”

At the same time, she admits there’s a gray area. “Sometimes the line between taking care of yourself and being perceived as lazy is blurry. Mental health is subjective, one person meditates, another goes out partying, and next day, productivity gets affected whether positively or negatively. It’s nuanced.”

Hanan has embraced Dutch planning and organization. “I love planning, it helps me feel organized. I even self-published a journal online linked to the moon cycles. My husband says I make his life hard, because I’m such a planner,” she laughs. The contrast with Lebanese spontaneity is clear: “In Lebanon, neighbors just show up unplanned for coffee. Here, people plan everything. Both are nice in different ways.”

Hanan currently works as a contractor, which comes with both freedom and drawbacks. “I track my hours, invoice monthly, and manage projects on my own. But unlike employees, I don’t get paid for holidays or days off,” she explains. “It’s part of being a freelancer, but it’s a downside. You get flexibility, but not the benefits of an employee.” Even though her schedule varies depending on workload, she enjoys being able to manage her own hours.

“Some months are heavier, some lighter. It’s about getting things done, not just being online for a set time. That’s the beauty of contracting. During the pandemic, when most people were out of work, I could still work because I had established myself as a ‘remote’ freelancer ever since 2015. I did not rely on going to the office or a fixed job for work, but I had my own independent contracts set-up whether with private sector clients or public sector / humanitarian organisations.”

For Hanan, feeling at home is deeply connected to the community. “I joined Facebook groups for expats, local art classes, even oriental belly dance classes,” she says. Dancing with Dutch women to songs from her own country, was a wonderful experience. Hanan also translated some of the songs for them and this made her proud.

When asked what she wishes she could have brought with her, her answer is immediate: “My parents… and my bigger canvases and artwork.” And the five stray cats she used to feed in the mountains. “I still think about them. You don’t just leave places. You leave your routines, food, nature and small connections.”

“In the Netherlands, there’s calm, quiet, and a sense of privacy. You can just be yourself without judgment. That makes it feel like home.” Although she misses her family, “My mom and dad are still in Lebanon. My brother is in the US. My sister lives in Australia”, she reflects that after visiting Lebanon, “it was the first time I felt like now I’m happy I’m back in the Netherlands.” Video calls and planned visits help bridge the distance.

She lives by a philosophy shaped by moving between countries: “To tour a city is to love it, but to really know a city is to live it.” Ultimately, she believes home is not a fixed place. “For me, home is where the warmth is. So here, when I create some warmth in the Netherlands, it feels like home.”

Food keeps her connected to her roots. “We found some great Lebanese flatbread shops… it really tastes like home.” She also prepares dishes herself: “You pour organic full fat yogurt in a cloth bag, add some salt, hang it with a bowl under it, and by morning there’s your labneh. So easy.” Cooking brings warmth into her home.

Life in the Netherlands has brought Hanan a sense of freedom. “Here, as a woman, you can go outside with messy hair, no makeup, just as you are. It’s more natural and easier,” she explains. Unlike in her home country, she noticed that people here prioritize balance: making time for family, relaxation, and personal care, even during busy periods. “The privacy and the freedom to simply be yourself without being judged,” she says, are of great value to her. In the Netherlands, she feels space to live more authentically, a contrast to what she previously knew.

Still, life here also requires adjustment. The long, dark winters affected her more than she had expected. “I started taking vitamin D because of the lack of sunlight.” And what does she truly miss? “Mountains. I miss having mountains nearby.” A trip to the Ardennes briefly brought back that feeling of home. “Sometimes people can be a bit too direct or blunt. But I learn from them!”

As a vegetarian, she sometimes finds traditional Dutch cuisine limited, although she does enjoy stroopwafels and pancakes. She believes both cultures can learn from each other. “Lebanese people can learn to prioritize mental health more, to be more direct, and to care less about what others think.” At the same time, she feels the Dutch could embrace more of the Lebanese vegetarian cuisine and social openness.

What Hanan admires about the Netherlands is clear: “How well Dutch people speak English and their honesty.” She appreciates their love of art, their planning culture, and their adventurous spirit. “They stay young at heart. They age beautifully.” Laughing, she adds, “And cycling, in all weather conditions. Snow, wind, freezing temperatures, and still everyone bikes.” There are also cultural differences that surprise her.

For Hanan, every country has its own beauty. “Without water, the Netherlands wouldn’t be the Netherlands. That’s what defines it.” Just as Lebanon is shaped by its mountains, chaos, and economy. It’s inspiring and breathtaking how the Netherlands was shaped right out of the water and the technology is still developing.

For Hanan, seasons play an important role in showing visitors around the Netherlands. “Don’t come in winter,” she advises friends and family. “Come in spring or summer so we can spend more time outdoors together.” Food is an essential part of the experience. “I make them try herring, poffertjes, bitterballen and street fries from a market, not from a restaurant. That’s the real experience.”

She enjoys showing both the iconic and the authentic sides of the country. “It depends on the person,” she explains. Some want history and museums; others simply want to experience Amsterdam in a raw and unfiltered way. She especially loves taking friends to the Rijksmuseum.

Art deeply inspires Hanan. She visited exhibitions of Van Gogh and felt moved by his life story. “He went through depression, cut off his ear, yet still created incredible art. That motivates me.” Laughing, she adds how she discovered that many people mispronounce his name: “It’s not ‘Van Go,’ but more like ‘Van Khokh.’ in Dutch.’”

Beyond Amsterdam, she takes visitors to smaller towns. “Volendam for the harbor and fish. Enkhuizen, Delft, Keukenhof, that’s where you experience the real Netherlands.” She always points out the characteristic tilted buildings. “You have to experience that feeling that they might fall over!”

She also visits churches with her guests. In the Netherlands, churches are often repurposed. “In Hoorn, for example, the Heaven Hotel used to be a church, and recently we had dinner in its restaurant “The Saint” (that was once a church). That was such an experience for us. In Lebanon, churches remain churches, even the old ones, because religion is still very present.”

Hanan follows Dutch news mainly through social media and YouTube. Sometimes she watches it in English for quick updates; other times in Dutch with subtitles to practice the language. On Instagram, she follows accounts such as DutchNewsNL to stay informed.

A recent, typically Dutch discovery in her hometown of Hoorn is the new city beach. “It’s the largest city beach in the Netherlands, close to the historic center.” Something else that surprised her was the dog tax. “I really didn’t know that in some municipalities you have to pay to own a dog and maintain public facilities in the neighborhood. I am relieved to be a cat mom of two adorable siblings “Stella and Skye.”

Hanan enthusiastically participates in Dutch traditions. She finds King’s Day vibrant and historically interesting. She also appreciates St. Martin’s Day and Sinterklaasdag. “It’s warm, sweet and joyful.”

One shop she truly enjoys is Ekoplaza. “It stands out because of its variety of authentic healthy, vegetarian and organic products,” she explains. “It makes grocery shopping feel intentional.”

“Life-Long Learning.” That is the one word Hanan chooses to describe her experience as an expat in the Netherlands. “From the moment I arrived, I have been learning something new every other day, not just the basic cultural things, but the deeper layers too, especially the language.”

Living abroad pushed her to rediscover herself. The last time she had learned a new language or ridden a bicycle was as a teenager, yet both became part of her daily life again. “As an expat, I feel like I’m constantly developing new skills or rediscovering old ones.” She values the sense of space she found in the Netherlands. “There is less pressure about how you should live your life. That freedom allows growth personal, career-wise and even spiritually.”

Working internationally strengthened her openness and ability to collaborate across cultures. “It showed me the importance of work-life balance.” It also broadened her professional horizon. “It even opened doors toward considering a PhD or moving into academia.” Asked whether she would move abroad again, her answer is immediate: “Yes I would: For the life skills, growth and career experience. It’s about evolving as a person, and then giving back to others.”

Her advice to new internationals is practical. “If you’re in your thirties, make sure you have enough savings before moving. Life is getting more expensive in general in Europe.” She encourages exploration: “Go out. Experience the food culture. Travel around. The Netherlands is much more than Amsterdam.” She also suggests considering living closer to work, exploring areas beyond Amsterdam for affordable housing, transferring your driver’s license early (in your first weeks), and following expat pages to understand taxes and all other regulations.

Above all, she emphasizes: “Have fun learning and growing here. Trust the process and your intuition. Moving abroad is not just about changing countries geographically, it’s about discovering another version of yourself and maturing inwardly.”

Do you have a story you’d like to share about moving to, working in, or living in the Netherlands?