Expaterience, the unrivaled English-language talk show produced by RTV Discus and created by and for expats and internationals, launches a brand-new season on Saturday, September 27 — now with double airtime: expanding from one hour to two full hours.
The season premiere centers on the theme “No Dutch, No Problem? Or… Big Problem?” — a reference to the widespread but questionable assumption that speaking Dutch is not strictly necessary to thrive in the Netherlands’ knowledge economy.
Hour 1 of Expaterience will focus on the necessity and challenges of learning Dutch for international knowledge workers — not only for smooth social integration but also for career opportunities in the Netherlands, a high-tech, cosmopolitan economy known for its excellent English communication skills.
Featured guests:
Andrew van Esch, Member of The Hague City Council (D66), with portfolios including Social Affairs & Employment, Economy, and International Relations — and initiator of the very first “Meet Your City Council” event on September 24 for expats and internationals in The Hague.
Selvei Topping, Chief People Officer (CC7 Europe) and Lavanya Mirle, international finance & research professional. They will contribute to the conversation from their own knowledge and experience: one as the top human resources executive of an international corporation, the other as a highly skilled international currently learning Dutch and navigating the many aspects of civic integration (‘inburgering’).
In addition, John Ritfeld, Dutch-as-a-second-language (NT2) Teacher and Founder of VDZ, will join as the fourth guest in the first hour of Expaterience, offering a teacher’s perspective drawn from his many years of experience teaching Dutch to expats and internationals.
In the new, added second hour, host Sanjay Sharma will hold in-depth conversations with:
Tatjana San Luis, Founder of Inclusive Growth and DEI & Culture Consultant and Coach
Natalie Malis, President of AWC The Hague
Host Sanjay Sharma: “I am thrilled that, thanks to the encouraging response from our viewers, Expaterience now has twice the airtime, starting this Saturday, allowing for deeper conversations and more diverse panelists. I look forward to exploring, in greater depth, an issue that is both crucial and timely for knowledge migrants and the Dutch knowledge economy, especially in today’s climate of regional conflicts, shifting alliances, and unpredictable talent and supply chain management.”
Completing this episode’s on-air team, joining host Sanjay Sharma, are Nicoletta Pisanu (Expaterience News anchor) and Anupama Srivastava (stand-up comedy and opinion contributor).
Expaterience is the first English-language TV program and online & social media presence produced by RTV Discus, the community access public service TV producer in The Hague region, for almost thirty years.
Aptly named Expaterience, the show focuses exclusively on everyday experiences of expats living in Greater The Hague, on their successes as well as the challenges they may encounter in their personal and professional lives abroad, while also striving to bring curious minds, thought leaders and multi-cultural professionals together to articulate some of the pressing issues of our times.
Expaterience is an expansion of RTV Discus’ current line-up, signifying its third TV production, alongside the long-standing Dutch-language programs: social issues talk show, Zaterdag Live, and current affairs news magazine, Escampjournaal.
This project, initiated by the municipality of The Hague, aims to highlight monuments in the city and reflect on their significance. In October, a column with a mirror will be installed at three monuments in turn. This mirror invites passersby to literally reflect on themselves, the meaning behind the monument, and the question: what would I have done?
The Hague boasts over 600 works of art and monuments in public spaces. Sculptures, plaques, and statues convey a message and connect the past and present. MoNUment invites passersby, both literally and figuratively, to look in the mirror and reflect on the monument’s meaning. Besides providing a reflection, the mirror column also offers information about the monument and provocative questions.
The lessons of Johan de Witt
The first mirror stands at the statue of Johan de Witt on De Plaats, opposite the Binnenhof. This monument commemorates his violent death in 1672, a turning point in Dutch history and the penultimate political assassination in our country. The statue confronts us with questions that are still relevant today: how do we maintain dialogue during disagreements? What does democracy mean? And how do we protect freedom of speech?
“Monuments aren’t silent stones; they hold up a mirror to us,” says Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Culture and Heritage). “Especially in a time when division and polarization are visible, reflection helps us maintain our connection with each other and with our history.”
Opening and reflection
The project was officially launched at Museum Bredius. Alongside Alderman Bruines, initiator David Vriesendorp and author Mira Feticu shared their perspectives on the significance of the monuments and the power of reflection. Micha, the mayor of Madurodam, also shared his perspective on the theme of freedom of speech. Following the event, the first mirror column was unveiled at De Plaats. Passersby were able to engage in direct discussions about topics such as democracy, power, and polarization.
A journey through the city
After Johan de Witt, the mirror column will be moved to the National Monument for the Royal Netherlands Navy in Scheveningen on October 3rd and to the monument for Major Thomson in Segbroek on October 24th. Each of these locations tells its own story and creates a different connection between the past and the present.
Student city The Hague is once again looking for a promising and up-and-coming DJ! Starting now, students from vocational, higher professional, and university education (MBO, HBO, and WO) in The Hague can participate in the Student DJ Contest. Who will win the honor and perhaps even fame?!
The winner will receive their own performance at festivals in The Hague, including the Sena Performers Stage at the Liberation Festival on May 5, 2026, plus a cash prize.
Submit your tracks!
All students at participating educational institutions are welcome to participate. Upload a 30-60 minute demo to SoundCloud or MixCloud before January 31, 2026. The best entries will be invited to the Student DJ Contest Night on a Monday in March 2026 at Paardcafé, Prinsegracht 10. A professional jury will select the winner. Read all the instructions and terms and conditions on the website .
Are you, like Ikram, AFRITUDE, WEZZ and HALO, the next most promising Student DJ of the year?
The Student DJ Contest is an event of HI The Hague
The Hague is an attractive student city with a wide range of educational options. More than 35,000 full-time university and university of applied sciences students from the Netherlands and abroad, and almost 15,000 vocational students, study in The Hague.HI The Hague organizes activities throughout the year specifically for them, allowing them to connect and explore the city’s exciting attractions.
HI The Hague is an initiative ofPlatform Student & Stad. This platform is a collaboration between educational institutions in The Hague, the municipality of The Hague, and student organizations. The goal is to optimize the student environment and facilities for all students in The Hague. Student & Stad promotes activities within the city’s introductory program for students and manages thewebsite Study in The Hague.
In The Hague, 1,713 people divorced in 2024, making The Hague one of the three municipalities with the highest number of divorces last year, according to recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
A divorce also has consequences for your tax affairs. Therefore, the Belastingdienst (Tax office) is offering tips below to help you manage your taxes effectively. This will help you stay on top of your finances after the divorce.
Start with the divorce checklist If you and your partner are separating, there are many things to consider. By completing the personal Belastingdienst divorce checklist (in Dutch) you’ll see which tax matters you need to arrange in your situation, such as changing your address and arranging for possible alimony and allowances.
You’ll also find explanations about filing your income tax return for the year of your divorce. You can file one more joint tax return as tax partners. This can be advantageous because it allows you to divide your income and deductions favorably in your tax return one last time. Filing the tax return together online at My Tax Authorities is the easiest option, as it reduces the risk of errors. You can, of course, also file separately.
Request a provisional assessment (or adjust it) Your financial situation is likely to change if you get divorced or end your registered partnership. To get a handle on your tax affairs, it might be wise to request a provisional assessment. You can do this through My Tax Administration. If, after filing the provisional assessment, you find out you’re entitled to a refund, you can receive this amount monthly. And if it turns out you owe a large amount, you can pay it in installments, instead of paying it later after filing your income tax return. This way, you stay on top of your finances.
Do you already have a provisional assessment? Adjust it to reflect your new situation. This way, you won’t encounter any surprises.
Make financial agreements and record them Financial agreements can be documented in a divorce settlement, for example. This settlement includes agreements on potential alimony and mortgage interest payments. When documenting these agreements, also consider any implications for your taxes and benefits. This will prevent future surprises. Tip: If possible, consult a financial advisor to ensure everything is in order.
Want to know more? Or need help? For the divorce checklist and more information, please visit belastingdienst.nl/scheiden . Having trouble? Visit one of the support centers in your area or ask your question online or by phone. For more information, visit belastingdienst.nl/contact .This information is currently only available in Dutch.
October is the perfect month to immerse yourself in the magic of film at Pathé. As autumn approaches and the days grow darker, the cinemas fill with the latest blockbusters and specials.
For example, you can delve into the darkness with Black Phone 2 and embark on a futuristic adventure in Tron: Ares.. Music lovers will enjoy Springsteen:Deliver Me From Nowhere and Taylor Swift’s exclusive release party, Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.
Later this month, Batman fans return to Gotham with the epic Nolan trilogy, and you can relive the wondrous world of Avatar: The Way of Water on the big screen, exclusively available in IMAX at Pathé.
Pathé News
Avatar: The Way of Water re-release (IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX) Avatar: The Way of Water takes place more than ten years after the events of the first film. The film tells the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children). We see the troubles that haunt them, the efforts they make to protect each other, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. Experience it exclusively at Pathé in IMAX. More information
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s official release party: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl Experience the world premiere of The Fate of Ophelia music video exclusively in theaters October 3-5, including a unique behind-the-scenes look at the filming, brand new lyric videos, and Taylor’s never-before-shared personal reflections on the songs from her 12th studio album , The Life of a Showgirl .More information
Pathé Specials
Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy – from October 9
The first film in the trilogy: Batman Begins. Director Christopher Nolan (‘Memento’) reveals how Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) came to be known as his alter ego: the black superhero Batman. More information
New top films at Pathé
Eddington – October 2
When the fragile order of a town under lockdown is brutally shattered by a murder in the summer of 2020, residents violently turn on each other as Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) become embroiled in a conflict that threatens to tear their community apart.More information
Tron: Ares – October 8 (IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos, 4DX, ScreenX) Tron: Ares centers on Ares, an advanced program sent from the digital world to the real world on a dangerous mission. This leads to the first-ever contact between humans and AI beings. Directed by Joachim Rønning, it stars Jared Leto, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Cameron Monaghan. More information
Punishment – October 9
Music teacher Edwin is the target of daily bullying at the high school where he works. When new student Bastiaan immediately joins in enthusiastically, Edwin decides things need to change. A bit too literally, because—to his own surprise—he punches Bastiaan right in the face. He tries to salvage the situation, but Bastiaan has filmed everything. Desperately, Edwin tries to play along but quickly realizes there’s only one solution: go all-out on the offensive.More information
Black Phone 2– October 16 (Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos) Four years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his kidnapper and was the only victim to escape the Claw with his life. But pure evil is stronger than death—and the phone rings again… More information
Springsteen: Deliver me from Nowhere–October 23 (Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos) Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere tells the compelling story behind the making of “Nebraska,” Bruce Springsteen’s raw and personal 1982 album. As he teeters on the brink of global success, the young Springsteen wrestles with the pressures of his success and the demons of his past. More information
The Penguin Lessons – October 23 When an Englishman goes to work at a school in Argentina in 1976, he finds a divided country and a group of unruly students. On an oil-slicked beach, he finds a penguin, whom he reluctantly takes under his wing. His life will never be the same. Based on a true story. More information
Bugonia – October 30 Obsessed with conspiracy theories, two young men kidnap the influential CEO of a major corporation. They are convinced she is an alien planning to destroy Earth. More information
About Pathé
Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by true pioneers of film: the Pathé brothers. Their aim was to share the wonderful world of film with as many people as possible. Throughout the Netherlands, Pathé has 30 locations, 253 screens and 1,900 employees. Through its wide range of films, livestreams of opera, sports and gaming, among others, the latest techniques such as IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and ScreenX, and business events, Pathé creates special and unforgettable cinema stories for all.
Disclaimer& Copyright notice
Pathé is a partner of The Hague Online, and we receive cinema tickets in exchange for sharing monthly updates and links on our website and in our enewsletter. Text is provided by Pathé in Dutch and translated into English by The Hague Online. Images are provided by Pathé. Text and images may not be copied and shared without permission.
Going into what was set to be a vital game for ADO Den Haag in pushing for their automatic promotion hopes, the home side sat atop the Eerste Divisie table with 19 points in 7 games. Taking wins in 6 of them. The league leaders faced Noord-Brabant opponents TOP Oss who were struggling mid table with just 10 points, just coming off the back of a disappointing 2-1 home loss to promotion hopefuls Roda JC. While ADO were still unbeaten in the league and had won the last 5 games in a row, and certainly looking to add to that with this Monday night fixture against TOP Oss.
The tone was set immediately by the home side as Curacao national and ADO winger Nigel Thomas picked up the ball well into the TOP Oss half and with a staggering turn of pace cut towards the by-line and played in a hopeful cross into the box, searching for a yellow and green shirt. The ball fortuitously deflected down into the feet of Den Haag marksman Jesse Bal who made no mistake from 15 yards out and placed the ball past the despairing Havekotte in goal. With just 6 minutes played the home side were 1-0 up and already had their sights on yet another league win.
The chances soon flooded after that, and just 8 minutes later another chance fell to ADO. This time to attacking midfielder Luka Reischl who didn’t manage to capitalise on a good cross in from Illiajah de Ruijter as TOP Oss number 1 Mike Havekotte got down well to his left hand side and parried the ball away. Unluckily the parry landed at the feet of goalscorer Nigel Thomas who too managed a shot on target but another parry by Havekotte, this time out of play, managed to subdue the ADO attack and provide restbite for the struggling away side.
On 25 minutes, however, the away side finally cracked again as a good corner ball found its way to the back post where it was headed down by defensive midfielder Juho Kilo toward centre back Diogo Tomas who flicked towards the goal and into the back of the net. Doubling the advantage for the home side, and securing that much needed 2 goal cushion. A cushion that was soon expanded to 3 just 10 minutes later as a good ball into the penalty area from the right hand side by Nigel Thomas found the head of Luka Reischl who made no mistake this time and directed the ball past Havekotte who was rooted to the spot. Giving the home side a 3 goal advantage in just 35 minutes.
The away side did manage a goal before the end of the first half, however, as tricky TOP Oss winger Joshua ZImmerman gave himself a yard with a good step over on the right hand side and played in a great cross to TOP number 9 Tijmen Wildeboer who scored what will likely go down as one of the goals of the month and perhaps the season as he superbly flicked the ball behind his left foot first time off the incoming cross and into the far corner, leaving Nikiema no chance. The score was now 3-1 to ADO with 44 minutes played.
The home side did manage to regain their 3 goal lead even before the break as with just 1 minute into added time a long range effort from Jari Vlak somehow beat Havekotte thanks to some poor goalkeeping as the ball went underneath the keeper’s dive to his left hand side. The score was 4-1 to ADO going into the halftime break.
In the second half a flood of chances were created by the home side, forcing some great saves and great defending from TOP Oss to prevent another ADO goal. This was until the 76th minute as an incoming free kick was headed down by Matteo Waem to Jari Vlak at the far post who easily volleyed it home to make it 5-1 from the home side and secure all 3 points as the final whistle confirmed the score.
ADO were now still top of the table and had extended their lead to 2 points ahead of second place Cambuur and still with a game in hand. Their eyes will now be turned to their next game which will undoubtedly be crucial in maintaining this good run of form as ADO are set to face lower mid-table Jong AZ away from home on Friday the 3rd of October.
MATCH FACTS:
ADO 5 – 1 TOP Oss
ADO: Bal (7), Tomas (26), Reischl (36), Vlak (45+2, 77)
