The Autumn 2005 Issue contains a.o. the following articles:

TAX

Compensation of Medical Expenses
In this issue of The XPat Journal attention is paid to the (new) health care system in the Netherlands as of January 1, 2006 (Health Insurance Act). In this article, a look at the various ways of compensation of medical expenses under the current and the new health care system.

Medical expenses can be compensated as follows:
1. by national insurance
2. by private insurance
3. by your employer
4. by way of a tax deduction; if medical expenses are not reimbursed by any of the above.
In her contribution, Susanne Sikkema discusses the various compensation regulations with respect to medical expenses.
Susanne Sikkema, e-mail: susanne.sikkema@loyensloeff.com

BUSINESS

Dealing with Globalization
Currently, there are new forces driving the world economy that make it necessary for us to reconsider our approach to doing business if we want our companies to survive. What are these forces, how did they come about and how can we accommodate them?
To find an answer to this question, The XPat Journal interviewed Prof. dr. Jacob de Smit, founder of the Rotterdam School of Management and currently Dean of the Leiden University School of Management, who travels around the world, lecturing on this subject.
“There are five forces that we must take into
account,” De Smit explains; “Globalization, the changes in Technology and Information, Market Liberalization and Capitalism, Cultural Diversity and the fact that the market is no longer a seller’s market, but a Buyer’s Market.” The subject we had, in particular, come to talk about was globalization.
An outline of the drivers behind, as well as the pitfalls and repercussions of, globalization – and how management schools can contribute to facing these challenges successfully. 
www.lusm.leidenuniv.nl
Stephanie Dijkstra

HOUSING

Manhattan on the River Maas
‘Manhattan on the River Maas’ is a city that is still in the process of developing; it is a dynamic place, with unique architecture and new buildings. On the Kop van Zuid, between the Binnenhaven and the Maas, is the peninsula called the Wilhelminapier. This used to be occupied by dockworkers. Nowadays, it is a whole new setting. The attractive and friendly ambiance of the old harbor is still there, but the existing buildings have been given a new purpose as well as new neighbors, creating a mixed façade of new and historical buildings side-by-side. Once construction is completed, they will all be connected by verdant plazas and a lovely promenade, with cafés, terraces, restaurants and, of course, shops.
And it is right on this prime location in Rotterdam where you will find the highest apartment complex of the Netherlands, Montevideo. At a height of 152.3 meters, it allows you to live, literally, on top of the world…
Montevideo is synonymous with the term ‘complete living concept’, being a combination of living, working, service and relaxation. Aside from the various types of apartments, it has offices, shops, restaurants and cafés, sports and recreation facilities and an underground garage, with reserved spaces for its residents.
You can either buy or rent the apartments in Montevideo. 
For more information, send an e-mail to: woongalerie.rotterdam@vesteda.com  or visit: www.vesteda.com.

EXPAT LIVING

Homesick for Home
Home is where the heart is, there’s no place like home, east best – home is best, you can’t go home again… what is it about ‘home’ that evokes such powerful memories and heartfelt reactions? Is it just that special hometown place on the map, or the loved ones who live there, or is it the nostalgic memories of days gone by, with the hope of holidays and happiness shared coupled with the dreams of childhood that in retrospect are ever so much better than reality?
By definition, ‘homesick’ refers to the depressed feeling one experiences due to absence from home or family. Statistically, over 80% of the population has experienced some degree of homesickness in their lifetime. It is a worldwide phenomenon and a natural, legitimate reaction to circumstances and events. However, for the globally mobile family, known for their multiple moves, homesickness is a recurring event which doesn’t get any easier while adjusting to each new ‘home’…
Connie Moser

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