Dutch Integration Examination Experience

Ik ben al wel ingeburgerd, geloof ik! My first examination was at 13:30. The formal invitation to take such examination instructs me to be there at 13:00 for verification of identity so I was there at 13:00. There were already around 7 people in the “wachtkamer” (waiting room) when I came in. I thought they were all there for the examinations but that’s not true, I realized later. Conscious that I might have been late already, I asked the lady beside me,” Bent u hier voor de examen?”Affirmative. I felt a little bit okay. I left my mobile phone at home as per instructions, it’s not allowed to have one during the examination. I don’t wear a watch so I did not have any clue what time it was but per estimate it was 13:00 when I reached the place. It just feel different when you see really the time… To see is to believe…and that is very true!

Upon entrance, there were instructions for everyone such as what you do if you are there and your purpose is to take a diploma, or what one needs to do if s(he) is there to take the examination. I read carefully. For examinees, we were instructed to just sit and wait. For diploma claimers, they have to pick a number.

I sat. I waited. Some were bragging about passing the exams while some were just conversing along with each other. Approximately 10 minutes later, some names were called to take the Toets Gesproken Nederlands (TGN) or Test of Spoken Dutch.. I asked the person why my name was not called. He told that that was the schedule for those who have 13:00 invitation. I felt relieved that I was so sure that I arrived on time.

A couple of minutes later, a lady came and called my name. I had to present my invitation letter and my valid identification card(in Netherlands this can only be passport, driving license or identity card). I did. I waited again. We were quiet now as 4 people among those who were previously waiting were already taking examinations. Waiting still…

Another person entered taking a number. His turn was called right away…Lucky huh! A personnel came to check if someone is to take a diploma…3 people responded yes… and he asked, do you have numbers? None had! Ooohh ohh! So who goes first? It’s kind of absurd as those 3 were there to take their diplomas for passing the exams and yet, they don’t have any clue what to do to take that diploma? Hmmm…. diplomas forfeited! ?!?!

As I mentioned here, I had 3 part in that examination day. I was finally called to take the first part, which was about spoken Dutch. After that, I had to wait again for the second part. While waiting, more diploma claimers came. This time, some people advice them to take numbers to identify who came first. Then a whole family came, the lady to take her diploma, accompanied by her husband and two sons. When the personnel of the place asked for those who need to get their diplomas, the lady stood…and the whole family followed! There was another lady who’s exactly entering the room when this was happening and she though everyone can just and get their diplomas…To make the story short, 5 people rushed for the diploma when it’s suppose to have that lady only to go with the personnel. That was quite amusing from my side who sees the story unfold before my very eyes and to understand exactly what’s going on.

I finished my exams 30 minutes before the time as I really had headache and ear pain caused by too much listening to the examination speaker/voice in that headset… I am not also sure of the results yet, but within 4 weeks I will know. I will edit this post to indicate if pass or fail but what I am sure of is, I did have fun that day! I believe I am already integrated.