High School in The Netherlands

Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.

Hello stranger!

The Netherlands is one of Europe's smallest countries, though densely populated. The country is known and appreciated for its liberalism and tolerance, especially towards strangers. Your new classmates and people in your new town will be happy to show you around.

The best way to get around is to get a bike. Yes, it’s true, the main transportation mode in the country is actually the bike. You will soon learn that almost all your friends ride a bike to get to school, friends and sports clubs.

A little piece of history

Between 1800 and 1949, Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands. A small piece of this part of history remains in the form of Indonesian restaurants. Amsterdam is especially famed for its Indonesian and Surinamese food. Don’t miss the chance to eat a generous rijsttafel (meaning rice table) a smorgasbord with many tasty and spicy dishes.

Area: 16 000 km2
Population: 16.5 million
Governance: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Amsterdam
Language: Dutch
National holiday: April 27 (King’s Day)

High school the Dutch way

In the Netherlands, the contact between teachers and students is informal and open. Teachers encourage students to ask questions in class and like it when the students seek out the facts and draw their own conclusions.

The Dutch school system

Dutch students choose between two directions when they start high school. They are called VWO and HAVO and differ in length and study areas. Most exchange students will be placed in the school form called HAVO. High school starts in late August and consists of three terms. The first extends from August to Christmas. The second runs from January to Easter and the third from April to July. Between terms, there are study breaks.

Mainly mandatory subjects

Schools in the Netherlands have certain compulsory subjects. You will study Dutch, English, a third language (French or German), mathematics, economics, physics, history, biology, chemistry and geography. You will also have physical education and art class.

Your Dutch host family

Dutch families are often fairly small, meaning they will have one or a maximum of two children. It’s common for both parents to be working, especially when the children have reached school age. Since you, your host siblings and your host parents will be away from home during the day, dinner time is not only time for eating. It’s also a family activity and a way to socialise.

At your new house

The Netherlands is a small country when it comes to area, that’s why they have a lot of tall buildings. Don’t be surprised if your new home will have more than one floor. A typical four-room apartment can have just as many floors.

In a Dutch home, everybody helps out with the chores, including you, of course. Just like home, you will make sure to keep your room clean and tidy. Your family will love it if you once in a while offer to help out with dinner and cook something from your own country.

Freedom and responsibility

There is an open and free atmosphere between children and adults in the families. You'll find that you are permitted a lot of freedom, but also a great sense of responsibility. Spending a year in a Dutch family will make you grow as a person.

Spare time during your year

What do you want to do after school? That’s entirely up to you. Join your new friends when they go out together, maybe visiting a café or watching a movie. In winter time, the canals are great for skating.

History and culture

The Netherlands has an interesting history and has for many centuries been a powerful seafaring nation and a colonial power. If you are interested in history, you will be fascinated by how much influence this small country has had in the history books.

If you are into culture and art, you probably already know that there are many famous painters and artists of Dutch origin. Among the most famous are Rembrandt and van Gogh. Two completely different artists with two completely different styles in two different centuries. Learn more about these artists when you live in their home country!

Weekend getaways

We usually invite all our exchange students in the Netherlands to follow us on two weekend getaways, one in spring and one in fall. This is a great opportunity to meet other students and share your experiences of your high school exchange – and to have a whole lot of fun, of course! We often stay in a hostel and during the days we go sightseeing and explore a new city. Given that England is so close, it’s highly possible that one of the trips will be to London. Your local contact person will give you all the details, such as travel dates, destination and costs connected to the trip.

Please note that the transport to your destination and back is not included the program fee.