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Go on high school exchange in the Netherlands

Why study abroad 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.

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High School Classic

High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in the Netherlands, from the striking countryside to the cultural centres of the country’s fascinating cities! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.

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)

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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.

Quick facts

  • Who can go: 15–17,5 years on arrival

  • Departure month: August/December

  • Language requirements: Good English, basic knowledge in Dutch

  • Visa: Yes.

  • Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included. Dutch language course will be mandatory. Lessons in small groups and private lessons. Price €430. (It is not included in the program fee.)

  • School year: August–June/July

  • School day: Usually 08.00 – 15.30

  • Subjects: Compulsory and optional

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.

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Welcome Camp

Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.

Welcome camp is included for all students going in the autumn. Welcome camp is not included if you go in the spring term.

Welcome Camp in Europe

At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.

Food, accommodation and other info

During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in a host family
  • Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
  • Emergency support 24/7
  • STS bag
  • Full board in a host family
  • STS Welcome Camp
  • Free interview
  • STS Diploma
  • School spot in a local high school
  • Online pre-departure meeting
  • Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
STS eyes looking down

Our destinations

Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.

USA
USA

Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.

Argentina
Argentina

A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.

Australia
Australia

Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.

Austria
Austria

You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.

Canada
Canada

It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.

China
China

Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.

Denmark
Denmark

Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!

Finland
Finland

Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).

France
France

Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?

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Germany

Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.

Great Britain
Great Britain

Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.

Ireland
Ireland

A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.

Italy
Italy

Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…

Japan
Japan

Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.

Netherlands
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.

New Zealand
New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.

Norway
Norway

Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.

Spain
Spain

A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.

Sweden
Sweden

Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!

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