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Studying this wide array of subjects has given me the opportunity to explore a wide range of employment opportunities in different business sectors when I graduate.' Nadia Hassen, 3rd year student...
It’s too bad the first thing that comes to mind when people hear “the Netherlands” is marijuana tourism and the Red Light District. Okay, maybe some people think of tulips and coffee shops — but that’s a pretty limited picture, too. Studying abroad in the Netherlands is an incredible opportunity for anyone desiring a liberal, English friendly, centrally located European semester abroad.
Exploring Amsterdam’s historic maze of canals. Photo by Jake Jessop
Dutch Life. Most cities in the Netherlands are built around the city center, a hub of activity morning, noon, and night. It’s host to a weekly open-air market selling foods, clothing, crafts, and more. This is a recommended site for students, as it’s a convenient, affordable way to try all the foods The Netherlands is known for. These centers also host seasonal events such as the Sinterklaas festival on Dec. 5, which celebrates the winter holiday figure who is the basis of our Santa Claus.
But I Don’t Speak Dutch! While it's ideal to go into a study abroad program with strong language skills of the host country, it’s not hard to thrive here with little to no Dutch. Children in the Netherlands begin learning English often before primary school — so most people will be able to speak to you. Students from all over Europe study in the Netherlands for their well-regarded universities and emphasis on English-based learning. You’ll definitely learn at least a little Dutch if you study abroad in the Netherlands, though — after a couple trips around town, you'll be saying “alstublief” and "dank je" in no time. Making Dutch friends will strengthen your language skills even more, not to mention give you far more insight into their rich, open-minded culture.
Wham, Bam, Amsterdam. Regardless of where your host university sits, the sights and sounds of Amsterdam are not too far away. The well-connected and affordable public transportation system known as NL is easy to use, and makes day and weekend trips feasible throughout the country. Of course, if you study abroad in Amsterdam, it’s all right at your fingertips. Canal boat tours in Amsterdam are a scenic and cool way to spend an afternoon. Travelers come from all over the world to visit the Anne Frank and Vincent Van Gogh museums in Amsterdam, to marvel at Rembrandts and Vermeers at the Rijksmuseum, to tour the art galleries, to bike ride or ice skate, or catch cutting-edge concerts and music shows … bet you’ve forgotten all about the cannabis cafes and the Red Light District by now!
Sign up for any Dutch culture classes offered by your host university. These are tailored to students interning or studying abroad in the Netherlands. Take advantage of any field trips offered, and travel with your Dutch classmates when the opportunity presents itself. As Amsterdam’s International Schiphol airport is a major European hub, cheap flights to other European cities are easy to come by. Ryanair is an ultra-low fare carrier offering unbelievably cheap flights throughout Europe if you pack light and plan ahead.
Apple Fritters To Zuurkool. The Dutch take the typical European approach to food: frequent trips to the market, more fresh fruits and breads, and a leisurely attitude toward dining out.
There’s no pressure to leave your table after you’ve finished your meal, and it’s not uncommon for people to spend two or three hours at a restaurant, finishing with an espresso or craft beer. Enjoying each other’s company is just as important as filling one’s stomach. You’ll need to ask for your check when you’re ready to head out, and tipping is not compulsory here. For fast food, options are similar to that in America with more of an emphasis on seafood, and mayonnaise to dip your frites. Milk expires after about 7 days. Recycling is part of the culture; cash in your PET and glass bottles right in the supermarket!
Practical Matters. If you’re deciding on a semester or year abroad in the Netherlands, make sure to organize a student visa if you’re staying longer than 90 days. The Netherlands uses the Euro, and Visa is accepted at most ATMs. It’s best to carry cash, as not all shops accept credit cards. Your home bank will often charge a currency conversion fee around 2 percent for every transaction which can quickly add up. Consider opening a bank account at RoboBank or another national bank which offers a debit card. There are a host of pre-paid wireless phone services offering cheap phones and no contract. Don’t forget to pack a power adapter for your laptop and other electronics, as the plugs are a different size and voltage.
Author - Jake Jessop is a recent college graduate from rural South Dakota who has used study abroad to live, volunteer, and travel to 10 foreign countries. During his junior year he spent a semester abroad in Middelburg, The Netherlands ,which quickly fueled a self-described travel addiction. He later spent seven months studying in Otaru, Japan, and described his adventures in his travel blog.
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Since 1984, Comparative Women's and Gender Studies in Europe offers a unique opportunity for students to earn 16 semester credits while engaging in rigorous theoretical and methodological inquiry across Europe. The program examines the trends and dynamics of European social,...
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Why study International Business Administration? Faced with increasing globalization, organizations are experiencing an ever growing need for people with a strong background in business studies with an international character. With a Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration you will be able to help organizations address crucial questions, such as how to deal with internatio...
With more than 90 programs in 32 cities, IES Abroad is dedicated to broadening our global reach and continuing our commitment to offering students outstanding academic options coupled with every-day opportunities for cultural immersion.
Global Learning Semesters
The Semester in Europe program is one of the most unique experiences in study abroad. Over the course of one semester, you will travel with your classmates and professors to approximately 25 remarkable cities that have shaped world history and culture, including Athens, Paris, Florence, Prague, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest and Rome. 5 academic tracks are available for you to choos...
CIEE
This program is geared for advanced undergraduates with a strong interest and background in the social sciences and humanities who seek course work with a research component, are able to work independently, and wish to live and study in an increasingly international and multicultural European capital city.
Syracuse University
Our programs allow you to customize an international experience that meets your linguistic needs--and your professional and personal goals. Choose from exciting and challenging locations across the globe. Browse our extensive courses and programs of study that allow you to combine liberal arts and professional degree courses
University Studies Abroad Consortium
The Hague University is a vocationally oriented university of approximately 23,000 students, and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from European Studies to Informatics, some of which are offered entirely in English. It is a modern educational institute, striving to create optimal study and work conditions for its students and staff. The campus is surrounded ...
SIT Study Abroad
Study the history, cultural norms and political structures that help shape attitudes towards sexuality and gender. Pragmatic, socially liberal Netherlands is known for tolerance and openness, but issues of gender and sexuality are now a visible fault line between cultures in this increasingly multicultural society. Internationally, the Netherlands promotes gender as a crucial aspect of economic...
GlobaLinks Learning Abroad
The Netherlands is a small country with big character and a lot to explore. Jumping on a bike, like the locals, is one of the best ways to begin an adventure. And with the flat land, peddling around is a fairly easy task. Windmills and tulips line the laid-back countryside, while the fast-paced European lifestyle is easily spotted in the larger cities.
Eastern Michigan University
The European Cultural History Program is a completely unique approach to university study abroad. It combines a thorough tour of major cultural and historical sites throughout Europe and the Mediterranean with intense academic study of the culture and history being experienced. It's an ideal learning environment because it integrates reading and writing with direct involvement to give a richer ...
Greenheart Travel
Greenheart Travel programs focus on the homestay experience, as it is by far the best way to improve your language skills and gain a firsthand understanding of another culture. By living with a family, you are given the opportunity to share in meals, conversation, and the daily life of the country visited.
BCA Study Abroad
The curriculum of this program focuses on the rigorous, trans-disciplinary, and comparative study of globalization and is designed for students of many academic disciplines with strong interests in this theme. Using globalization as a master concept, the program engages students in major questions concerning the human condition. Among others, the program content focuses on subthemes of human...
Antioch Education Abroad - Antioch University
Since 1984, Comparative Women's and Gender Studies in Europe offers a unique opportunity for students to earn 16 semester credits while engaging in rigorous theoretical and methodological inquiry across Europe. The program examines the trends and dynamics of European social, economic, and political systems as they influence contemporary gender theory, feminist theory, policy, and women's identi...
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