Study Abroad Programs in the Netherlands

What skills or knowledge do you want to bring back home? Maybe it’s mastering Dutch phrases or acing an international business course.
How do you plan to step out of your comfort zone? Think cultural festivals, joining a local club, or trying Dutch delicacies (yes, even haring).
Who do you want to meet? Networking with local students and professors could lead to lifelong connections or even career opportunities.

Goals don’t have to be rigid or intimidating. They’re just there to remind you of what matters most during this adventure.

Understand the Benefits

Studying in the Netherlands comes with perks that make your time abroad worthwhile:

Top-Notch Education: Dutch universities are all about discussion, interaction, and critical thinking—no boring lectures here!
English Everywhere: Most programs are taught in English, so you’ll feel at home even if your Dutch isn’t fluent (yet).
Cultural Adventures: Enjoy festivals, art exhibitions, and street markets that bring the country’s diverse culture to life.
Active Lifestyle: Embrace the Dutch love for biking and stay fit while commuting or exploring.

Things to Know

Before packing your bags, here are some essential tips to make your study abroad experience in the Netherlands smooth and enjoyable. From practical advice to cultural nuances, these insights will help you settle in with ease.

Language: Most Dutch people speak English fluently, making it easy to communicate. However, learning a few Dutch phrases (like Dank je wel! for “thank you”) can show respect and earn you some smiles.
Weather: The Netherlands is known for its unpredictable rain showers. A reliable raincoat and a cheerful attitude towards the drizzle will be your best friends.
Public Transport: The train network is top-notch, making it easy to explore the country. Don’t forget to pick up an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) for seamless travel by train, bus, and tram.

Safety First: The Netherlands ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe. It boasts a welcoming community, so you can feel at ease walking around cities, even at night.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Eye Opening!

November 30, 2025by: Xen Troutman - United StatesProgram: Business & Economics in Europe

9

My program experience was great. The program was set up so that half of my classes were only with students from my home university -- relatively small classes with 6-8 others--- and the other half were regular classes at the local university (which was more immersive and I preferred those classes). We had scheduled weekend trips to visit other countries and local areas around the host country, which accounted for about 1/4 of the total weekends. My favorite experience was visiting the shops and doing interviews with the local students for my cultural awareness final project. I was able to meet really cool people, which led me to dinners with strangers, book recommendations, free drinks, great conversations, artworks, and lifelong friends.

Finding Home in Limburg

November 30, 2025by: Eddie Kaake - United StatesProgram: Humanities & Social Sciences in Europe

10

From a very young age I've always enjoyed new experiences, and as I grew up I knew I wanted to go far for school. However, due to familial situations I decided to stay close to my family for my undergraduate experience. As my family situation calmed down, CES Maastricht allowed me the opportunity of a lifetime to go and live not just in the Netherlands, but in the province my family originates from. With CES Maastricht, every step of the process was easy and help was readily available from the application stage to arrival and travel whilst on the program. The CES Program also offered a wide variety of classes to help students immerse into the culture of both the city and the Netherlands. One of my favorite parts of this program was the built-in travel that took students to Berlin Germany, Paris France, and a trip around several Dutch cities. I cannot recommend CES enough to friends curious about Europe, and I truly think that it is a perfect fit for anyone; whether you're focused on cultural immersion like I was with the Netherlands, or if you're curious about Europe in a broader sense. I was able to travel so much of Europe and even get to Africa on this program, and the experiences I had were downright life-changing.

Eye Opening!

November 30, 2025by: Xen Troutman - United StatesProgram: Business & Economics in Europe

9

My program experience was great. The program was set up so that half of my classes were only with students from my home university -- relatively small classes with 6-8 others--- and the other half were regular classes at the local university (which was more immersive and I preferred those classes). We had scheduled weekend trips to visit other countries and local areas around the host country, which accounted for about 1/4 of the total weekends. My favorite experience was visiting the shops and doing interviews with the local students for my cultural awareness final project. I was able to meet really cool people, which led me to dinners with strangers, book recommendations, free drinks, great conversations, artworks, and lifelong friends.

Finding Home in Limburg

November 30, 2025by: Eddie Kaake - United StatesProgram: Humanities & Social Sciences in Europe

10

From a very young age I've always enjoyed new experiences, and as I grew up I knew I wanted to go far for school. However, due to familial situations I decided to stay close to my family for my undergraduate experience. As my family situation calmed down, CES Maastricht allowed me the opportunity of a lifetime to go and live not just in the Netherlands, but in the province my family originates from. With CES Maastricht, every step of the process was easy and help was readily available from the application stage to arrival and travel whilst on the program. The CES Program also offered a wide variety of classes to help students immerse into the culture of both the city and the Netherlands. One of my favorite parts of this program was the built-in travel that took students to Berlin Germany, Paris France, and a trip around several Dutch cities. I cannot recommend CES enough to friends curious about Europe, and I truly think that it is a perfect fit for anyone; whether you're focused on cultural immersion like I was with the Netherlands, or if you're curious about Europe in a broader sense. I was able to travel so much of Europe and even get to Africa on this program, and the experiences I had were downright life-changing.