The Netherlands

Why study in the Netherlands?

Bordering Germany and Belgium by land, and the UK by sea, the Netherlands is a gateway to Europe. The country of windmills, clogs, and tulips is home to 16 million people and hundreds of canals. If you love travelling by bicycle and eating chocolate for breakfast, you’ll love studying in the Netherlands.    

I got more confidence in myself, a greater understanding of other people and parts of the world and I made international friends who I am still very close to today. The experience I had is one which couldn’t be replicated if I was to stay in NZ for those 6 months.

Andrew, Wellington

Placements

You can choose to study in the Netherlands for as little as three months or as long as one academic year. Gap year students are welcome to apply but must be no older than 18.5 years upon departure. Academic year and semester students will receive a 5-day/4-night orientation upon arrival, which includes full lodging, Dutch classes, intercultural workshops, and guided tours. There are two organised trips for academic students throughout the programme, and one organised trip for semester students. All students will be given a bike on their exchange and must be prepared to bike to school. Dutch students normally bike up to 16km one-way to get to school.

Placements can be anywhere in the country but are more likely to be in suburbs or rural areas. On the map below you can see where some of our past students have been placed. All of our host families are carefully vetted. We conduct home interviews, inspections, and police checks to ensure our students are placed in a secure and supportive living environment.