Surely you’ve heard about the Netherlands and what it’s famous for, but there are many reasons as to why this country has one of the highest number of international students! There are 10 things you need to know about studying in the Netherlands:
1. Everyone speaks English
Although the official language is Dutch, almost 95% of the population speaks English. Therefore, not knowing Dutch isn’t an issue! Learning Dutch is difficult because the Dutch people are eager to speak English. There isn’t a language barrier, and this makes life more comfortable for those coming from another country. As nervous as you might be, the people in Holland welcome all internationals and you can easily have interesting conversations with the locals.
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If you would like to know more about studying in the Netherlands and at HZ, you can read all about it in the special brochure that is made for international students.
The Dutch have a direct communication style - speaking openly and without confusion. This can be misinterpreted as impolite at times, especially if one is not used to frankness. Direct communication, on the other hand, is regarded as a highly valued type of openness among the Dutch. It’s just their way of “being real” with you.
3. Gateway to Europe
HZ University of Applied Sciences is nearby all the quirky European cities! Referring to its central geographic and economic position in central Europe, the Netherlands is often described as the gateway to Europe. It takes only about an hour to fly from Amsterdam to Paris, Berlin, Venice, or London. It’s also possible to go away for the weekend with your friends and drive up to different cities within a few hours!
4. Diversity
The international atmosphere makes you feel right at home! Without a doubt, you would find people from your home country, but you also encounter a variety of cultures. There are 143 different nationalities that live in this country, and everyone is equal! Meeting different people is a way to build a network, work on your communication skills and learn about different ethnicities, so it’s very useful for when you work in companies. It’s also an advantage to make friends from different parts of the world, so you can go visit their hometown.
5. Export products
Did you know Dutch design and dance music are our number one export products? Electronic dance music, or EDM, is the most popular genre in the Netherlands. Dance music by DJs like Afrojack, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Martin Garrix (my personal favourite) account for about 75% of foreign revenue.
The Dutch don’t let any opportunity pass by to dress up in the colour orange. If you're unfamiliar with King's Day, it's a Dutch national holiday in which the entire country dresses in orange, drinks beer, and celebrates the birthday of the king. And boy, do they have a good time! The legendary William of Orange, who was anointed Prince of Orange in 1544, started the dynasty. The colour orange became a symbol of the Dutch Royal family under his rule.
7. They travel by bike
Cycling is very popular in the Netherlands because of the flat landscape, the Dutch prefer it over driving cars. Not only does it help the environment but it’s good exercise too! The bike paths are very well structured and stretches to 35,000 km so technically it’s like taking a bike ride 3 times around the moon. The Netherlands' infrastructure is designed with bicycles in mind, making it a safe mode of transportation.
8. Practical approach
In the Netherlands there a different types of uni's: an universities of applied sciences (hogeschool in Dutch) and research universities. At HZ University of Applied Sciences you will be combining theoretical classes with practical skills and experience. This makes studying in the Netherlands a great springboard for your professional life.
The weather in the Netherlands is, well, unpredictable. It changes so frequently that whatever you wear in the morning might feel completely unsuitable by midday. However, this also means you get to experience all four seasons—rain, wind, snow, and sunshine. Did you know that Zeeland is the sunniest region in the Netherlands? Fortunately, HZ University of Applied Sciences is located in Middelburg and Vlissingen, where there are an average of 1,889 hours of sunshine each year!
10. Open-minded
The Netherlands is known for being open-minded and accepting. The Dutch are relaxed about different ways of life and believe everyone should be treated equally. It’s a country where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, and where same-sex marriage has been legal for years—long before many other places. At HZ, there is also a Gender and Sexuality Alliance that organises afternoon get-togethers and other activities. Do you have a condition or limitation or another reason why you need extra support? HZ is a personal university that offers guidance and help whenever you need it.
Here were 10 things to know about the Netherlands, I hope this has made you more curious for more information about studying in the Netherlands. Here is an infographic that helps you visualise all these wonderful facts.
Generally, Dutch universities are not self-contained, and the academic buildings tend to be mixed in with other city buildings. As such, these universities do not offer on-campus student accommodations, like in the form of dorms.
The quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognised. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. Also, there are lots of scholarship opportunities. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred.
The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe, with a rich cultural tradition, great higher education and an open minded and pioneering people. Its relatively small area of just over 41,000 square kilometres is home to more than 17 million people.
The Netherlands is a great choice for internationals who want to continue their higher education at abroad universities. This country is the home of some world-popular universities that rank high in the QS World University Ranking.
This rule is applied for a maximum duration of 60 months / five years but will decrease progressively. In the first 20 months, eligible individuals will continue to receive 30% of their gross salary tax free. In the following 20 months, the tax-free allowance will be reduced to 20%.
Based on previous studies in other countries, international students in the Netherlands might have higher stress levels in life domains than domestic students. One potential difference could be financial stress.
The 'zorgtoeslag', or Dutch healthcare allowance, is an allowance for Dutch healthcare insurance payments. Whether you qualify for a healthcare allowance depends on your income and capital. In addition to healthcare allowance, you might qualify for rent benefit.
The most prestigious universities in the Netherlands offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including business and management, healthcare, economics, social media, and many more. Higher education in the natural sciences is one of the most popular academic choices made by international students in this country.
The Netherlands is the home of over 1,700+ Bachelor, Master, and other programs for students. There are around 10 fields of study in which Accounting, Engineering, Health Care, Social Science, Law, Computer Science, and Arts are the most popular fields to study in the Netherlands.
Every person in the Netherlands with an employment contract is entitled to certain statutory benefits. These benefits ensure that employees can take paid time off, are entitled to sick leave, get maternity and paternity leave, and are paid a minimum wage.
Yes, the Netherlands is an excellent country for international students. It offers high-quality education, a wide range of English-taught programs, innovative teaching methods, and a multicultural environment. Tuition fees are relatively affordable, and there are many scholarship opportunities.
The pace of study is intense and fast, so students need to adapt very quickly at the beginning of the first year so they do not fall behind. The academic year is divided into either two semesters or four blocks, with exams at the mid-term and end of term, or at the end of each block.
The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse community, and world-class educational institutions. With plenty of student-friendly neighborhoods, activities, and resources, Amsterdam provides an enriching and supportive environment for students from all over the world.
The average expense that a student spends in a month ranges from €800 to €1,100 which includes accommodation, food, travel, etc. There are different types of accommodation, such as on-campus, off-campus, private apartments, etc. Thus, you can expect the range of €300 to €600 depending on the location.
Students preparing to study in the Netherlands require a residence permit if they are not EU / EEA or Swiss citizens. Sufficient mastery of English: TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based), IELTS (minimum average of 6) GMAT or GRE.A minimum average of 7 - 7,5 (foreign diploma).
Working in the Netherlands as a non-Dutch students
Employers must request a work permit on behalf of the student, and the process takes approximately five weeks. Students with work permits have limitations on working hours, with options for seasonal or part-time work not exceeding 16 hours per week.
Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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