Holland

“The rest of the world is a big place”, say the Dutch, well aware of how small their country is. Although small in size, Holland has a rich cultural tradition.

The Netherlands is a kingdom. Its official name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, the Netherlands is also sometimes called 'Holland', a name that is derived from the names of the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland.

For centuries the country has had an attitude of openness towards the rest of the world. Its cultural diversity has made Holland a place where knowledge, ideas and cultures from all over the world come together.
Although Dutch is the national language, the majority of the population (about 87%) also speaks English and very often another foreign language, such as German or French.

Holland lies on a flat, low delta and a quarter of the land lies below sea level. Because of its precarious location, it has one of the best barrier dams in the world. Several Dutch companies are involved in water conservation and land reclamation projects throughout the world.

Holland has a dense railway network that offers frequent service and is the quickest way to travel between city centres. If you live in a city the bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. Most Dutch people, regardless of their profession or status, have a bicycle.

Once you have arrived in Holland, you will discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Berlin, Brussels and Paris are just a few hours away by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will take you to London, Madrid or Rome.

Holland is a ‘self-service country’. The Dutch try to manage most things themselves, which makes them very independent and organized. Another distinctive characteristic of the Dutch is their openness and direct manner of acting and speaking. You will notice that you can say exactly what is on your mind. The Dutch are not easily offended.

Education in the Netherlands

The Dutch system of higher education enjoys a worldwide reputation for high quality. Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch higher education institution perform very well in other parts of the world. In addition, the Netherlands was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English.

The Netherlands has two main types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of applied sciences are more practically oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers.

The Times Higher Education Supplement ranks 11 universities in Holland among the top 200 in the world. Holland has also received international acclaim for its groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning system. This system trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline.

The Netherlands systems of teaching and learning is based on “student-led learning”, with more practice and more career orientation. The Dutch education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in Holland means developing an open mind and increasing your international orientation.

The majority of the programmes which are offered involve: real work placement, team projects, guest lectures and cases from the work field. It is believed that experience is the best teacher.
Financing your studies in the Netherlands

Education in Holland is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable compared with other countries.

The annual tuition fees for enrolment on a degree programme or course at a Dutch higher education institution start at approximately €1,600 for EU students. In general, tuition fees are higher for non-EU students.
Experience shows that to live and study in Holland, students need between €300 and €400 per month + accommodation which is around €300 per month.
Foreign students that would like to take paid work alongside their studies are allowed to do so.

Why study in the Netherlands?

1. More than 1,450 programmes in English. Holland is the first non-English speaking country which has been offering study programmes conducted in English and especially designed for foreign students who came to study in Holland.

2. Internationally recognized diplomas. The Netherlands has been recognized as the knowledge centre of long study traditions and well- known universities. Dutch international scientific research is placed in the very top ranks. Thanks to its high quality the Dutch education meets all standards and is acknowledged worldwide.

3. Multicultural environment. International students from all over the world come to study in Holland. The Netherlands is a unique non-English speaking country where 95% of the inhabitants speak English. This makes communication during your study in Holland comfortable and pleasant.

4. Low study costs. The tuition fees and other expenses for those who come to study in Holland from EU/EEA countries are relatively low compared to other European countries.

5. Holland — a gateway to Europe. Due to its central position, the Netherlands has been described as the Gateway to Europe. In reality, all famous European capitals are within easy reach: Paris and Berlin, Brussels and London are all situated within an hour flight from the Dutch capital - Amsterdam.

More information about studying in the Netherlands:
http://www.studyinholland.nl

Finding good, affordable accommodation in a country as crowded as Holland is not easy. Almost all student cities are facing shortages. Even for Dutch students it is hard to find their own accomodation on the private market. Therefore a lot of local students live with their parents and international students in student accommodation. 

In the Netherlands, students usually have their own bedroom. Depending on the house where you are staying, the shower, lavatory, kitchen and living room may be shared with other students. It is common for male and female students to live together in the same student house. If this may be a problem for you, you should let it know as soon as possible.

You should also find out whether the room is furnished or not. The quality can vary greatly and furnishings may range from just a bed and a chair to a fully equipped room with an internet connection. If you rent an unfurnished room, you can find inexpensive furniture at many second-hand shops in every large town.

 

· www.stadswonen.nl (student rooms)
· www.housingonline.nl (furnished rooms)
· www.kamernet.nl (click English button)
· www.roomrotterdam.nl (click English button)
· www.pararius.com (search engine for accommodations)
· www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/engels/hotels (Hotels in Rotterdam )

 

 

Working

As an international student in Holland, you might want to take a part-time job, just as Dutch students do. Besides helping to cover your costs, a job can also give you useful work experience, allow you to participate in Dutch society and make it easier for you to learn the language.

Citizens from EU/EEA member states, do not need a residence permit in order to be allowed to stay in the Netherlands, while doing their MSc. With the exception of Bulgaria and Romania and Non-EU/EFTA students, citizens from the rest of the EU-member states do not need a work permit to do a part-time job. Non-EU / EFTA should register with the IND once they have been in the Netherlands for more than 3 months. For more information consult the IND website, http://www.ind.nl On this website you will find a “residence wizard” through which you can find out about the rules for residency in the Netherlands for yourself.

Even if not directly needed, a residence permit can come in handy: sometimes employers ask for it before they enter into a contract with you, banks also ask for it when you open a bank account and other official institutions ask for this document as well. You may find a part-time job, but you have to keep in mind that you would not neglect your studies. You should keep in mind to have at least 4 months’ money before arriving as it may be difficult to find a student job.

How do I find a part-time job?

The easiest way to find a job is through an employment agency, or uitzendbureau. Some agencies specialize in jobs for students. The student affairs office at the Dutch institution where you are enrolled can provide addresses or may even have their own job agency. Of course you can also respond to advertisements or search for a job on the Internet.

The following websites may be helpful:

• www.undutchables.nl
• http://international.monsterboard.nl
• www.dutchisnotrequired.nl

Additional information about working in the Netherlands:

• http://www.werk.nl
• http://www.nuffic.nl