The Netherlands is often hailed as a European country of tremendous natural beauty, beautiful houses, and an extensive network of canals. The Dutch people are also known for their free-spirited culture, vibrant lifestyles, and passion for life.
It is therefore not a surprise that the Netherlands draws the interest of a number of international students each year who want to pursue their higher studies in the country. The Netherlands has a well-established higher education system that churns out qualified and capable graduates every year.
If you intend to study in Amsterdam, the capital of the country, you ought to start your research about living in the Netherlands from today. Read this blog to learn more about living and studying in the country.
What are the top things that you should know about the Netherlands as a foreign student?
Here are some absolutely essential things you should know about being an international student in the Netherlands.
- The language barrier is not a major issue: Although Dutch is deemed a complicated language by foreigners, it isn’t very difficult to pick up a few basic phrases. If you have some familiarity with the German language, you may find picking up Dutch even simpler. Additionally, more than 90% of the locals can speak broken English and many universities have English as the medium of instruction for their courses.
- The Dutch have an open and friendly culture: Openness and friendliness are particular attributes of the Dutch mentality which might make it easier for you to mingle with the locals. The Dutch are also renowned for their honesty and directness which can help you become familiar with cultural contexts easily.
- The grading system can be competitive: The grading system in the university culture in the Netherlands is a lot more competitive than in other European countries like Germany or France. Therefore, you might have to work harder to get excellent grades and ace your academics.
- You can get a lot of travelling opportunities: The Netherlands is a part of the EU which makes it easier for you to travel around the continent. You can make Amsterdam your base for your travels to historic destinations like Berlin and modern dynamic cities like Paris. Additionally, the Netherlands has a lot to offer in terms of architecture, scenic beauty, and cultural hotspots.
- Student housing options can be limited: Many of the Dutch universities don’t provide student housing which means that you might have to make your own living arrangements as an international student. However, living on your own can give allow you to mingle with the locals better and get integrated into the Dutch society faster.
The Netherlands has a number of reputed and well-established universities which offer a wide variety of courses across different disciplines. The top subjects to study in the country include business management, finance, accounting, and supply chain management.
Start your search for appropriate Dutch universities today to study in the vibrantly cosmopolitan country of the Netherlands.
