The Netherlands | Academic Year, Semester, Trimester

Learn

The Dutch educational system is divided into two sections: a six-year primary education program and a secondary education program. Dutch students that want to attend a university must complete a six-year secondary education program. Intrax Study Abroad students will attend a local secondary high school and study a range of courses including: history, mathematics, science, literature and language. Getting to and from school can turn into a social activity  as students typically cycle together to class.

While no previous language study is required, we strongly suggest that students self-study and prepare for their cultural adventure by learning some basic phrases in Dutch, as all classes will be conducted in Dutch..

Why learn Dutch? Dutch is the language of 16 million people in the Netherlands, and 6 million people in the Flanders region of Belgium!

Experience

The Dutch have a strong work ethic and most families have parents that work outside the home. Dutch teens are taught from a young age to be very independent. Living with a host family will open your eyes to new experiences and the way of life in the Dutch culture.

As bicycles are an important form of transportation in the Netherlands, students will receive a bicycle which is theirs to keep at the end of the program! The Netherlands is very "bicycle friendly". There are practically no hills, and there are as many miles of bike paths as there are of highways in the Netherlands

Sports are an enjoyable pastime as about one-third of the Dutch population belong to a sport club. Soccer is the favorite activity, while volleyball, tennis, hockey, cycling, and skating are also popular

The cultural arts are supported and promoted through various government programs, such as The Youth Culture Passport, which offers young people reduced admissions to theaters, cinemas and museums, as well as discounts on CDs and travel.

Program Details

An extensive orientation, including an intensive one-week Dutch course, will be given to the students upon arrival in the Netherlands to help acquaint them with Dutch life and culture. Each semester, one excursion is included in the program fees and one optional excursion can be taken for an additional cost. Trips in the past have included visits to Paris and other popular European destinations.

Students are placed with carefully selected host families throughout the Netherlands. Adjustment to host family life and Dutch culture will be assisted by an Intrax local representative.

Requirements

• 15-18 years old. Students may turn 19 while on program
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Willing to learn Dutch. All classes will be taught in Dutch!
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

Factors to Consider

Students studying in the Netherlands do not need to obtain a visa before departure. However, upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will need to register with the government by obtaining what is called a residence permit, which may cost up to €400 (Euros). In order to obtain this, participants should take an original copy of their birth certificate and an official (preferably notarized) document that states parental financial responsibility while on program. An Intrax local representative will help students with this procedure.