Study Abroad in Namibia

Semester Programs

During your time in Namibia, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school), where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 6-day arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don’t offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Language

English (official); Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, and other indigenous languages also widely spoken. Because English is Namibia’s official language and the primary language of instruction in schools, there is no additional language requirement for this program. Students are encouraged to arrive with an open curiosity about Namibia’s rich linguistic diversity — learning a few words in Afrikaans or Oshiwambo is a wonderful way to connect with your host family and community. Language orientation resources will be provided ahead of departure to help students feel confident and culturally prepared.

Trimester Programs

During your time in Namibia, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school), where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 3-day arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don’t offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Language

English (official); Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, and other indigenous languages also widely spoken. Because English is Namibia’s official language and the primary language of instruction in schools, there is no additional language requirement for this program. Students are encouraged to arrive with an open curiosity about Namibia’s rich linguistic diversity — learning a few words in Afrikaans or Oshiwambo is a wonderful way to connect with your host family and community. Language orientation resources will be provided ahead of departure to help students feel confident and culturally prepared.

Short-Term Programs

During your time in Namibia, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school), where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the Short-Term program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 4-day, 3-night arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don’t offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Language

English (official); Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, and other indigenous languages also widely spoken. Because English is Namibia’s official language and the primary language of instruction in schools, there is no additional language requirement for this program. Students are encouraged to arrive with an open curiosity about Namibia’s rich linguistic diversity — learning a few words in Afrikaans or Oshiwambo is a wonderful way to connect with your host family and community. Language orientation resources will be provided ahead of departure to help students feel confident and culturally prepared.