Study Abroad in Netherlands

Semester Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, 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 and learn about Dutch culture. A 3-day mid-year seminar is also included. Both orientations include transportation, sightseeing trips, workshops, training, bike rental, and leisure programs.

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

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided access to an online 10-week language training platform to aid in learning, Bi-weekly webinars, and monthly Dutch Language Labs at the Exchange House in Amsterdam while on program. Training begins before departure.

Trimester Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, 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

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided access to an online 10-week language training platform to aid in learning, Bi-weekly webinars, and monthly Dutch Language Labs at the Exchange House in Amsterdam while on program.