An exchange to the Netherlands offers WEP Australia students the unique opportunity to experience one of the more fascinating countries in Europe. Explore a country below sea level and see towns and cities surrounded by windmills, castle walls and canals.

Culture

Upon arrival in the Netherlands WEP students spend the first week of their program with other exchange students in an orientation week. As there is no language requirement for the program this week will concentrate on the Dutch language as well as their culture.

Sightseeing

Each semester WEP’s partner in the Netherlands organises a trip that is included in the program fee. These trips include activities such as a trip to Utrecht (ice skating) or Amsterdam (hike ‘n’ seek and inline skating in the famous Vondelpark). In November a trip is also offered to Paris for an extra cost.

School Life in the Netherlands

Please note that school in the Netherlands is divided into three gographic regions; North, centre and South. As a result some of the information below may differ from region to region.

School Year

August to July

School day

• 8:00am to 4:00pm, although this will vary according each students timetable.

School types

• Secondary school is divided into three levels: VMBO, HAVO, VWO. Exchange students are normally placed in the middle or higher levels, as VMBO is geared towards vocational learning.

School syllabus

The syllabus varies from school to school, as the majority of schools are a mix of all three levels.

Holidays

• Christmas (2 weeks)
• Carnival (1 week in February/March)
• Spring (1 week)
• Autumn (1 week)
• Long summer holiday
• A number of public holidays.

Uniform

Uniform not required.