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The Netherlands
Study Abroad In The Netherlands!
Are you looking for a unique experience? You might know that the Netherlands is famous for its tulips, cheese and windmills, but there is a lot more to see and experience! An exchange to study abroad in the Netherlands offers WEP exchange 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. You will be introduced to the Dutch tradition of cycling and the use of a bicycle is included in all programs! 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.
One very famous traditional festivity in the Netherlands is ‘Sinterklaas’ on 5 December. It celebrates a man from Spain, who visits the country every year and brings the children lots of presents. Another traditional festivity is Queens Day or ‘Koninginnedag’ in honor of the Queen’s birthday, where cities, towns and villages across the country hold street fairs, games, parades and flea markets.
Does this sound like the best program for you? Can you imagine yourself living the life of teenager, living with a local family in the Netherlands? If so, keep on reading to find out more about your options to study abroad in the Netherlands!
Upcoming Exchanges
| Departure | Duration | Fee | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2017 | Short Term | $ 7,950 | 8 August 2017 |
| December 2017 | Short Term | $ 7,950 | 8 August 2017 |
| January 2018 | Year | $ 10,450 | 12 September 2017 |
| January 2018 | Semester | $ 9,950 | 12 September 2017 |
| January 2018 | Short Term | $ 8,950 | 12 September 2017 |
| August 2018 | Short Term | $ TBC | 13 March 2018 |
| August 2018 | Semester | $ TBC | 13 March 2018 |
| August 2018 | Academic Year | $ TBC | 13 March 2018 |
The above costs apply to departures up to and including May 2018.
Included Extras
Five-night orientation program in Wijhe for all January and August students, including Dutch language lessons and sightseeing. Excursion(s), a preparatory online language course and use of bike is also included for all programs.
More Information
School
Secondary schools in The Netherlands are 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.
The school year runs from August to July with classes starting at 8am and finishing around 4pm. This varies depending on the schools location but is a good indicator for what a school day may be like.
Language
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, spoken by the majority of the population. Approximately 90% of the population can also speak conversational English, with the language being recognised as an official language by several towns.
How hard is it to learn Dutch in Australia? MODERATE. 23-24 weeks OR 575-600 class hours are required to become proficient in Dutch. Fast-track your language studies on exchange!
Climate/Time
The Netherlands tends to have cool summers and moderate winters. Throughout the day, temperatures fluctuate between 2-5°C in winter and between 17-20°C in summer. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with April to September being the drier period.
Depending on daylight saving, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are between eight to nine hours ahead of the Netherlands.
Specific Requirements
None.
Local Time
0 6 : 3 7 22 July, 2017
Currency
1 AUD 0.68 EUR
Weather
Today
21.0 17.3 °C
Tomorrow
23.0 13.7 °C
Day After
17.5 13.9 °C
Everything’ s great. My host family is easy to get along with and have been teaching me some Dutch and mostly everyone here is really welcoming...
Everything’ s great. My host family is easy to get along with and have been teaching me some Dutch and mostly everyone here is really welcoming...