“Van harte welkom in Holland!”
High School in The Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in the Netherlands, from the striking countryside to the cultural centres of the country’s fascinating cities! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Hello stranger!
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s smallest countries, though densely populated. The country is known and appreciated for its liberalism and tolerance, especially towards strangers. Your new classmates and people in your new town will be happy to show you around.
The best way to get around is to get a bike. Yes, it’s true, the main transportation mode in the country is actually the bike. You will soon learn that almost all your friends ride a bike to get to school, friends and sports clubs.
A little piece of history
Between 1800 and 1949, Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands. A small piece of this part of history remains in the form of Indonesian restaurants. Amsterdam is especially famed for its Indonesian and Surinamese food. Don’t miss the chance to eat a generous rijsttafel (meaning rice table) a smorgasbord with many tasty and spicy dishes.
Area: 16 000 km2
Population: 16.5 million
Governance: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Amsterdam
Language: Dutch
National holiday: April 27 (King’s Day)
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High school the Dutch way
In the Netherlands, the contact between teachers and students is informal and open. Teachers encourage students to ask questions in class and like it when the students seek out the facts and draw their own conclusions.
The Dutch school system
Dutch students choose between two directions when they start high school. They are called VWO and HAVO and differ in length and study areas. Most exchange students will be placed in the school form called HAVO. High school starts in late August and consists of three terms. The first extends from August to Christmas. The second runs from January to Easter and the third from April to July. Between terms, there are study breaks.
Mainly mandatory subjects
Schools in the Netherlands have certain compulsory subjects. You will study Dutch, English, a third language (French or German), mathematics, economics, physics, history, biology, chemistry and geography. You will also have physical education and art class.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–17,5 years on arrival
Departure month: August/December
Language requirements: Good English, basic knowledge in Dutch
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included. Dutch language course will be mandatory. Lessons in small groups and private lessons. Price €430. (It is not included in the program fee.)
School year: August–June/July
School day: Usually 08.00 – 15.30
Subjects: Compulsory and optional
Your Dutch host family
Dutch families are often fairly small, meaning they will have one or a maximum of two children. It’s common for both parents to be working, especially when the children have reached school age. Since you, your host siblings and your host parents will be away from home during the day, dinner time is not only time for eating. It’s also a family activity and a way to socialise.
At your new house
The Netherlands is a small country when it comes to area, that’s why they have a lot of tall buildings. Don’t be surprised if your new home will have more than one floor. A typical four-room apartment can have just as many floors.
In a Dutch home, everybody helps out with the chores, including you, of course. Just like home, you will make sure to keep your room clean and tidy. Your family will love it if you once in a while offer to help out with dinner and cook something from your own country.
Freedom and responsibility
There is an open and free atmosphere between children and adults in the families. You’ll find that you are permitted a lot of freedom, but also a great sense of responsibility. Spending a year in a Dutch family will make you grow as a person.
Spare time during your year
What do you want to do after school? That’s entirely up to you. Join your new friends when they go out together, maybe visiting a café or watching a movie. In winter time, the canals are great for skating.
History and culture
The Netherlands has an interesting history and has for many centuries been a powerful seafaring nation and a colonial power. If you are interested in history, you will be fascinated by how much influence this small country has had in the history books.
If you are into culture and art, you probably already know that there are many famous painters and artists of Dutch origin. Among the most famous are Rembrandt and van Gogh. Two completely different artists with two completely different styles in two different centuries. Learn more about these artists when you live in their home country!
Weekend getaways
We usually invite all our exchange students in the Netherlands to follow us on two weekend getaways, one in spring and one in fall. This is a great opportunity to meet other students and share your experiences of your high school exchange – and to have a whole lot of fun, of course! We often stay in a hostel and during the days we go sightseeing and explore a new city. Given that England is so close, it’s highly possible that one of the trips will be to London. Your local contact person will give you all the details, such as travel dates, destination and costs connected to the trip.
STS Welcome Camp in Europe
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome camp is included for all students going in the autumn. Welcome camp is not included if you go in the spring term.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included:
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Gain more control over your high school exchange experience with our add-ons.
Tell us about your wishes and increase your chances of making your dreams a reality.
Special request
From 300 €
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Our destinations
Your exchange year can take you to North America, South America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania. Each destination offers unique cultures, school systems, and everyday experiences — and the choice is yours. Where will you go?
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