AbroadBro Score: 9/10
The Good: The Netherlands is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and tolerant society. The country is renowned for its high-quality education and research institutions, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and science. The Netherlands is also known for its well-connected and efficient public transportation system, and for its cycling-friendly infrastructure. The Netherlands is also a relatively safe country, and the crime rate is low.
The Bad: The Netherlands can be quite expensive, particularly in terms of housing and food costs. The weather can also be unpredictable and can be quite damp. Additionally, the Dutch language can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn.
The Ugly: that’s a hard one! After all, they got all the girls and Marijuana. However, the weather is terrible: always windy and rainy.
Education Quality: The Netherlands has a strong reputation for education, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, and science. The quality of education is generally considered to be high, and the country is known for its strong programs in these fields.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees in the Netherlands can vary depending on the institution and the program of study. However, they are generally considered to be high, particularly for international students. However, many universities and colleges in the Netherlands offer scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition.
Educational Reputation: The Netherlands has a strong reputation for education, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, and science. Many universities and colleges in the Netherlands are highly ranked and well-respected.
Student Visa Regime:
The Netherlands has a straightforward student visa regime, and the process for obtaining a student visa is generally considered to be easy. International students will need to provide proof of acceptance to a Dutch institution, proof of financial support, and a valid passport.
Student Visa Extension: International students are allowed to apply for an extension of their student visa if their program of study is longer than the initial visa’s validity. They need to apply for an extension before the initial visa expires.
Student Immigration at the Airport: The immigration process at the airport for international students is relatively straightforward. Students will need to show their passports and student visa to the immigration officer, and answer a few basic questions about their plans in the Netherlands.
Attitude Towards Students: The Dutch people are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude towards students. International students are generally well-received in the Netherlands and are able to make friends and connect with locals easily.
Post-study Job Opportunities: The Netherlands offers a variety of job opportunities for international students after graduation. Many international students find employment in the technology, engineering and consulting fields. However, the job market in the Netherlands is highly competitive, and it may take some time for international students to secure a job.
Post-Study Citizenship for International Students: International students in the Netherlands have the opportunity to apply for Dutch citizenship after living in the country for a certain period of time. This typically requires passing a Dutch language test and passing a civic test. However, the process can be difficult and time-consuming.
Income/Expensive Ratio: The Netherlands is known to be an expensive country to live in. The cost of living is relatively high, and international students will need to budget accordingly. However, salaries in the Netherlands are also relatively high, so the income-to-expense ratio is generally considered to be favorable.
Job Market: The job market in the Netherlands is highly competitive. However, many international students are able to secure employment after graduation, particularly in the technology, engineering, and consulting fields.
Minimum Wages and average salary: The minimum wage in the Netherlands is €10.45 per hour for workers aged 23 and older, and €9.35 per hour for those aged 22 and younger. The average salary in the Netherlands is around €3,500 per month, which is considered to be relatively high compared to other countries in Europe. However, the cost of living in the Netherlands can also be quite high, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Local Language Difficulty: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which can be quite difficult for international students to learn. However, most Dutch people speak English fluently and are willing to communicate with foreigners in English. Additionally, many schools and universities in the Netherlands offer courses in English, making it easier for international students to study and integrate into Dutch society.
English Language Adaptation: The Netherlands is quite a good place to adapt to for English-speaking people. The majority of the population speaks English fluently, and most official documents, signs and announcements are in both Dutch and English.
Racism: The Netherlands is generally considered to be a tolerant and open-minded country. However, racism and discrimination can still be a problem, especially towards immigrants and people of color. International students should be aware of this and take steps to protect themselves if they encounter any discrimination.
Natives Profile: The Dutch are known for their direct and straightforward communication style, as well as their love of cycling and cheese. They also have a strong sense of community and value environmental sustainability.
Culture: The Netherlands has a rich culture with a long history of art, architecture, and design. The Dutch are also known for their love of festivals, particularly in the summertime, and their famous windmills and tulip fields.
Food: Dutch cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea and the country’s flat landscape. Fish, potatoes, and cheese are staples, and traditional dishes include herring, stroopwafels, and bitterballen.
Weather: The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with cool winters and mild summers. Rain is common throughout the year, so bring an umbrella!
Housing: Housing in the Netherlands can be quite expensive, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam. International students may have to share an apartment or live in a student dormitory to save on costs.
Health/Medical: The Netherlands has a high-quality healthcare system, and international students are required to have health insurance.
Public Transportation: The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation, and many cities have bike-sharing programs.
Police: The police in the Netherlands are generally considered to be friendly and helpful. However, it’s important to know that the Dutch police have a “zero tolerance” policy towards drugs and other illegal activities