Why study in the Netherlands, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in the Netherlands?

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in the Netherlands?

• Because Holland was the first non-English-speaking country with courses taught in English.
• Because Holland has a broad number of disciplines in which it has an international leading role. Higher education institutions in Holland offer about 1,000 international study programs and courses which are taught in English. These programs cover a broad range of fields.
• Because when you are unable to find work, and are not dependent on an income from employment, voluntary work might help to fill the gap – possibly enabling you to learn new skills and improve your Dutch as well as experiencing the Dutch lifestyle.
• Because you might even find that volunteering leads directly to paid employment in the long run.
• Because there are a lot of organizations offering volunteer work in the Netherlands. Not all of them require knowledge of Dutch. There are tasks for 40 hours per week but also light work for only 2 hours per week. Some institutions may pay small salaries; others reimburse your travel expenses or supply you with meals (especially if you work in the kitchen) or they pay you just for the expenses you make.

What should you pay attention to?

• That curricula are intensive, at an advanced level, practically oriented, and designed to meet the expectations of students seeking specialized knowledge. The courses alternate theories with practice in real or simulated work situations. Most study programs and courses lead to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a PhD degree, a diploma or certificate.
• That Holland has two main types of regular higher education: university education and higher professional education. The universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. The universities of professional education are more practically oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers. A smaller branch of education is provided by International Education institutes, which offer programs designed especially for foreign students.
• That it is relatively easier for Dutch-speaking students to find good internships. The language is always going to be a mayor factor for English-speaking students trying to find an internship in the Netherlands. There are internships for those with no knowledge of Dutch at all, but you will certainly enhance your prospects if you make the effort to learn at least a little of the language. And the more Dutch you speak, the better your prospects will be.