High School Study Abroad in the Netherlands

When we think high school abroad we also think first taste of freedom! As soon as you’re cycling along the canals of the Netherlands, enjoying gouda in its country of origin, man oh man, are you going to feel free. High school abroad in the Netherlands is going to ease you right into your life-long love affair with travel: the public transit is easy, the streets are navigable, and the language barrier is non-existent. Translation: you have no excuses to not do high school programs in the Netherlands!

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Latest Program Reviews

1000% recommend

September 28, 2024by: Kyler W.Program: CIEE HS Summer Abroad: World Governance in Amsterdam

I would definitely recommend this program or any CIEE program to someone looking to study abroad! My only slight hesitation is that it was very expensive, and for some people in my school or community it just might not be possible, but if someone I knew was looking for an opportunity regardless of price, I would 1000% reccomend.

An incredible, unforgettable experience!

February 02, 2024by: Clare Cowen - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in the Netherlands with Greenheart Travel

I had an absolutely amazing time in the Netherlands! I stayed in Steenwijk, about two hours away from Amsterdam. My family was so kind and helpful and I met some amazing people! The first week I had an orientation program which was simply amazing. There were people from all over the globe who stayed with me in the hostel. It was like summer camp!

1000% recommend

September 28, 2024by: Kyler W.Program: CIEE HS Summer Abroad: World Governance in Amsterdam

An incredible, unforgettable experience!

February 02, 2024by: Clare Cowen - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in the Netherlands with Greenheart Travel

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in the Netherlands

Best Cities for Teens

The Netherlands is small (two New Jerseys!), but mighty. From famed tulips in rural Lisse to a bustling university in Utrecht, the recommendations we’ve got are boundless. Here are our top picks for everyone out there looking for high school abroad in the Netherlands.

Rotterdam. Not top of the tourist hit-list, and that’s why you’ll love it. Rotterdam offers the infrastructure, nightlife, and artscape of Amsterdam, on a local scale. Take a bike ride out of the city and into Kinderdijk, to check out those iconic windmills.

The Hague. Gearing up to major in global affairs or pre-law? This is your spot. Home to the International Court of Justice, no other city in the world has seen the trials that have happened here. If the royals are more your type of international news, the Hague is also the Dutch monarchs’ residency. Can you say celeb sightings?

Amsterdam. Ah, the glistening canals, charming bridges, and fairytale buildings. Plus, the art scene is unreal (hello, Van Gogh!) and the history is significant (Anne Frank’s house will leave you speechless). Become a true Hollander by trying raw herring, or indulging in Dutch fries. Forget calories—you’ll be biking everywhere.

Popular Program Types

While high school programs in the Netherlands are about school, they’ve got to be about the Netherlands, too! These are some things we’re (gently) pushing you to take advantage of:

Outdoor Education. This will sharpen your street smarts and self-confidence. Urban studies is a great field to undertake during your high school travel in the Netherlands. Why are those canals there? What’s the deal with those 18 windmills? Why does everyone bike? Here’s your chance to gain some knowledge.

Community Service & Volunteering. Home to the “World’s Court,” the Netherlands is the place for advocacy and a proponent of peace. There is no shortage of workshops, rallies, and fundraisers that delve into human rights.

Work Experience. Getting a head start on that resume (and career abroad)? Factoring work experience into your Netherlands high school exchange is a supreme opportunity. Loads of programs provide skills workshops where you can meet professionals and learn about their route to success.

Summer Programs. It makes sense that teen travel in the Netherlands happens most during summer. Be sure to check out your options—you can fit your study abroad experience in as short as two weeks or as long as three months!

Anticipated Costs

Costs of living in the Netherlands are probably a bit different from what you’re used to. Transportation is fairly cheap, and you’ll likely be part of a homestay, but food and sights tend to add up. Don’t forget the Dutch use the Euro, making your dollar a little less valuable. If you’re hoping to get some extra financial aid, check out fundraising sites such as FundMyTravel. This is a popular way to rally excitement and support from family and friends! Applying for scholarships is also an excellent way to pad your Netherlands high school experience.

Accommodations & Visas

Going abroad for high school is probably feeling like a pretty big adventure. Homestays are a great way to immerse in the Dutch culture as well as enjoy the comfort of a family setting. Some students prefer to share dorm-style housing with other expats, and that can be super fun, too! Your program will likely list your available options, so go with your gut about the kind of experience you’re looking for.

There’s a lot of variability when it comes to visa regulations and fees, depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’re staying. Americans and Canadians looking to enter Europe will absolutely need a visa, and there are loads of resources out there designed for the sole purpose of helping students obtain study visas. Be sure to check in with your Netherlands high school programs about requirements and fees, too—that tends to minimize your stress and they’re happy to do it. Also, don’t forget that the embassy websites are your friends!

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

You know how your parents’ generation is always talking about how the world is so different now? About all the opportunities you have? About how they might have done things differently? Getting your first taste of travel at a young age is pretty lucky; getting acquainted with full-on cultural immersion at a young age is an absolutely unbeatable privilege. There’s a lot of the world to see, so why not get started sooner? You’ll be more confident in yourself. You’ll be more competent in the world. You’ll be more excited about life. And you won’t look back with regrets.

The balance of living abroad and being a student is going to be an adjustment, don’t get us wrong. But life’s a balancing act, right? So our advice is to take advantage of every opportunity. Study when you can, relax with your host family when you can, hit up museums and clubs when you can—take it all in one step at a time. Just remember: learning isn’t only for the classroom.