The Netherlands

Wonderfully diverse…
The Netherlands (or ‘Holland’) is a kingdom in Western Europe. A large portion of the country lies below sea level (’Nederland’ means ‘low country’). The landscape is flat; it is only in the south of the country that you will find a few modest hills. You will notice straightaway that people of all different nationalities live here side by side. In their work and in their lives, the Dutch are used to great cultural diversity. This is possibly why their English – and often their French and German – is so good…

… and delightfully equal
The Netherlands is a free country. You can say what you want to anyone here. Everyone is equal: for example, patients find that doctors are very approachable, and students can go up to lecturers at any time. You will soon get used to this.

Free time and lifestyle
There is much to see and plenty to do in the Netherlands. The cities and villages all have calendars crammed with festivities throughout the year. Many Dutch people like to spend time socialising with friends and, though not known for their haute cuisine, cooking and dining together is a popular pastime. International dishes are a particular favourite and readily available in supermarkets and restaurants. Pasta dishes, rice or curry are frequently enjoyed here and are eaten with just as much (if not more!) relish as authentic Dutch stew with meatballs.

On your bike
In the Netherlands, there is no need for you to have a car: public transport (train, bus) can take you wherever you want to go. A real must-have – and cheap, too! – is a bike. Like many millions of Dutch people, you will find cycling a quick way to get from A to B, especially in a busy city.

Strong brands
Holland has an open economy that has maintained an international focus for centuries. Strong, well-known Dutch brands and products have found their way into countries all over the world, where they have become firmly embedded in the local culture. Just think of Shell, Heineken, Philips and TomTom.

Central location
The Netherlands lies in Western Europe, indicated below by the black arrow. The Netherlands is easily accessible, has one of the largest ports in the world and an airport from where you can fly to every corner of the earth. This is why the Netherlands is a major importing and exporting country. It is also an excellent base from which to travel to other countries in Europe.
Distances from 's-Hertogenbosch:
• Amsterdam 90 km = 55.92 miles, 2 hour
• Antwerp 100 km = 62.14 miles, 1.5 hours
• Brussels 2.5 hours
• Paris 460 km = 285.83 miles, 6 hours
• Luxemburg 300 km = 186.41 miles, 3 hours

Studying in the Netherlands
The Netherlands boasts two types of higher education: research-oriented universities, where everything revolves around scientific research, and universities of applied sciences; they focus on teaching professional skills.

Studying at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands means studying in a country with an international and innovative outlook where you receive outstanding training for a senior or managerial position. Once you graduate, you will be able to carry the title of ‘bachelor’.

In terms of its quality, the Dutch education system has a reputation to keep up worldwide. Its project-based learning, in particular, is highly praised everywhere. This work method, which involves students executing projects independently in groups, was embraced and first implemented by Avans University of Applied Sciences years ago.

Interaction and teamwork are the pillars of the Dutch education system. There are two factors that make studying in the Netherlands so pleasurable for foreigners: obviously, you get to know your fellow students – after all, you will be working with them! Secondly, the lessons are interactive and ‘student-oriented’: you are given the attention and also the freedom you need to develop into a skilled and creative professional, even into a citizen of the world – international collaboration between Dutch institutes of learning and foreign educational establishments, companies and organisations can guarantee that.



		Living here The Netherlands The Avans Locations Accommodation Public transport Visa and Residence permit Working while studying Insurance Financial matters		> > > The Netherlands Wonderfully diverse… The Netherlands (or ‘Holland’) is a kingdom in Western Europe. A large portion of the country lies below sea level (’Nederland’ means ‘low country’). The landscape is flat; it is only in the south of the country that you will find a few modest hills. You will notice straightaway that people of all different nationalities live here side by side. In their work and in their lives, the Dutch are used to great cultural diversity. This is possibly why their English – and often their French and German – is so good… … and delightfully equal The Netherlands is a free country. You can say what you want to anyone here. Everyone is equal: for example, patients find that doctors are very approachable, and students can go up to lecturers at any time. You will soon get used to this. Free time and lifestyle There is much to see and plenty to do in the Netherlands. The cities and villages all have calendars crammed with festivities throughout the year. Many Dutch people like to spend time socialising with friends and, though not known for their haute cuisine, cooking and dining together is a popular pastime. International dishes are a particular favourite and readily available in supermarkets and restaurants. Pasta dishes, rice or curry are frequently enjoyed here and are eaten with just as much (if not more!) relish as authentic Dutch stew with meatballs. On your bike In the Netherlands, there is no need for you to have a car: public transport (train, bus) can take you wherever you want to go. A real must-have – and cheap, too! – is a bike. Like many millions of Dutch people, you will find cycling a quick way to get from A to B, especially in a busy city. Strong brands Holland has an open economy that has maintained an international focus for centuries. Strong, well-known Dutch brands and products have found their way into countries all over the world, where they have become firmly embedded in the local culture. Just think of Shell, Heineken, Philips and TomTom. Central location The Netherlands lies in Western Europe, indicated below by the black arrow. The Netherlands is easily accessible, has one of the largest ports in the world and an airport from where you can fly to every corner of the earth. This is why the Netherlands is a major importing and exporting country. It is also an excellent base from which to travel to other countries in Europe. Distances from 's-Hertogenbosch: • Amsterdam 90 km = 55.92 miles, 2 hour • Antwerp 100 km = 62.14 miles, 1.5 hours • Brussels 2.5 hours • Paris 460 km = 285.83 miles, 6 hours • Luxemburg 300 km = 186.41 miles, 3 hours Studying in the Netherlands The Netherlands boasts two types of higher education: research-oriented universities, where everything revolves around scientific research, and universities of applied sciences; they focus on teaching professional skills. Studying at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands means studying in a country with an international and innovative outlook where you receive outstanding training for a senior or managerial position. Once you graduate, you will be able to carry the title of ‘bachelor’. In terms of its quality, the Dutch education system has a reputation to keep up worldwide. Its project-based learning, in particular, is highly praised everywhere. This work method, which involves students executing projects independently in groups, was embraced and first implemented by Avans University of Applied Sciences years ago. Interaction and teamwork are the pillars of the Dutch education system. There are two factors that make studying in the Netherlands so pleasurable for foreigners: obviously, you get to know your fellow students – after all, you will be working with them! Secondly, the lessons are interactive and ‘student-oriented’: you are given the attention and also the freedom you need to develop into a skilled and creative professional, even into a citizen of the world – international collaboration between Dutch institutes of learning and foreign educational establishments, companies and organisations can guarantee that.