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The Netherlands

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The Netherlands, also known informally as Holland, is a country located in Northwestern Europe with some overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII, and a red-light district. The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country has a rich history and is known for its historic cities, its art from the Dutch Golden Age, and its innovative water-management projects. The Dutch are also known for their liberal policies on issues such as drugs, prostitution, and euthanasia. The country is densely populated and is one of the world's top exporters of goods, thanks to its highly developed economy. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the busiest in the world. The Netherlands is a founding member of the EU, NATO, the WTO, and the OECD, and it hosts several international courts, making it a central player in international affairs. The Dutch society is egalitarian and organized, with a strong emphasis on social welfare and consensus-based decision-making. Dutch and Frisian are the official languages, with English widely spoken as a second language by most of the population. The country's flat terrain is punctuated by numerous rivers and canals, which have been historically important for trade and transportation.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the Netherlands is considered high, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. Housing, in particular, can be quite expensive, and the overall expenses for daily life including transportation, food, and healthcare are significant when compared to other countries.

Weather

The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country experiences a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with no extreme periods of cold or heat. Due to its flat geography and proximity to the sea, the weather can be quite windy, and there is often high humidity.

Educational System Netherlands

The educational system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and is divided into primary and secondary education, followed by vocational or higher education. Children start primary school at the age of 4 and continue until they are 12. This stage is called 'basisonderwijs' and it focuses on basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, along with the beginnings of subjects like history, geography, and foreign languages. After primary school, students move on to secondary education, which is divided into different levels based on the student's academic ability and interests: VMBO (pre-vocational education), HAVO (senior general secondary education), and VWO (pre-university education). VMBO lasts for 4 years, HAVO for 5 years, and VWO for 6 years. At the end of secondary education, students take a national exam to obtain their diploma, which is necessary to progress to higher education. The Dutch educational system emphasizes student independence and critical thinking, with a focus on preparing students for their future careers and participation in society.

Healthcare in Netherlands

The healthcare system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and is a combination of mandatory basic insurance and optional private insurance. All residents are required to purchase basic health insurance, which covers standard medical care, including visits to a general practitioner, hospital stays, and essential medical treatments. Private insurance is available for additional coverage or for services not included in the basic package. The quality of both public and private healthcare is generally considered to be excellent, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The cost of public healthcare is managed through regulated insurance premiums and income-related contributions. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare once they become residents and purchase the mandatory health insurance. It is advisable for them to arrange for health insurance as soon as they receive their residence permit.

Best Places to Live in Netherlands
Discover the top-ranked towns in Netherlands. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Universities in Netherlands

The university system in the Netherlands offers a wide range of undergraduate (Bachelor's) and postgraduate (Master's and PhD) programs. Bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete, while Master's programs can take one to two years, depending on the field of study. Dutch universities are known for their research and innovation, and they often collaborate with international institutions. The academic year runs from September to June, with a few universities offering a February start for certain programs. The language of instruction is primarily Dutch, but there is a growing number of programs taught in English, especially at the Master's level. This makes the Netherlands an attractive option for international students. Universities in the Netherlands are divided into research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities focus on the theoretical aspects of education, while universities of applied sciences are more practical and career-oriented. The cost of attending university in the Netherlands is relatively affordable compared to other countries, with tuition fees set by the government for EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students face higher fees but still find Dutch universities to be a cost-effective option compared to other popular study destinations. Financial aid and scholarships are available for both Dutch and international students.

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Living in Netherlands

Healthcare in Netherlands

The healthcare system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and is a combination of mandatory basic insurance and optional private insurance. All residents are required to purchase basic health insurance, which covers standard medical care, including visits to a general practitioner, hospital stays, and essential medical treatments. Private insurance is available for additional coverage or for services not included in the basic package. The quality of both public and private healthcare is generally considered to be excellent, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The cost of public healthcare is managed through regulated insurance premiums and income-related contributions. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare once they become residents and purchase the mandatory health insurance. It is advisable for them to arrange for health insurance as soon as they receive their residence permit.

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