Discover The Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country wide open to the world, is where history meets innovation. Come explore its ridiculously flat landscape, meet its easy-going population, and experience its unique culture.

About The Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its innovative water management, with over a quarter of the country lying below sea level. Its canals, dikes, and other waterworks have made life on reclaimed land possible.
Despite being a small country, the Netherlands is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products, thanks to advanced technology, huge numbers of greenhouses, and efficient resource management that maximise yields on limited land.
Dutch cities are a blend of historic charm and modern architecture, with Amsterdam’s canals and Rotterdam’s skyscrapers showcasing this contrast.
Ideal in such a flat country, cycling is a primary mode of transportation. The Netherlands has more bicycles than people and over 35,000 km of dedicated cycling paths
Dutch people are some of the tallest in the world, averaging 182 cm for men and 168 cm for women—a fact often attributed to diet and genetics.
Historically, the Netherlands has been a leader in progressive social policies, from being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 to promoting gender equality and individual freedoms.
The Dutch became pioneers of global maritime travel and trade in the late 16th century. You can see some of its influence in related English words that originate from Dutch like Yacht, Cruise, Smuggle, Freight, and Boss.

Population: 18 million

Language: Dutch

Capital: Amsterdam

Currency: Euro

Food

Stamppot

A warm and hearty dish of mashed potatoes and one of various different vegetables. Originally brought by the Spanish during their rule in the 16th century, it has gone through many developments and is now typically eaten with smoked sausage.

Haring

Raw herring (haring) is a traditional Dutch snack often enjoyed with chopped onions and pickles. Locals sometimes eat it by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. Do try it out if you’re there in the season!

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are small, deep-fried meatballs typically filled with a creamy beef or veal ragout. These crispy snacks are a favourite in Dutch bars, often served with mustard for dipping.

Festivals

King’s Day

King’s Day (Koningsdag), celebrated on April 27th, honours the king’s birthday with city-wide street parties, parades, and flea markets. Nearly everyone wears orange, the Dutch national colour, and the capital Amsterdam doubles its population with 1 million visitors each year.

Carnival

“Carnaval” in Dutch, celebrated in southern regions like Limburg and North Brabant, is known for its costumes, parades, and parties. This 3-day festival marks the days leading up to Lent.

Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is the Dutch holiday season kick-off, celebrated on December 5th. Children receive gifts and treats from ‘Sinterklaas’ and it’s actually a more important occasion of gift giving than Christmas.

Famous for

Windmills

The Dutch windmills, many of which date back to the 17th century, are a famous part of the landscape. Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans are just some of the spots where visitors can experience these historic structures up close.

Art

The Netherlands is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, particularly the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, like Rembrandt and Vermeer, whose masterpieces in painting, lighting, and detail shaped global art history.

Delta works (Deltawerken)

After the catastrophic flood of 1953, a large number of dykes, dams, and flood barriers were constructed to prevent something like it from happening again. Water management knowledge is essential to the safety of The Netherlands as well as an important export product.

Tips for exchange students going to The Netherlands

Make sure to pack your raincoat. The weather is famously unpredictable, and showers can come and go throughout the day.
Get ready to embrace Dutch biking culture. It’s the easiest way to get around, and dedicated bike paths are everywhere. Just remember to stay in your lane and follow bike etiquette.
Dutch directness can feel blunt at first, but it’s rooted in honesty and efficiency. Take it in stride—it’s part of the cultural experience!
Many Dutch people speak good English, so it should be easy to find your way even if you don’t know any Dutch. However, don’t let that stop you from learning some basics.
Many people know the Netherlands as Holland, which is not quite accurate. Holland actually refers to only two of the twelve provinces, North Holland and South Holland. You have a good chance to impress some Dutch with this bit of knowledge.

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About The Netherlands

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Tips for exchange students going to The Netherlands

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