Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | July | $73,800 | 15-17.10 |
Netherlands
Half the Netherlands lies below sea level on land. Remarkably, the country’s low ocean-side half is more thickly settled than its higher eastern half—and Holland is Europe’s most densely populated country. Fortunately, the Dutch flair for meticulous organization plus a national preference for bicycles over cars help keep coastal cities from feeling overcrowded. Another contributor to maintaining peace is an acceptance of social trends that roil much of the world.
The Dutch school system has two main types of schools that AFSers can attend: HAVO and VWO. HAVO schools are liberal arts high schools which Dutch students attend for five years; graduates normally go on to business or technical school. Classes here include Dutch, English, math, physics, chemistry, history, geography, commercial and social sciences, economics and physical education. AFSers attending HAVO schools are placed with fourth-year students.
Lifestyle and Family Living
The Dutch people are best characterized by their international outlook, tolerance of others’ beliefs, love of personal freedom and commitment to a society endeavoring to provide a reasonable standard of living for everyone. They take pride in their language and heritage, and they are hardworking, with a flair for the meticulous. The Dutch have a strong sense of family. A Dutchman’s home is his castle. It is clean, comfortable and cozy. Children help with the housework and respect the family’s rules. Parents expect to know when their children are going out and where they are going. AFSers will depend on their bicycles to go anywhere; a 16 km (10 mi) trip by bike would not be uncommon.
Dress and Appearance
Winter clothes are worn five to six months a year. Clothing suggestions: all sorts of pants, jeans, T-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, shorts, tennis shoes or sneakers, a swimsuit, a raincoat, and a lined winter jacket. On special occasions, more formal dress is expected: for girls a dress or blouse and skirt; for boys, slacks and tie.
For the official website of AFS Netherlands, please refer to the front page.
