With the United States immigration in such a opaque shroud, parents and students alike are looking for other countries to study. Don't get us wrong, we believe that the United States is still one of the best places in the world to study, however we do acknowledge that other countries are slowly opening their doors to foreign students. One such country is the Netherlands. With an increasingly aging population, the country is very interested in introducing foreign students into the mix as an opportunity to both increase the country's educated diversity but also as a source of a future workforce.
The Netherlands educational board has started a website (https://www.studyinholland.nl) as an for non-EU students to learn more about everything the country has to offer. From colleges and scholarships, to immigration and life after college. A majority of the educational opportunities are masters courses since there has been a major drop in the number of people that pursue graduate level courses. One of the best things that the website offers is an insight into the growing markets in the country which include:
There are a number of pros for choosing Netherlands:
1. There are 2,100 + programs in English: Dutch universities offer the largest number of English-taught programs in continental Europe. Also, 95% of the Dutch speak English, so it’s easy to communicate in daily life.
2. Cheaper education (though cost of living might be more): Dutch universities are significantly cheaper with an average tuition of 15,000 euros a year. Plus with the number of scholarships available, there is a high chance you won't be paying the sticker price.
3. Live in one of the safest and happiest countries in the world: Holland is one of the safest countries in the world, according to the 2016 Global Peace index and belongs to the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Read more about the good Dutch standard of living in the OECD’s Better Life Index.
4. Have the rest of Europe at your doorstep: An international trip is just around the corner. In just three hours you can be in Paris. London and Berlin are just a five or six hour train ride away. Holland is the gateway to Europe!
5. Get plenty of international career opportunitiesHolland is the 17th largest economy in the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch. Holland is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.
6. Start a career in Holland after graduation: The Dutch government wants to attract knowledge and retain talent. International graduates can therefore apply for a residence permit of one year to find a job, or start a business within three years of graduation.
Overall it seems like a great choice for students who want to live abroad and are not considered with going to name schools. Pick up those clogs and head over! We have sent a number of students to continental Europe, come meet us and we are happy to help!