Choosing the Netherlands for your work or study placement abroad is a fantastic idea! This beautiful European country has a lot to offer young people, and is known for its party capital, Amsterdam. However, apart from the many bars, clubs, pubs and cafés that are always busy with students looking to socialise, there are many other reasons why the Netherlands is ideal. Its pretty canals that run through the whole country are picturesque whatever time of year you visit. The country is also a good choice for language students, as well as Dutch, people who live in the Netherlands often speak fluent German and English. Don’t forget the cultural side of the Netherlands either. In the centre, you should visit Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The Netherlands is also home to the famous Rembrandt Museum (a must-visit for art students) and as for universities, there are plenty to choose from! The University of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top 100, and the Leiden University (dating back to 1575) in Leiden is another prestigious place to study. Here are some fascinating facts about the Netherlands you’ll be interested to hear about!
1. There are No Hills!
One of the reasons why there are so many canals in the Netherlands is because the country is flat, so for water to flow throughout the country, there are dykes, canals and pumping stations. In fact, 26% of the country lies below sea level, and around 50% of the land is only 1 metre above sea level, the dykes and canals you see are essential as they stop the country from flooding.
2. Cycling is a Must
Wherever you visit in the Netherlands, you’ll note the number of bicycles! Bicycle culture is huge in this country and there are more bikes than residents. An eco-friendly way to travel, there are more than 35,000 km of bike paths, so get on your bike!
3. LTBTQ+ Is Part of Netherlands’ Culture Too
The Netherlands is known as a progressive and inclusive country. It was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, back in 2001. This reflects the Dutch values of tolerance and equality and the move set a precedence for other countries. Many followed the Dutch decision and nowadays, LGBTQ+ is widely accepted (as it should be) in so many countries of the world.
4. The 17th Century Dutch Golden Age
Did you know that the Netherlands is famed for the Dutch Golden Age, during the 17th century. This was a period of immense wealth and artistic achievement, and helped the country gain international fame. During the era, the Netherland’s produced some of the world’s most famous artists, including Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt. If you visit Amsterdam, go to the Rijksmuseum which is home to many of the works by the aforementioned artists. Do view Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
5. Tulips – Everywhere!
During the Spring, you can’t fail to be bowled over by the Netherlands’ famous tulip displays. Tulips are synonymous with the Netherlands, who first grew the flowers in the 16th century. Today, the Netherlands is the world’s largest producer and exporter of tulip bulbs. Go to the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse which is one of the most famous flower gardens in the world and witness the stunning display of tulips (amongst other flowers) you’ll ever see!
Let’s Wrap Up
The Netherlands has so much to offer – so if your school, college or university is interested in organising an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme trip to one of the country’s major cities, get in touch with the team at TravelEdventures and let us organise it all for you!
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