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Studying in the Netherlands: English-Taught Programs and Bike Culture

Started by OliviaOxford · 15 septembre 2025 · 8 replies · 📖 Read as Guide
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OliviaOxford
British student, exchange year at University of Amsterdam
Joined: Jun 2021 Posts: 199
15 septembre 2025 #1
Just wrapped up a full academic year at the University of Amsterdam and I genuinely did not want to leave. The Netherlands is the most underrated study abroad destination in Europe for English speakers. Sharing everything I wish someone had told me before I arrived -- especially the housing nightmare.

Pour aller plus loin, découvrez destinations dog-friendly en France.

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AidanDublin
Irish student, exchange at Groningen
Joined: Oct 2022Posts: 201
September 19, 2025#2
Groningen is genuinely the best student city I have experienced. 25% of the population is students and the entire city runs on that energy. Cheaper than Amsterdam and the social scene is just as good.
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MikeFromMichigan
American exchange student, TU Delft
Joined: Oct 2022Posts: 33
September 23, 2025#3
The grading system nearly gave me a panic attack. Got a 7.5 on my first exam and thought I was failing until my Dutch classmates told me that was actually a strong score. Completely different expectations from the US system.
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CamilleDuval
French student, masters at Erasmus Rotterdam
Joined: Jan 2019Posts: 128
September 27, 2025#4
The housing section needs to be read three times. I spent five weeks in a hostel because I thought finding a room in Rotterdam would be easy. It was not. Start searching the moment you get your acceptance letter.
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NatalieVancouver
Canadian student at Utrecht University
Joined: Apr 2022Posts: 111
October 01, 2025#5
Swapfiets was the best decision I made. Paid 17 euros a month, they fixed my flat tire within 24 hours twice, and I returned it the day before my flight home. Zero hassle.
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BackpackerJake
American traveler who extended a semester into a year
Joined: Jul 2019Posts: 22
October 06, 2025#6
The Dutch directness is jarring for the first week then becomes the best thing about the culture. No passive aggression, no reading between lines. Someone tells you exactly what they think and you can take it at face value.
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JessicaBoston
Study abroad advisor at a US university
Joined: Feb 2020Posts: 73
October 11, 2025#7
I send every student considering the Netherlands this kind of article. The housing crisis is the number one thing that derails study abroad plans there. University housing guarantee is non-negotiable advice.
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WanderlustEmma
Graduate student comparing European destinations
Joined: Feb 2020Posts: 157
October 16, 2025#8
The DUO student finance benefit for EU citizens working 56 hours a month is insane. Free public transport plus a monthly grant plus zero-interest loans. No other country offers anything close to this for foreign EU students.
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RyanToronto
Canadian student, considered Netherlands vs Germany
Joined: May 2023Posts: 160
October 21, 2025#9
Chose the Netherlands over Germany specifically because of the English-taught programs. My German was basic and I did not want to struggle through lectures. Best decision I made.
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