AFS Intercultural Programs - Netherlands High School and Gap-Year Programs

  Netherlands

• Other Cities in Netherlands: 
Amsterdam

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Year High School (Fall): Aug. 2010- Jul. 2011

Description: The Netherlands is a nation of very independent-minded people who are often characterized by their international outlook, tolerance of others- beliefs, and love of personal freedom. Half of the country lies below sea level on land created by walling off the North Sea with dikes. To keep towns from feeling overcrowded, citizens prefer to ride bicycles everywhere; you'll probably end up doing the same. The Netherlands also has an excellent public transportation system, taking you from from the seaside to tiny villages to the ultra-hip capital of Amsterdam. Locals love water sports (frozen or not), and during the winter, ice skating across frozen canals is popular. The Dutch also have a strong sense of family, and meals are an important time to catch up on each other's lives. The cuisine is simple, and represents a mix of European styles. AFS host family placements are located throughout the Netherlands.

Highlights: Dutch culture balances personal freedom with responsibility. You will attend a college prep school and study Dutch, science, history, social studies, cultural studies, math, and physical education. Your host family will help you with a self-directed Dutch language course, and your friends will get you involved with extracurricular activities, such as soccer or hobby clubs. Most schools organize a trip abroad to cities like London, Prague, or Rome at an additional cost. AFS Netherlands also provides activities, such as orientations, regional cultural outings, and an optional short-term exchange in another part of the country called Wisselweek. Each fall and spring, an optional trip abroad is organized. You will also receive a special Nationale Spoorwegen (Dutch Railroads) discount card, which will enable you to travel at special rates. AFS students are placed with volunteer host families located throughout the Netherlands.

Accepts recent high school graduates.

Cost in US$: Year Program: (USD 11,250)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947