Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

Zola Block
This is example content. Double-click here to enter your registry name and display items from your registry. Learn more

3995 Fashion Square Boulevard
Saginaw, MI, 48603
United States

800.833.6243

Intercultural student exchange programs for high school students, 
teenagers, youth, host families, schools & communities to more than 70
foreign countries.

Netherlands

Study in the Netherlands

netherlands-top.jpg

Study in the Netherlands

As an exchange student in the Netherlands, you'll most certainly hear the words, "We're only a small nation!" Don't miss the pride behind these words: while the Dutch live in a small country, it's a nation of which they are very proud.

“It was hard to be uprooted in a foreign place, and be sent to another family in another country with a completely foreign language, but it turned out to be the most fantastic experience I could have had. It also taught me to be confident and to find poise and strengths within myself. I gained a world perspective and maturity that helped me do well in college afterward. It was a life-changing, wonderful year.”

- Theresa

+ More About the Netherlands

Hallo! Welcome to the enchanting country of the Netherlands: home to rolling tulip fields, beachy coasts, and the culturally-packed streets of Amsterdam and The Hague!

According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the Netherlands educational system ranks 9th in the world, so the country will undoubtedly meet your academic requirements. While in the Netherlands, you and your new Dutch friends will most likely take classes in languages, history, mathematics, bookkeeping, art and philosophy.

While you are abroad, fun and excitement will greet you after a full day of classes. You may see a performance by a professional theater group or check out a sporting event or music club with your host family. There are also many sights for you to behold such as the famous gardens of Keukenhof and the beautiful river of Amstel. Your host family may introduce you to Uitsmijter spek en kaas, a dish made of eggs, bacon, and cheese. On special occasions, you will undoubtedly indulge your sweet tooth and devour Oliebollen, a special Dutch pastry, or Appeltaart, the Dutch version of apple pie.

After an unforgettable adventure in the Netherlands, you will have countless stories and experiences to share with your friends and family!

+ Scholarships Available

YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for the Netherlands:

Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity

+ Application Deadline

Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by September 15 for Winter/Spring departure programs and February 15 for Summer and Fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.

+ Additional Information

Visa Information

Information concerning visas will be provided upon enrollment.

Additional Costs

As part of the visa process, students will be required to register for a residence permit in the Netherlands. Program tuition does not include the residence permit fee, personal spending money or school-related costs such as books, transportation, and school trips.

Choose Your Program

+ Academic Year Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school) where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school by. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 6-day arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don't offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born February 19, 2006 - August 19, 2010.
  • 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 8, 2006- January 8, 2011.
  • Students who are graduated are welcome to apply. However, those who do not meet these age requirements will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Year Mid August late July $14,095
2025 Spring Year Early January Early November TBD

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Dutch high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a Local Coordinator while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Language

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided the access to an online language training platform before departure to aid in learning.

Host Family Placement

Students are placed throughout the country, but it is rare to be placed in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

+ Semester Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school) where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school by. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 6-day arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don't offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born February 19, 2006 - August 19, 2010.
  • 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 8, 2006- January 8, 2011.
  • Students who are graduated are welcome to apply. However, those who do not meet these age requirements will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Semester Mid August Mid January $13,095
2025 Spring Semester Early January Late July TBD

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Dutch high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a Local Coordinator while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Language

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided the access to an online language training platform before departure to aid in learning.

Host Family Placement

Students are placed throughout the country, but it is rare to be placed in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

+ Trimester Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school) where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school by. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 3-day arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don't offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born February 19, 2006 - August 19, 2010.
  • 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 8, 2006- January 8, 2011.
  • Students who are graduated are welcome to apply. However, those who do not meet these age requirements will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Trimester Mid August Late November $12,095
2025 Spring Trimester Early January Mid April TBD

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Dutch high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a Local Coordinator while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Language

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided the access to an online language training platform before departure to aid in learning.

Host Family Placement

Students are placed throughout the country, but it is rare to be placed in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

+ Short-Term Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School

You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school) where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in addition to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science.

Students will be provided a bicycle to travel to and from school by. Rain or shine! There is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools are able to issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the Short-Term program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students will attend a 4-day 3-night arrival orientation. During this orientation students will meet other exchange students, have Dutch language classes, and learn about Dutch traffic before they embark on their first bike ride in the Netherlands!

Extracurriculars

Dutch schools usually don't offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born February 19, 2006 - August 19, 2010.
  • 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 8, 2006- January 8, 2011.
  • Students who are graduated are welcome to apply. However, those who do not meet these age requirements will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Short-Term Mid August Early November $11,095
2024 Late Fall Short-Term Mid October Late December $11,095
2025 Spring Short-Term Early January Mid March TBD

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Dutch high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a Local Coordinator while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Language

Dutch. Students should be motivated to learn Dutch and are encouraged to begin learning Dutch as soon as they apply. Students will be provided the access to an online language training platform before departure to aid in learning.

Host Family Placement

Students are placed throughout the country, but it is rare to be placed in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.