Summer Sessions in the Netherlands
After the lecture with fellow students from all over the world to surf or eat Frietjes on the beach – this leisure program is possible during a summer session in the Netherlands. During the Dutch semester break between June and September, international and local students attend compact courses in a wide variety of subject areas. The summer sessions in the Netherlands are suitable for both high school graduates and students who are already enrolled. The reason for this is that specialized courses on the one hand complement certain topics from the course and on the other hand provide a first impression of university life. In order to get to know the country and its people, the universities usually also offer language and culture courses.
Spend the summer in the Netherlands
Numerous leisure activities and the pleasant climate attract students from all over the world to the Netherlands in the summer months. Both in the countryside and in the city, people spend a lot of time in the open air. Most of the festivals take place in the Netherlands during the summer. The Sail in Amsterdam, one of the world’s largest gathering of sailing ships, is particularly impressive.
Rapid weather changes are common in the Netherlands due to the long coastal region. Since our neighboring country is very flat, according to the name, the maritime climate extends far into the interior of the country. In such cases, a visit to the nearest Grand Café is recommended to have the national drink of the Netherlands: a strong coffee with milk and sugar. The temperatures remain mostly in the range of 20 degrees Celsius.
In summer, many Dutch people go to one of the countless beaches, for example the hip Bloemendaal aen Zee or the “pearl by the sea” Zandvoort aan Zee. This place is especially popular with water sports enthusiasts. In the cities, canal trips or bike rides beckon outside. Barbecuing is also allowed in many parks.
Summer Sessions in the Netherlands: Advantages
Summer sessions in the Netherlands enable compact and intensive study abroad. The programs, which last a few weeks, are particularly suitable for students for whom a semester abroad is too long or too expensive. The accumulated credit points can be counted towards the course after prior agreement with the home university.
Another advantage of the summer sessions in the Netherlands are the small course sizes. This makes it easier for the lecturers to convey the mostly specialized topics of the lectures and can better respond to the students. This is especially good for newcomers to the university to quickly find their way around the new environment.
In addition to the courses, summer sessions in the Netherlands usually include a supporting program to experience the local culture up close. In addition, the university often takes care of the accommodation so that international students can quickly connect.
In many cases, students put together their own courses for a summer session at a university in the Netherlands. It is often possible to combine several courses. As a result, the workload and the length of the program vary depending on how much time students plan. Many students attend summer sessions in the Netherlands for two to four weeks.
Workload during a summer session in the Netherlands
Since the summer sessions in the Netherlands usually cover a whole semester, the workload in relation to the duration should not be disregarded. The preparation and follow-up of the courses are recommended in order to successfully pass the examinations. As a result, students spend a lot of time on the summer sessions, but focus fully on one topic.
Summer Sessions in the Netherlands: Requirements
The respective university determines the exact requirements for a summer session in the Netherlands, a country that belongs to European Union according to itypetravel. Registration usually requires language skills appropriate to the requirements and enrollment at a university. In some cases, letters of motivation are required.
Cost and financing options
The best way for students to find out more about the specific costs of a summer session in the Netherlands is to contact the universities. Tuition fees vary depending on the length and scope of the program. In addition, there are costs for accommodation, meals and leisure activities. In many cases, the universities offer a place in student dormitories or help find suitable accommodation.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is slightly higher than in Germany. The exact expenses also depend on the university location and the individual lifestyle. In popular cities like Amsterdam in particular, higher costs are to be expected.
Funding options, for example with scholarships, are rare for summer sessions in the Netherlands. Students with a student loan often have the option to top up the loan once. The respective credit institute can provide information on this.
Visa and entry requirements in the Netherlands
EU citizens do not need a visa to study in the Netherlands. However, a valid identity card or passport is required. Registration on site is not required for stays of less than 90 days.
Health insurance during the summer session in the Netherlands
EU citizens with statutory health insurance can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the Netherlands if they are ill. This can be found on the back of the German insurance card, for example. A “proof of entitlement” from the insurance company from your home country is then required for medical treatment.
