Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Late August | Early July | US$8,000 | 16 - 18 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Netherlands Details :
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 do the same, cycling to school with your friends. The Netherlands also has an excellent public transportation system, letting you explore 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 a popular pastime. 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.
Year :
Dutch culture balances personal freedom with responsibility. You will attend a college prep school with core subjects of Dutch, science, history, social studies, cultural studies, math, and physical education. During your first months, your host family will assist you with a self-directed Dutch language course. Your friends will get you involved with extracurricular activities, such as soccer and other sports, or hobby clubs.
Most schools in the Netherlands organize a trip abroad to cities that could include London, Prague, or Rome, at an additional cost. AFS Netherlands also provides activities, such as an arrival and pre-departure orientation, several regional cultural outings like Sinterklaas, celebrating St. Nicholas’ birthday, and an optional short-term exchange in another part of the country called Wisselweek. Each Fall, an optional trip to Paris or Berlin is organized. You will receive a special Nationale Spoorwegen (Dutch Railroads) discount card, which enables you to travel at special rates.
