10 reasons to go to Holland!
7. Excursions and Europe trips
1. Languages in Holland
Although the Dutch people have their own language, Dutch,
everybody in Holland learns English from a very young age on.
Therefore almost everybody speaks English fluently and students
can easily survive with this language in the beginning.
2. The Dutch school system
Holland has a very high level of education. The Dutch school
system is based on three principles; independence, cooperation
and problem-solved learning. This results in less hours in class,
but more hours in the library doing projects, working on
presentations, preparing classes etc. The school system suits
especially students that want to go to a university.
3. Easy to travel around
As Holland is a small country, all places can be reached by train
within a maximum of 3,5 hours. Public transport is dense, fast
and safe; a great way of getting around in Holland!
4. Free bikes for exchange students
For the smaller distances all Dutch people use bikes. Travel Active
will provide exchange students with a bike. In Holland a bike
means independence; students can go to friends, sports clubs or
shopping by themselves. We have cycle paths everywhere and
bikers are very well protected in traffic.
5. Orientation week
When the students arriving in Holland they will have a orien-
tation week with us. During this week the students will have a
Dutch language course, we will go visit a typical Dutch city, we
will learn the students how to ride a bicycle and in the evening
we will discuss themes like, host families, expectations, the
culture shock, school and more. One night the students will cook
a typical meal from their own country and of course we will cook
a typical Dutch meal for them!
6. Open culture
Holland is known for it’s open and friendly culture for many
decades. Students will notice the flexible and open spirit
immediately the moment they are here. Therefore integration
and adaptation will be easy for motivated students.
Travel Active organises two excursions in the Netherlands, for
the students. Besides that an optional 3-day trip to Paris and
another 3-day trip to Berlin will be offered to all exchange
students. The Local Coordinators additionally organise some
local excursions for the students in their region. This way the
student will certainly experience all of the Netherlands.
8. Dutch Host families
Travel Active works with voluntary host families. The families
are screened very thoroughly. This to assure us that our fami-
lies are hosting students for the right reason; wanting to con-
tribute in cultural exchange and giving students an opportunity
to study abroad while living in a safe and warm environment.
9. Decent preparation
Before arriving in Holland, students receive extended informa-
tion from Travel Active about Holland, their host family, life as
an exchange student etc. Also included is a map of Holland, a
Dutch word list and many links to useful websites. In this way
students will already have an idea of what to expect and are
better able to anticipate.
10. Professional Guidance
Students (and host families) will receive guidance from a Local
Coordinator. This person never lives further then one hour
away and can be contacted 24 hours a day when necessary.
The Local Coordinator will visit the student, the host family
and the school frequently to monitor the exchange. Progress
reports will be sent to the partner organisation and the natural
parent every second month.
More information about the High School Holland Program:
http://www.travelactive.nl/high-school-holland
factsheet
 Going abroad as an exchange student..
The goal of the High school in Holland program is that the stu-
dent will live in Holland as a Dutch student. The student will live
in a voluntary host family, and will be treated as a regular family
member. An exchange student is a high school student between
15 and 18 years, who likes to have a different school experience,
wants to get to know another culture, make new friends, and
learn another language!
A succesful High School life in Holland
Flexibility, adaptation and motivation are very important
qualities. It is also very important to be honest and have an
open communication with the host family. No one will blame a
student for not being perfect as long as you are willing to learn.
Lack of clarity can only be solved by talking about it and by asking
questions.
Do’s in Holland!
• Visit Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven or one of the other
big cities Holland has, check www.holland.com for ideas!
• Since there is a lot of water in and surround Holland, there No, although it is an advantage it is not obligatory.
are much watersports you can practice, for example kite •
surfing, angling and sailing.
• Go on an inline-skating trip, Holland is considered one of
the best inline skating countries in the world!
• Visit a parc or a zoo, Holland has many adventure parcs
and nice big zoo’s where you can experience a great day!
If you have the chance to go to Holland to be an exchange
student; GO on the first plane!
Everyday you experience something new that you never
imagined that you would experience.
It is an experience of a life time which you will never forget!
What does Travel Active offer? architecture is everywhere, and did you know that
Amsterdam has more museums per m2 than any other
• Orientation week including a Dutch course European capital? Go find out yourself!
• A free bike • Eindhoven is home to design and interesting museums.
• Schoolbooks in Holland are free of charge The city centre is built up with historic and modern
• A placement in voluntary host family buildings and superb green outdoors within easy reach.
• High school education
• Guidance and one or two excursions organised by Responsibilities of the student
your Local Co-ordinator
• Two monthly updates through student/school reports Being an exchange student is a lot of fun but should not be seen
• Two excursions from Travel Active as a long vacation. Students are expected to put effort in school,
• An optional excursion to Paris and Berlin learning the Dutch language and adapting to the family life.
• Pre-departure package Travelling is allowed, but under some restrictions.
• Telephone number for emergencies
Questions..
High School Holland Facts!
What’s the maximum age for an exchange student and can he
• The students will make friends for life! or she be graduated?
• 90% of the host families live in a rural area The maximum age is 18 years and 6 months on the day of arrival
• To become multilingual is a strong benefit for your future in Holland. It is no problem if a student is already graduated.
• 60% of the Dutch people live below sea level, this is how Does the student need to have knowledge of the Dutch
the country earned the name of the Netherlands (its name language before departure?
literally means ‘low-lands’).
• Students in Holland don’t have to wear uniforms
All Dutch people ride bikes, this will make your life in
Holland quite independent A great experience!
Being an exchange student is a once in a life time experience.
A few of the cities in Holland...
What is there to gain from this great adventure…
• Utrecht; this city is conveniently located in the middle of • Becoming more mature and independent
Holland. Being one of the oldest cities of Holland it boasts • Experiencing another culture
• Getting to know Holland
in great cultural sights. This university city is also a great
• Learning another language
place to go out for eating, dancing or shopping.
• Making many new (international) friends
• Amsterdam; one of the jewels of Europe, and not just
• A great experience for your future career!
because of the 17th century canals. Incredible modern