Holland

The Netherlands is a kingdom. Its official name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It consists of the Netherlands itself and six islands in the Caribbean Sea. The country's name in Dutch is Nederland, meaning low country and referring to the fact that much of the land is at or below sea level. The Netherlands is often called 'Holland', a name that is derived from the names of the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland, that were the most developed and wealthiest parts of the country in the seventeenth century and played a dominant role in the country's history

Picture

students at work in library. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students. Photographer: Arenda Oomen Students at work. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students working on project. Photographer: Erik Jansen PhD ceremony. Photographer: Keukelaar, Keke Unilever building Rotterdam. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs International students on a trip to Paris. Photographer: Indarwati Aminuddin Typical Dutch houses. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Schiphol Airport. Photographer: Elma Leidekker Yellow tulip field. Photographer: Henriëtte Guest Dutch landscape. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Queens Day. Source: NL Agency

Geography

Holland is situated in the west of Europe and borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south and the North Sea to the north and west. What strikes people most when they first arrive in Holland is the landscape: the country is extremely flat. While there are some hilly areas in the south-eastern corner of the country, in most of the country you have an unbroken view of the characteristic Dutch landscape. There is water everywhere, in the form of lakes, rivers and canals. Holland is a relatively small area of slightly over 41,000 square kilometres is home to almost 17 million people

Public safety

Holland is a safe country by international standards, with low levels of violence and street crime. The police are friendly and helpful; they have a duty to protect everyone and you can always feel confident appraching them for helpo

Culture & leisure

Holland is more varied than you might expect. There is plenty to see, whether you're strolling through town, making a boat trip on the canals or lakes, lazing on the beach or walking in the woods and dunes. Major international stars regularly play concerts at Dutch stadiums and other smaller venues. Musicals and theatre are also very popular. With over 1,000 museums there is a lot to discover. And don't be surprised to see people dressed in orange and partying in the street on King's Day or when the national football team has a game. Read more on the Study in Holland website or on the website of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC).

Society

Picture Credits

Students at work in library. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students. Photographer: Arenda Oomen Students at work. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students working on project. Photographer: Erik Jansen PhD ceremony. Photographer: Keukelaar, Keke Unilever building Rotterdam. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs International students on a trip to Paris. Photographer: Indarwati Aminuddin Typical Dutch houses. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Schiphol Airport. Photographer: Elma Leidekker Yellow tulip field. Photographer: Henriëtte Guest Dutch landscape. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Queens Day. Source: NL Agency

Make sure you are insured

All students in Holland are obliged to have health insurance. There are several options for you to arrange this. Check the information and regulations about health insurances to find out how you canarrange your insurance. And finally: Enjoy your time in Holland as a student! You can find more information on: www.studyinholland.nl The education system The education system in Holland is known for its high quality in education and research and its international study environment. In addition, with more than 2,100 international study programmes and courses it has the largest offer of continental Europe. Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: research universitiesand universities of applied sciences. The research universities in Holland educate students in academic study and research. Universities of applied sciences offer professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences that prepare students for specific careers. A third and smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes for international education, which offer advanced training and courses in a wide range of fields. Most of these institutes are part of a research university.

Preparation courses in Holland

All students in Holland are obliged to have health insurance. There are severaloptions for you to arrange this. Check the information and regulations abouthealth insurances to find out how you can arrange your insurance.And finally: Enjoy your time in Holland as a student!You can find more information on: www.studyinholland.nlThe education systemThe education system in Holland is known for its high quality in education andresearch and its international study environment. In addition, with more than2,100 international study programmes and courses it has the largest offer ofcontinental Europe Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: researchuniversities and universities of applied sciences.The research universities in Holland educate students in academic study andresearch. Universities of applied sciences offer professional programmes in theapplied arts and sciences that prepare students for specific careers. A third andsmaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes for internationaleducation, which offer advanced training and courses in a wide range of fields.

Most of these institutes are part of a research university

LIFESTYLE

  

The life-style of Estonians is directly linked to their character, the weather and different seasons. In winter Estonians tend to be more home- and work-centred,while summer is a time for active open-air activities and vacations in thecountryside. In recent years Estonia has developed an excellent infrastructure ofcultural, social and sporting facilities. Throughout the year there is a wide rangeof activities and events striving to meet and even exceed expectations of localinhabitants and their international guests. Since regaining independence and arise in living standards, there are more opportunities for travel and Estoniansare eagerly seizing the chance to see the world.

COST OF LIVING

                

 Living costs in Estonia are very affordable and are considered to be lower thanin most other European countries. General feedback from foreigners who havespent some time here is thatliving conditions are similar to those in WesternEurope. Cost of living is usually dependent upon the student's accommodationchoices, lifestyle, and spending patterns. On 1 January 2011, Estonia changedover to the euro (EUR, €), the single European currency

ACCOMMODATION

Estonian universities provide accommodation in modern student dormitories,where students can comfortably live, relax and study during they stay.Dormitories are usually based on a "box system" – a furnished apartment withtwo rooms for four people, with a shared kitchen and a bathroom. Studentaccommodation prices in Estonia start from €100 per month in studentdormitories. Some universities have student dormitories with single, double andtriple rooms. On average, the prices range from about €100 for a place in adouble room in the residence hall to €180-€450 or more for a private

apartment.