Foreign Exchange Student Program in the Netherlands?
I'm 15 and want to be a foreign exchange student next summer (I'll be 16 by then). I want to go to the Netherlands because I've heard great things about it and also because of all of the pipe organs there (I'm an avid organist), but I have a few problems. The first is I don't know the language because the only languages I can take are French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic. I hear the Dutch speak really good English, but I wonder if there is a language requirement. Secondly, I want to go in the summertime for 3 months, but my dad says exchange students can only go during the school year and for 4 months. Is there a program that offers summer programs? Also, I am homeschooled and therefore not with any public or private school program. Can I still be a foreign exchange student? What programs will help me? My friend also wants to come with me (she is not homeschooled and also doesn't speak Dutch). Can we go together and stay with the same family? Is there a way to choose where I want to be in the Netherlands? I really don't mind where I go in the end, but I'd really enjoy the Dutch countryside. My parents are a little uncomfortable about my request to going to the Netherlands because they think the Dutch are weird. Can anyone who's been there tell me about their trip and what Holland and the Dutch are like and how I'd live there? Any tips about foreign exchange student living? Thanks so much!
Netherlands - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Yes we are very weird. Stay away if you can!
2 :
Ok since you don't have any answers yet then I will try to give a little bit of help where I can. Language - English is spoken at a reasonable level thoughout the country and in some area's & families to a very high level. If you can find an exchange program (more later) then chances are you would not be expected to speak Dutch anyway Summer/term time - to be honest all the exchange programs I have ever heard of are all term-time and education is part of the total experience. In my opinion there would not be enough Dutch families wanting to take on someone for 4 months over the summer for the simple fact that it's summertime and most people take off on holiday anyway Programs - well I only know exchange programs for college/uni level only and non for school or home-schoolers. There is a section on Yahoo Answers for Studying Abroad that I have sometimes answerered in, in the past. Sometimes you can get some good answers (but some are spam, so take care), so maybe you can ask this again here http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/index;_ylt=At6Ga05DvkJgtGtP5XmuCqTW5nNG;_ylv=3?sid=396546332 Your friend - well to be honest a good start might be for her to check out the situaiton with her school and ask for advice, sources etc and then you have a starting point. Oh and the last point - what do your parents base the opinion that the "Dutch are wierd"? Did they ever visit here? How many Dutch did they meet? I'm bemused how they came to this opinion! Wishing you much luck
3 :
There are some programs that require you have take a year or two of the language of the country you are going to and some have no language requirements. Yes there are programs that do summer homestays. I am pretty sure that you can still do it being home schooled, as long as you have documents or paperwork that proves your education. The Netherlands is a very nice country. People ride bikes a lot to get places or walk. I went to Amsterdam, Den Haag, and Amersfoort. Amsterdam was nice.. a lot more crowded, I preferred Den Haag and Amersfoort it was quiter and cleaner. Arriving in Amsterdam was a breeze because the train station is at the airport. I also had the best yogurt I've ever had in my life there! Check AFS and your local rotary club if they do exchanges, it's a pretty lengthy process to get accepted into the rotary club but it is alot cheaper with them!
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Foreign Exchange student: Netherlands, what should i expect?
Foreign Exchange student: Netherlands, what should i expect?
Im Asian btw. coming all the way from California,USA. I will be going to a Dutch school in Den Haag for a year and living with a host family. i have a couple of questions: 1) Will i be looked down or teased due to my race? 2) What are Dutch students like? Are they friendly? 3) Will i be fluent in Dutch after a year? i plan on using it as much as i can. (I have a girlfriend who speaks afrikaans back home and want to impress her lol.) 4) What can i learn in terms of History,Art,Music,Literature and all those good stuff? Thanks Guys!
Netherlands - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1. I dont think you will be looked at negatively 2.they are dutch 3.Youll understand some of it 4.all that stuff, yeah
2 :
1. You should be ok. Dutch people generally pride themselves on being tolerant, and although there are some racially discriminatory people, I don't think it is any worse than any other country. 2. Yes, generally quite friendly. 3. You won't be fluent, but you might be able to get by. The hardest part about learning Dutch is convincing Dutch people to not speak English to you, as they will automatically switch over when they realise you don't speak Dutch. Considering you are with a host family, they will hopefully accommodate your needs and force you to speak Dutch at home. 4. Well, that really depends on which books you read, what teachers you have, what course you are doing. How long is a piece of string really. Good luck with the trip. I'm sure you'll love it. Peter http://www.travellerspoint.com
3 :
1) The Dutch are very tolerant. If you behave within societies 'normen en waarden' (morals and values) you will get by just fine. I have to warn you though, that the Dutch sense of humor tends to be quite blunt, almost crossing the line, and far surpassing it if you're not used to it. Most races, politicians, nationalities and celebrities get made fun of on (comedy) TV shows or just in conversation, which might, if you are easily offended, be uncomfortable for you. 2) Dutch students are the same as every other student. However, the Dutch mentality might be a bit different. We are friendly people, but we are rarely warm people. We might invite you over for dinner, but after that we might not contact you for a few days because we're busy. We love to tell you all about our country and take you to places as the 'token tourist', but it usually takes Dutch people a while to warm up to someone new. The host family you will be staying with, will probably do everything to make your stay as nice as possible, but I doubt they will change anything in their daily schedule, for we tend to love order and stability. 3) Dutch is a difficult language, yet not impossible to learn. Dutch people however, will switch to English as soon as they hear you are not Dutch, which might be an obstacle. However they tend to get the hint when you are the one starting out in Dutch. I suggest you get a book of Dutch phrases and use them whenever you can. Going to the shops is usually a good way to have short conversations. May I also remind you that Afrikaans is not like Dutch at all. They have similarities, like Dutch and German, but speaking Dutch will not guarantee you getting by in either of those two languages. 4) How much you will learn will depend on yourself. How quick do you learn, how much do you want to know? The Netherlands has a very rich history. Dating from the 13th century (when it was still a part of the seventeen provinces of The Netherlands) it has seen many changes, however many of its history is still visible today, especially in Amsterdam, with its narrow houses and long canals. I suggest you visit the biggest cities and the main attractions there, which will give you a lot of insight on how the people here used to live. EDIT: Nevermind sKetch, he's probably still stoned or something.
4 :
One thing I will say Louise after reading another of your questions http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiR7LVK4lzqZJh5y4VSbEE8jzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080908195424AACL7kC is that although you are young and so partly can be forgiven, you do need to learn a little toleration Your question berates foreigners using English and yet you are concerned how Dutch students will treat you when doing the same? You will be treated in kind - I mean it is like a mirror, the way you treat people is the way you will be treated in return. Typically people are not as fickle as in the US, and if you are rude or condiscending, you will certainly get it back in triplicate. So maybe you can consider this as well and try to be a little more kind about "foreigners" (which is what you will be when you come here).
5 :
I have friends in holland ages 18, 19 I will repost your question to them and get back to you
6 :
I have lived in NL for 5 years and here answers on your questions: 1)not openly,but behind your back- yes,for sure 2)no,you wont have any dutch friends,the dutch society is extrenely closed conservative and racist.But on other hand you will have a lot of foreign friends. 3)No-impossible,out of question.The language is hard to learn and nobody will be willing to practice it with you.99% of population speaks english,they will keep talking to you in English even if you speak to them in Dutch. 4)it depends on you. regarding arts the Netherlands has not much to offer,only 2-3 famous museums,that'sit.Music and literature are not appreciated in this culture,it is very down to earth.
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Im Asian btw. coming all the way from California,USA. I will be going to a Dutch school in Den Haag for a year and living with a host family. i have a couple of questions: 1) Will i be looked down or teased due to my race? 2) What are Dutch students like? Are they friendly? 3) Will i be fluent in Dutch after a year? i plan on using it as much as i can. (I have a girlfriend who speaks afrikaans back home and want to impress her lol.) 4) What can i learn in terms of History,Art,Music,Literature and all those good stuff? Thanks Guys!
Netherlands - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1. I dont think you will be looked at negatively 2.they are dutch 3.Youll understand some of it 4.all that stuff, yeah
2 :
1. You should be ok. Dutch people generally pride themselves on being tolerant, and although there are some racially discriminatory people, I don't think it is any worse than any other country. 2. Yes, generally quite friendly. 3. You won't be fluent, but you might be able to get by. The hardest part about learning Dutch is convincing Dutch people to not speak English to you, as they will automatically switch over when they realise you don't speak Dutch. Considering you are with a host family, they will hopefully accommodate your needs and force you to speak Dutch at home. 4. Well, that really depends on which books you read, what teachers you have, what course you are doing. How long is a piece of string really. Good luck with the trip. I'm sure you'll love it. Peter http://www.travellerspoint.com
3 :
1) The Dutch are very tolerant. If you behave within societies 'normen en waarden' (morals and values) you will get by just fine. I have to warn you though, that the Dutch sense of humor tends to be quite blunt, almost crossing the line, and far surpassing it if you're not used to it. Most races, politicians, nationalities and celebrities get made fun of on (comedy) TV shows or just in conversation, which might, if you are easily offended, be uncomfortable for you. 2) Dutch students are the same as every other student. However, the Dutch mentality might be a bit different. We are friendly people, but we are rarely warm people. We might invite you over for dinner, but after that we might not contact you for a few days because we're busy. We love to tell you all about our country and take you to places as the 'token tourist', but it usually takes Dutch people a while to warm up to someone new. The host family you will be staying with, will probably do everything to make your stay as nice as possible, but I doubt they will change anything in their daily schedule, for we tend to love order and stability. 3) Dutch is a difficult language, yet not impossible to learn. Dutch people however, will switch to English as soon as they hear you are not Dutch, which might be an obstacle. However they tend to get the hint when you are the one starting out in Dutch. I suggest you get a book of Dutch phrases and use them whenever you can. Going to the shops is usually a good way to have short conversations. May I also remind you that Afrikaans is not like Dutch at all. They have similarities, like Dutch and German, but speaking Dutch will not guarantee you getting by in either of those two languages. 4) How much you will learn will depend on yourself. How quick do you learn, how much do you want to know? The Netherlands has a very rich history. Dating from the 13th century (when it was still a part of the seventeen provinces of The Netherlands) it has seen many changes, however many of its history is still visible today, especially in Amsterdam, with its narrow houses and long canals. I suggest you visit the biggest cities and the main attractions there, which will give you a lot of insight on how the people here used to live. EDIT: Nevermind sKetch, he's probably still stoned or something.
4 :
One thing I will say Louise after reading another of your questions http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiR7LVK4lzqZJh5y4VSbEE8jzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080908195424AACL7kC is that although you are young and so partly can be forgiven, you do need to learn a little toleration Your question berates foreigners using English and yet you are concerned how Dutch students will treat you when doing the same? You will be treated in kind - I mean it is like a mirror, the way you treat people is the way you will be treated in return. Typically people are not as fickle as in the US, and if you are rude or condiscending, you will certainly get it back in triplicate. So maybe you can consider this as well and try to be a little more kind about "foreigners" (which is what you will be when you come here).
5 :
I have friends in holland ages 18, 19 I will repost your question to them and get back to you
6 :
I have lived in NL for 5 years and here answers on your questions: 1)not openly,but behind your back- yes,for sure 2)no,you wont have any dutch friends,the dutch society is extrenely closed conservative and racist.But on other hand you will have a lot of foreign friends. 3)No-impossible,out of question.The language is hard to learn and nobody will be willing to practice it with you.99% of population speaks english,they will keep talking to you in English even if you speak to them in Dutch. 4)it depends on you. regarding arts the Netherlands has not much to offer,only 2-3 famous museums,that'sit.Music and literature are not appreciated in this culture,it is very down to earth.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Would it be beneficial for a UK university student to study at Groningen (Netherlands) for a year?
Would it be beneficial for a UK university student to study at Groningen (Netherlands) for a year?
Currently on the 1st year of a 3 year bachelors degree. Have the opportunity to go on exchange for 2nd year in Groningen (Holland). I am from England, and the course there is taught in English. I am currently weighing up the pro's and cons of taking my 2nd year of study there.. What do you feel these may be?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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1 :
definitely. any experience overseas will enahnce knowledge, world view, gut feel, new friends. pick up some dutch language, custom, food, lifestyle. many things will change. groningen may not be much as its still a westernized developed country. if u go to a developing or africa or asia - your system will undergo dramatic changes. all pros no cons. just go!
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Currently on the 1st year of a 3 year bachelors degree. Have the opportunity to go on exchange for 2nd year in Groningen (Holland). I am from England, and the course there is taught in English. I am currently weighing up the pro's and cons of taking my 2nd year of study there.. What do you feel these may be?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
definitely. any experience overseas will enahnce knowledge, world view, gut feel, new friends. pick up some dutch language, custom, food, lifestyle. many things will change. groningen may not be much as its still a westernized developed country. if u go to a developing or africa or asia - your system will undergo dramatic changes. all pros no cons. just go!
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Foreign Exchange student: Netherlands?
Foreign Exchange student: Netherlands?
Im planning to be an exchange student to Netherlands in 11th grade. Do you think i will learn enough Dutch to be fluent? i study the phonetics every day 7 days a week. The conversational part, i only know the basics. Will the kids at school pick on me lol? im a nerd you see. Doing it for a year.
Netherlands - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you are willing to speak Dutch and put in some effort you can learn enough to get fluent in a few months. In a year you can be letter perfect if you are young enough. I am not sure you will be able to get fluent, even less perfect, before you come, but that is not needed either. Whatever your language abilities, if they want to pick on you they will find something, if only the colour of your eyes. But being the foreign kid does make it easier not to get picked on. But the Dutch, also at that age, are pretty good English speakers and will help you out when needed. Make sure everybody knows you want to learn Dutch or they will all try to make it easier for you and talk English all the time.
2 :
If you're only doing a foreign exchange for a few weeks, I wouldn't sweat the Dutch part. The kids there will have great fun teaching you anyway .... but having the basics before you go is a great idea, you'll get the chance to put it into practice, and you'll probably be speaking Dutch within a couple of weeks. I would say that you will attract attention simply because you're an exchange student. But don't sweat it, European schoolchildren are accepting of those who are a little different.
3 :
I cannot say how good your Dutch is now but I can tell you that studying a foreign language in school and actually living in a foreign country and speaking that language is really different. But this is a once in a lifetime chance for you to experience life in Holland and to improve your Dutch. Don't be scared, just try your best. Most of the ppl don't expect you to be fluent. When I first went to France, I thought that I could speak French well, but everytime I asked someone a question in French, they would reply in English. As time went on, this happened less and less often. My impression of Dutch ppl is that they as a whole are polite. And there are things that are universal such as male-female attraction. Be sure to dress neatly. No need for skin tight clothes, but leave the baggy shorts and oversized shirts and backwards baseball caps at home. Also, be aware that although Holland is a foreign culture, it is still part of western civilization and is considered a nice country to live in.
4 :
hey don't worry. i'm an expat student at ASH. you'll learn a lot of it in 1 year. my first year i was able to talk in shops and to some dutch people and you also pick it up quickly. what school and i can tell you more. i'm a freshman and my brother is a junior so...
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Im planning to be an exchange student to Netherlands in 11th grade. Do you think i will learn enough Dutch to be fluent? i study the phonetics every day 7 days a week. The conversational part, i only know the basics. Will the kids at school pick on me lol? im a nerd you see. Doing it for a year.
Netherlands - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you are willing to speak Dutch and put in some effort you can learn enough to get fluent in a few months. In a year you can be letter perfect if you are young enough. I am not sure you will be able to get fluent, even less perfect, before you come, but that is not needed either. Whatever your language abilities, if they want to pick on you they will find something, if only the colour of your eyes. But being the foreign kid does make it easier not to get picked on. But the Dutch, also at that age, are pretty good English speakers and will help you out when needed. Make sure everybody knows you want to learn Dutch or they will all try to make it easier for you and talk English all the time.
2 :
If you're only doing a foreign exchange for a few weeks, I wouldn't sweat the Dutch part. The kids there will have great fun teaching you anyway .... but having the basics before you go is a great idea, you'll get the chance to put it into practice, and you'll probably be speaking Dutch within a couple of weeks. I would say that you will attract attention simply because you're an exchange student. But don't sweat it, European schoolchildren are accepting of those who are a little different.
3 :
I cannot say how good your Dutch is now but I can tell you that studying a foreign language in school and actually living in a foreign country and speaking that language is really different. But this is a once in a lifetime chance for you to experience life in Holland and to improve your Dutch. Don't be scared, just try your best. Most of the ppl don't expect you to be fluent. When I first went to France, I thought that I could speak French well, but everytime I asked someone a question in French, they would reply in English. As time went on, this happened less and less often. My impression of Dutch ppl is that they as a whole are polite. And there are things that are universal such as male-female attraction. Be sure to dress neatly. No need for skin tight clothes, but leave the baggy shorts and oversized shirts and backwards baseball caps at home. Also, be aware that although Holland is a foreign culture, it is still part of western civilization and is considered a nice country to live in.
4 :
hey don't worry. i'm an expat student at ASH. you'll learn a lot of it in 1 year. my first year i was able to talk in shops and to some dutch people and you also pick it up quickly. what school and i can tell you more. i'm a freshman and my brother is a junior so...
Read more other entries :
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