Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, known for its canals, shopping arcades, art galleries, and museums. While it might not be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast, it’s definitely on the radar of those who have heard of it. The city is home to some of the best universities in the world, many of which offer a range of courses in English. If you’re looking to extend your trip to the Netherlands and want to make the most of the fact that you’ll be studying abroad, check out what local universities have to offer and apply for one of their international traineeships.

Which City to Study In?

The biggest decision you’ll need to make is which university in Amsterdam to attend. With so much diversity, it’s important to do your research and find a course that fits your interests. If you’re considering a degree in business, for example, you may want to focus your search on reputable UK or US universities that offer a Bachelors in International Business.

Choosing a course in Amsterdam means you’ll be able to experience one of the most gorgeous and famous cities in the world. You may even get the opportunity to study in a prestigious university. Not only that, but you’ll also have access to some of the most exclusive attractions, such as museums and galleries that are not normally open to the public. Naturally, this all depends on whether or not you can get a visa. For more information, check out this blog on getting a working visa to live and study in the Netherlands.

Visa

If you do get a visa, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find an apartment or a house-share. It’s essential to have your own space to focus on your studies, as well as to have a place to relax and meet friends. Getting a job or even just applying for one might also be difficult, but with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely, you may be able to find a way to make it work. It’s also a good idea to apply for a Dutch social security number, as this will make it much easier for you to get a job once you’re over there. In some cases, you may even be allowed to work before you start studying, so you can prove your worth and justify your place in school.

Get Pre-Departure Class

It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for the transition to a different country. Despite the fact that you’ll be living in Amsterdam, you’ll be studying in a different country and be attending a different university. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take the time to study abroad a few days, weeks, or even months beforehand, in order to get pre-departure class. This will help you make the most of your trip and ensure you have all the knowledge necessary to navigate life in Amsterdam. You may also find it useful to take a language course or a Dutch for tourists class before you go.

Live A Local Life

As a tourist, it’s important to appreciate what the Dutch call the ‘souw-tea factor’. This concept promotes the idea that everyone in society has a responsibility to help out and look after one another. It means that if you see someone struggling with a shopping cart or pushing a buggie-walker, you should offer your assistance. In the same way, if you see a bike rack full of unladen bikes, you should offer to help and load it for them. As a student in Amsterdam, you’ll experience this ‘souw-tea’ factor on a daily basis, as the locals are always willing to help you out and have a smile on their face. This is a great way to get to know Amsterdam and its people better, as you’ll be joining a community rather than isolating yourself in a foreign country. In return for your help, the locals will appreciate it if you speak some basic Dutch.

Take Advantage Of The City’s Resources

Amsterdam is a modern city and uses modern technology to provide services to its residents. One of the best things about the city is that it is a hub for hi-tech innovation, which you may be able to take advantage of. If you’re a developer and have a good idea for an app, it’s quite likely that you’ll be able to find the resources you need in order to bring it to life. If you don’t have a good idea yet for an app, there are a number of web-design and community-building courses available in Amsterdam that you may be able to take advantage of.

Depending on your course, you’ll have a number of different options for where to study in Amsterdam. If you can’t find a course that suits your interests, you may want to consider switching to a different city in the Netherlands. With so much to offer, including the fact that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you may find that Amsterdam has something to offer everyone.