About The
Netherlands
The Dutch have a long
history of trade going back to the seafaring days of the Dutch East
India Company. Today Rotterdam continues to be the busiest port in the
world and the Dutch commercial sector is one of the major investors in
the U.S. economy. The Dutch are not only famous for their tulip
production and flower festivals that draw garden enthusiasts from all
around the world, but also for their ingenious system of canals, earning
The Netherlands the nickname, “Venice of Northern Europe.” English is
widely spoken throughout The Netherlands and is considered the second
language of most Dutch citizens. While a monarch is head of state, the
role is mostly formal and largely ceremonial. The head of government is
a Prime Minister who oversees a Council of Ministers. There are also two
chambers of Parliament with 225 members. The Netherlands has one of the
most extensive welfare systems in the world and government subsidized
medical care is provided to low income citizens. The Netherlands
produced a number of influential painters including Rembrandt, Van Gogh,
and Willem de Kooning. Fringe theater, cabaret, and dance continue to be
popular there and recently film directors such as Mike Van Diem have
gained international recognition.
|
The
Netherlands
Educational System Students complete 14 years of primary and secondary education before
entering a university. There is very little general education or
multidisciplinary study in The Netherlands and students almost
exclusively focus on their discipline for a minimum of 4 years. The
academic year runs from September to June and grades are usually on a 10
point scale with 1 (very poor), 6 (just sufficient), and 10 (excellent).
Grades of 9 and 10 are rarely given. Programs typically require 40 hours
of work per week, with one week being roughly equivalent to a credit
point in the Dutch system.
|
