For someone who is planning to study abroad choosing a country is one of the most difficult decisions to make. Countries like the US and the UK have most of the best universities, but apparently they are also the world’s most expensive schools.

Holland, also known as the Netherlands, is country located in Western Europe and home of best European universities and business schools. Study in Holland is more than your normal educational experience. It offers a warm and diverse environment, vibrant lifestyle, and limitless opportunities. If you are still unconvinced why not read the rest of this article and see for yourself…

• Educational Institutions

Holland has some of the world’s finest schools, including caliber European business schools that are recognized all over the world. The list includes Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, Tilburg University, University of Amsterdam, University of Utrecht, Nyenrode Business Universiteit, and many more. Many of these schools acquired world top rankings on international reviews and survey such as BusinessWeek, QS Top MBA, and Financial Times to name a few.

• Study Programmes

As of 2008, Holland has almost 1,400 international study programmes; nearly 100% are taught in English. Programmes cover a wide range of fields and many are recognized as some of the best courses in the world. Quality of education is accomplished through a general regulation and quality assurance system spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

• Quality of Life

The Dutch way of life can be has an urban, cosmopolitan lifestyle wherein cities offer a pleasant mix of traditional and modern architecture. Holland has low levels of violence and street crimes and therefore regarded as a safe country by international standards. There are a lot places and events to enjoy in Holland such as beaches, stadiums, musical theatres, museums, and festivals.

• Excellent Teaching

The foundation for Dutch education teaching method is value for each individual’s opinions and beliefs. Students have more freedom to express what they learn and develop their own creativity. Education in Holland is interactive and focuses on teamwork, open-mindedness, and international orientation. Most of Dutch universities and educational institutions comprise of international staff and faculty to better understand and assist foreign students.

• Research

Holland is Europe’s leader in global scientific research and also ranks 2nd in terms of per capita publication in the world. This is the result of the country’ high quality of PhD research and dissertations published. Nearly all PhD students in Holland have received a grant or given a temporary project.

• Scholarships and Exchange Programmes

The Dutch has committed to make its higher education accessible to foreign students and mid-career professionals. Compared to universities in the UK and US, tuition fees in Holland are relatively low because of the government’s subsidies. Many higher education institutions offer scholarships, programmes, and other academic grants to aid students in their education.

Visit the following sites more information - www.ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/national_en.html, www.ib-groep.nl, www.nuffic.nl/hsp, www.ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus, www.ec.europa.eu/tempus, www.nuffic.nl/nfp, www.grantfinder.nl, and www.grantfinder.nl. *

• Life After Study

Graduates of Dutch research or applied science universities can opt to extend their stay for 1 year to look for job. Graduates can work as a highly skilled migrant or labour. There is also an international network of Holland alumni that facilitates constant communications for Holland graduates; you can check this site - www.hollandalumni.nl.