Introducation to Holland
The Netherlands (Dutch) is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, consisting of twelve provinces in Western Europe and three islands in the Caribbean. The country is a parliamentary democracy organized as a unitary state. The capital city of the Netherlands, mandated by the constitution, is Amsterdam; however, the seat of government is located in The Hague. The Netherlands in its entirety is often referred to as Holland, which in strict usage, refers only to North and South Holland, two of its provinces; however, the former usage is generally accepted.
The Netherlands had the tenth-highest per capita income in the world in 2011.
Climate
The Netherlands has a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature is 2° C (36° F) in January and 19° C (66° F ) in July, with an annual average of about 10° C (50° F ). Clouds generally appear every day, and in the winter months fog often abounds, while rainfall occurs frequently. Average annual rainfall is about 76.5 cm (30 in).
Geography
The geography of the European part of the Netherlands is unusual in that much of its land has been reclaimed from the sea and is below sea level, protected by dikes. Another factor that has influenced its physical appearance is that the country is among the most densely populated on Earth. It is ranked 15th overall on that scale but is behind only three countries having a population over 10 million. Consequently, the Netherlands is highly urbanized.
Demographics
The Netherlands had an estimated population of 16,785,403 on 30 April 2013. It is the 10th most populous country in Europe and the 63rd most populous country in the world. Life expectancy is high in the Netherlands. The majority of the population of the Netherlands is ethnically Dutch. The official language is Dutch. Research states that about 86% of the Dutch population claims to be able to converse in English.
Education
Holland has various types of higher education institutions. The two main types are research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities are mainly responsible for offering research-oriented programmes in an academic setting. Universities of applied sciences offer programmes that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences. These tend to be more practice-oriented than programmes offered by research universities and they prepare students for specific professions. A third, smaller branch of higher education are the institutes for international education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students.
There are a few other institutions that also offer international degree programmes or short courses, usually in a specific field of study. The Dutch institutions offer international students a guarantee of the quality of their programmes, student recruitment, selection and counseling procedures in a Code of Conduct.
The universities in the Netherland’s are among some of the top universities in the world; Utrecht University, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam are all ranked in the global top 100 in the 2013 QS World University Rankings, with Utrecht ranked 52nd.
The total numbers of universities in the Netherland’s sum up to 20+ universities. This includes one of the world’s best institutions.
Distinct Advantages of Study in Netherland (Holland)
• Dutch education institutions have everything you ever dreamt about in terms of equipment. They have the most modern technical equipment
• The Netherlands is a centrally located starting point for the rest of your European travels. Most other countries are just an hour’s flight away, and at least six or seven are within driving distance.
• Though bikes are everywhere, the Netherlands also has a great public transportation system
• Though you are encouraged to learn Dutch during your time abroad, don’t worry if you aren’t quick to pick it up – an overwhelming 89% of Dutch people speak English. Dutch people are more than willing to converse with you in English.
• The capital (Amsterdam) is packed with museums, galleries, shopping, great architecture, and more.
• Netherland Universities offer world recognized qualifications
• The tuition fees and other expenses for those who come to Study in Holland for Higher Education are relatively low compared to other European countries.
• Permanent Residency opportunities
• Post Study work opportunities
• Students are allowed to work part-time during the course and full time during the vacations
• Due to its central geographic and economic position in continental Europe, The Netherlands is often described as the gateway to Europe. It takes only about an hour to fly from Amsterdam to Paris, Berlin, Brussels, or London.
UNIVERSITIES FOR STUDYING IN HOLLAND
