The Netherlands: Exploring the Culture of the Netherlands

Exploring the Culture of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an open-minded, tolerant, and progressive country with fertile farmlands, picturesque canals, charming seaside fishing villages, and bustling modern cities. Since much of the Netherlands is below sea level, it’s common to see lots of dikes holding back the icy waters of the North Sea. Counting almost 17 million inhabitants, the Netherlands is very densely populated. The Dutch Public transportation system is well developed, and bikes are commonly used to get around. From the canals of Amsterdam to the flat farmlands in the north of the country, the Netherlands has plenty to offer, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

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Family Dynamic

Dutch people are usually very open, friendly and welcoming. In the Netherlands, only parents and children live together. In general, they do not live with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. During meals, Dutch families usually share their adventures of the day. In Dutch homes, all family members share chores.

In the culture of the Netherlands, parents are the heads of the family. They determine the rules. Dutch children, however, will often disagree and argue and discuss things with their parents. This is not considered rude or insolent, on the contrary: in the Netherlands many parents think it is good for young people to have their own opinions and encourage their speaking out.

Dutch families may seem very curious. They want to know everything. In general, this is because they are very interested in each other. Also, by talking freely and telling them details, children show their trust and confidence in their parents. It is something that is inseparable from being independent. When children share what is happening in their lives, parents have more confidence in allowing their children to be fully independent.

Dutch families like to do things together, especially on weekends. This includes sports, social clubs, visiting relatives, or attending social or cultural activities together. People in the Netherlands divide their time consciously between all sorts of activities. Simply sitting down doing nothing is considered a waste of time.

Teenage Life in the Netherlands

Dutch schools are some of the best in the world, so teenagers have a unique opportunity to challenge themselves in several subjects. Teenagers in the Netherlands, like young people all over the world, often like to play sports. Dutch teenagers enjoy hiking, ice skating in the winter, surfing, and sailing during the summer.

In some families, only the father will work, but in more and more families both parents do. This means teenage children are often home alone and have to make their own decisions. Children are brought up to be independent and to be able to accept the responsibility for their actions.

Official Language

Dutch is spoken throughout the Netherlands.

Communication Style in the Netherlands

The Dutch have a very direct manner of speaking. They will often start by giving their opinion, and then provide the reason for their opinion. If they do not know something, they will often just say so without feeling stupid or embarrassed. The same approach is used when asking you something. They do not mean to criticize your country or habits, they simply want to know something! Direct eye contact is also customary. Not making direct eye contact is often considered strange or impolite.

In the culture of the Netherlands, people have great respect for privacy. If someone wants to discuss something or wants to be introduced to someone, they must take the initiative and express this. People tend to leave each other in peace. The secret of getting to know Dutch people is to ask many questions and show an interest in learning about the Dutch way of life.

The Dutch Diet

Dutch food is simple and nourishing and represents a mixture of European cooking styles. In the culture of the Netherlands, family members take breakfast individually during weekdays based on their schedules, but on Sundays, families will eat a special breakfast together. Dutch families customarily eat open-faced sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is usually the only hot meal of the day.

A typical dinner consists of potatoes and gravy with vegetables in season and meat or fish. The soups and vegetables are excellent. For dessert, popular dishes are raisin rolls, chocolate spread, puddings, syrup-filled wafers, and especially Dutch licorice!

Explore the Programs Available in Netherlands

Netherlands Year High School

DestinationNetherlands
DurationsYear
Program Dates
- Aug 2025 - Jul 2026

Netherlands

A land built on craftsmanship, simplicity, and cycling