The biggest difference between a Dutch and an international school is the language of instruction and curriculum. At a Dutch school, all teaching is conducted entirely in Dutch following the Dutch education system. At an international school, the language of instruction is typically English and students follow an internationally recognized program such as IB or Cambridge. Which choice fits best depends largely on how long you will be staying in the Netherlands and what your family’s future plans are. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
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What language is spoken at an international school?
At most international schools in the Netherlands, English is the language of instruction. All subjects, reports, and communication with parents take place in English. Some international schools also offer lessons in other languages, such as French, German, or Spanish, depending on the program and student population.
This makes international schools particularly attractive for expats who are temporarily living in the Netherlands and whose children do not yet speak Dutch. Children can start immediately without a language barrier, which makes the transition after moving to the Netherlands considerably easier. At a Dutch school, the language of instruction is exclusively Dutch, which can be a significant hurdle for children with no prior knowledge of the language.
What curriculum does an international school in the Netherlands follow?
International schools in the Netherlands typically work with the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Cambridge International Curriculum, or an American curriculum. These programs are recognized worldwide and offer continuity for families who move from country to country regularly.
The IB program is the most common and consists of three phases: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for young children, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for secondary school students, and the IB Diploma for the upper grades. A diploma from an international school is accepted by universities all over the world. Dutch schools follow the national curriculum of the Dutch Ministry of Education, with final exams aligned to Dutch higher education.
What does an international school cost compared to a Dutch school?
International schools in the Netherlands are considerably more expensive than Dutch public schools. Tuition at international schools typically ranges between 10,000 and 25,000 euros per year, depending on the school and level. Dutch public schools are free, apart from a small voluntary parental contribution.
Many international companies reimburse tuition fees as part of the employee’s expat package. It is therefore wise to discuss this thoroughly with your employer before your move to Amsterdam. In addition to tuition, there may be extra costs for school materials, excursions, school uniforms, and after-school activities. Below is a brief overview:
- International school: 10,000 to 25,000 euros per year per child
- Dutch public school: Free, with a voluntary contribution averaging 50 to 200 euros per year
- Dutch private school: Variable, often between 3,000 and 8,000 euros per year
How do children socially integrate at a Dutch versus an international school?
At an international school, children quickly integrate into a community of peers who are all in a similar situation. The social environment is multicultural and children build friendships with other expat children. This creates a sense of belonging, but the friendships are sometimes less lasting because families regularly move on.
At a Dutch school, children build friendships with local peers, which strongly promotes integration into Dutch society. If your family plans to stay in the Netherlands for an extended period, this can be a major advantage. Children learn Dutch quickly and become familiar with the local culture. The initial period can be challenging due to the language barrier, but most children adapt faster than parents expect.
When is a Dutch school the better choice for expats?
A Dutch school is the better choice when your family is staying in the Netherlands for longer than two to three years and you want your children to integrate into local society. Also, if your children are young, they adapt linguistically very quickly and reap the benefits of bilingualism later in life.
Consider a Dutch school if:
- Your children are younger than eight years old and pick up languages quickly
- Your family wants to settle in the Netherlands permanently or for an extended period
- You are not reimbursed for the costs of an international school by your employer
- You want your children to participate in Dutch social life outside of school hours
An international school makes more sense if the length of stay is shorter, if your children have already followed several years of international education, or if a return to your home country or a subsequent move is likely.
How do you find the right school as an expat in Amsterdam?
Finding the right school as an expat in Amsterdam starts with determining your priorities: length of stay, budget, language preference, and the age of your children. It is then advisable to visit open days and compare schools in person before making a decision.
Practical steps to find the right school:
- Determine whether you opt for international or Dutch education based on length of stay and family situation
- Check waiting lists in good time, as popular international schools in Amsterdam sometimes have long waiting periods
- Verify whether your employer reimburses tuition and what the conditions are
- Visit open days or schedule a tour to get a feel for the school’s atmosphere
- Ask other expat families in your neighborhood for their experiences and recommendations
The neighborhood where you are going to live also plays a role: schools are often tied to a specific catchment area or give preference to children from the immediate vicinity. This makes it wise to factor your school choice into your decision about expat housing in Amsterdam.
How we help you find the right school and home
At Urban Homies, we understand that choosing a school for your children is one of the first major decisions when moving to the Netherlands. That is why we include this in our personal guidance. We help you not only with finding a suitable home, but also with exploring schools in the area. Your dedicated homie knows the neighborhoods of Amsterdam and the surrounding area well and actively thinks along with you about which location best suits your family situation.
Our package includes, among other things:
- Neighborhood orientation tailored to school locations and family needs
- Assistance with municipal registration and BSN application
- Support with immigration services for non-EU expats, including the IND procedure
- Practical help with arranging utilities and getting settled
Would you like to know how we can make your move to Amsterdam as smooth as possible? Get in touch and we will schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
