If you’ve decided to study abroad but are worried about finding a new place to live, we’ve got you covered. Students prefer a cosmopolitan environment that is quite large, but they also want to feel accepted. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, but it has a small-city vibe and is one of the top study abroad locations for students.
PROS
To begin with, Amsterdam’s universities provide a diverse choice of Bachelor and Master degrees in English, implying that everyone is welcome to study and work in the Netherlands. Having said that, many international students choose to stay in Amsterdam after graduation and begin working right away.
1. Small City with a Vibrant Heart
Many people believe that Amsterdam is a small city, and while this may be true, the amount of events held daily, especially on weekends, leads us to believe the opposite. This location literally has something for everyone. It accommodates exhibitions, festivals, and some of the most well-known businesses. When the sun shines, people even plan picnics in some of the parks, the most well-known of which is the Vondelpark.
Amsterdam is an international and multicultural city, which makes it easier for expats to relocate there without experiencing the same culture shock that they may in other areas. Menus in restaurants and pubs are usually translated into English, and English TV channels are widely available.
2. Open to all
Everyone should feel welcome in Amsterdam since Dutch people, on average, are more open-minded than other people. For example, the city promotes Gay rights, is multilingual, and is home to a diverse range of cultures.
3. Places to See & Do
Now that I’ve discussed all of the positive aspects of the city, I should probably mention some of the must-see attractions in Amsterdam. As you’ll most likely be riding a bike to explore this great city, I recommend getting lost in the arty Jordaan, which is regarded as one of the most charming neighborhoods. If you feel hungry, herring, which may be purchased at a herring cart, is the most common Dutch street meal. It’s fish with pickles and onions. Bloemenmarkt and its vibrant tulips are next on the agenda! Moreover, if you enjoy the arts, one of the most well-known museums that you should not miss is Van Gogh’s.
CONS
4. Cost of Living in Amsterdam
It is no secret that living in the Netherlands’ capital is expensive, and that the housing market is expanding as more and more people want to relocate there. Because Brexit is on everyone’s mind, many companies are considering relocating to Amsterdam, making it more expensive for local and international students to reside there. Because the demand for flats exceeds the availability, many people are persuaded to rent an apartment outside of the city center. Commuting is possible but not encouraged due to the high cost of public transit. Dutch students enjoy unlimited access to trains and buses, but EU students can only do so if they work a set number of hours per month.
5. Working in the Netherlands
Many foreign students look for a job when they move abroad so that they can support themselves. Finding a job in Amsterdam is not entirely impossible although it is very hard to do if you do not speak Dutch. The fact that many locals are fluent in English does not erase the fact that Dutch is still a requirement for many local companies.