Going to Holland as a foreign exchange student?

Going to Holland as a foreign exchange student?

• I'll be going to Holland as a foreign exchange student and I was wondering what Dutch teens were like? How do they differ from American teenagers. Of course they'll all be unique in their own way, but in general. And what is the schooling like there? Anything about a teenager's life in Holland would be helpful, thanks!

• Answer:

  Your biggest shocks will come from the lack of English signage/spoken (although everyone does speak English when you ask them a question) and how liberal minded the Dutch are compared to Americans. Although I have no idea what HS would be like (I'm a college student) I would say pretty informal based on the way post-secondary education works. The Dutch are talkative, loud, tall and very blunt. They say what they mean and mean what they say. In class they will talk when the teacher talks and don't be surprised if it takes them a while to warm up to you - unless they have been abroad/are mature, they usually don't care to know foreigners because they prefer lasting relationships to temporary ones. (We North Americans are great at making friends quickly, most Europeans will take a while to warm to you, but you'll then be friends for life.) Of course, I am speaking very generally. I have made some very good Dutch friends, but for the most part, I stick with other foreigners. Other tips: get a bike, don't walk on the red roads (they are bike paths), and practice saying "Dank u wel." (Thank you)