10 Things to Know About Amsterdam School

Amsterdam is a city of international renown, with a thriving cultural scene and plenty to do around every corner. But if an Amsterdam vacation or to study has been on your bucket list for some time but you just haven’t been able to work it into the budget until now, then consider this an excellent excuse to book that plane ticket finally! Without further ado, below are the things to know about Amsterdam school.

• Amsterdam school is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education.
• Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the school enjoys a perfect location with plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities nearby.
• The school has a strong focus on creativity and entrepreneurship, and its students are encouraged to think outside the box and develop their own unique talents.
• The school has a different mission statement formed by a group of professionals who were dissatisfied with the education system. They wanted to offer students something different and an opportunity for creative thinking.
• The school places a strong emphasis on quality teaching, with its teachers having plenty of experience both inside and outside the classroom. This ensures that students are given the best possible education.
• Students are encouraged to make use of their artistic, musical, and creative talents at the school. The school’s facilities include a TV studio, an art studio, a music center, a 3D-printing lab, a large canteen, and much more.
• As well as enjoying a perfect location in the heart of Amsterdam, students benefit from quality education and plenty of opportunities to develop their talents.
• Amsterdam school is a small yet prestigious school with a strong focus on creativity and entrepreneurship, which has been recognized worldwide as one of the best schools in its field. This makes it a great place to study!
• The school maintains close contact with businesses and other institutions in order to ensure that its education is not just up-to-date but also relevant and valuable.
• Amsterdam school develops creative, intelligent, and entrepreneurial individuals who play a vital role in our society.

Cons of Studying in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with lots of historic buildings, canals, and bike paths. However, studying in Amsterdam has its drawbacks as well. Before deciding to study medicine in Amsterdam, it’s important to be aware of these disadvantages that will make the experience more challenging. Here are five cons of studying in Amsterdam.

Floods

The city of Amsterdam is located in a low-lying area, which means it’s often flooded. In fact, the canals that run through the city are man-made and were created to help with the flooding issue. This means that during heavy rain or snowfall, large parts of the city can be underwater. This can be quite inconvenient and potentially dangerous.

Expensive

Compared to other cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of the more expensive places. When it’s not time for school, you’ll need to either commute or stay in a different city that has cheaper housing. You will also pay higher tuition fees than what your Dutch classmates pay. To combat this, you can work as a regular employee during summer breaks to make extra living expenses.

Traffic

The city’s high population means that traffic is often congested, and it can take a long time to commute from your dorm or house. Additionally, Amsterdam has a high bicycle presence, so it’s important to be careful when crossing the street, as bike riders often ignore traffic signals.

Culture Shock

Adjusting to a new culture can be difficult, and you’ll likely experience some culture shock when moving to Amsterdam. The city is very liberal and open-minded, which can be refreshing but challenging if you come from a conservative background. It can also take some time to get used to the Dutch language and their differences in etiquette compared to your country of origin.

Narrow Spaces

Housing in Amsterdam is often very compact. There are only a few places that provide housing for international students, and they can be quite expensive. If you decide to rent a place on your own, expect the room to be narrow with little or no storage space. Keep this in mind when deciding where you’ll live while studying in Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Schools

What are the best schools in Amsterdam?

There is no such thing as one ‘best school’ in Amsterdam. Numerous schools have their own advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different children. The school that would be a good fit for your child depends on your preferences and values, as well as those of your child.

What are the school types in Amsterdam?

There are three types of schools in Amsterdam: primary schools, secondary schools, and special schools. Meanwhile, there are four school types in Amsterdam: public schools, non-public schools, free schools, and Waldorf schools. In fact, Waldorf schools are not, strictly speaking, part of the Amsterdam educational system. They are private schools that have their own curriculum and methods for learning.

What will I learn in school?

Amsterdam schools offer a broad curriculum to give students opportunities. The Dutch education system has always encouraged academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits equally. There are no specialized high-school tracks; every student who passes through the public system receives an education replete with art, athletic practices, and a range of academic courses.

Why does the school choose this location?

One of the biggest benefits of living in Amsterdam are its many different cultures, which its citizens embrace. This is one reason why there are so many international schools. Because your child will be attending an international school for at least ten years, it can be extremely important that they blend into this environment and becomes familiar with as many different cultures as possible.

Amsterdam is centrally located within Europe and is home to people from all over the world, making it an ideal place for an international school. Another reason Amsterdam’s schools are popular is the city’s excellent education system. The Dutch Ministry of Education ranks the Netherlands first in the world for the quality of its education system. The city’s schools are also consistently ranked as some of the best in the world.

Can I go to any school?

Of course, No! Each school has a specific focus or learning profile. This profile tells you which kind of students the school wants, the background knowledge they should have, and their experiences before starting secondary school. The profile also states how the students are grouped in classes, for example, by ability or interests.

Conclusion

Contrary to what some people believe, Amsterdam is not all about drinking exuberant amounts of coffee and smoking copious amounts of weed. The city has plenty of schools that cater specifically to English-speaking children. Nonetheless, refer to this article for the best international schools for your kids.

9 Best International Schools in Amsterdam for Expats

There are many reasons why expats choose Amsterdam for their study abroad. There is no doubt that the Dutch capital city has a lot to offer in terms of exciting nightlife, cultural heritage, and history. But then there are other priorities that some parents may have when they think about sending their children for international education.

Expat parents looking for the best international schools in Amsterdam will be happy to know that there are many reputable institutions to choose from. Here is a list of nine of the best international schools in Amsterdam, based on their academic reputation and facilities.

1.    British School of Amsterdam (BSA)

The BSA is one of the most popular international schools in the Netherlands. It has more than 2000 students coming from 53 different countries. The school offers IB courses for all three levels (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes). Also, the school has a strong focus on the arts and offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

2.    American School of The Hague

The American School of The Hague is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as by the Council of International Schools. Students can participate in an English-speaking program or follow a bilingual curriculum with Dutch and English classes. There are also after-school activities, including sports teams and music programs.

3.    The International School of Amsterdam

The International School of Amsterdam is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can choose from a range of academic programs, including the International Baccalaureate, the American High School Diploma, and the Dutch National Curriculum. There are also sports teams and enrichment activities available for students.

4.    Singel International School Amsterdam

Singel International School is an environmentally conscious institution with several green-certified classrooms. The school is accredited by the European Council of International Schools and offers a bilingual program in English and Dutch, with German classes offered as electives. There are after-school activities and sports teams for all students. Moreover, the school is located in a quiet and historical part of Amsterdam.

5.    Vossius Gymnasium Amsterdam

Vossius Gymnasium is the only high school in Amsterdam to offer bilingual educations with English and Dutch classes, as well as Latin classes. Several programs are available for special needs students and those with learning disabilities, including dyslexia. Vossius is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Council of International Schools.

6.    Lycée Français René Descartes

Lycée Français René Descartes is a French international school with students from more than 60 different nationalities. The bilingual institution offers French and Dutch languages in its three different programs. It is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, providing education based on Christian values.

7.    Canisius College

Canisius College is part of the only fully English-speaking University in Amsterdam, offering classes through faculty at the University of Kent in Canterbury. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and offers a range of academic programs culminating in an American high school diploma. Canisius also has a wide range of extra-curricular activities and sports teams.

8.    De Groening

De Groenling is an international school in Amsterdam that offers a bilingual education in English and Dutch, as well as a range of academic programs. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can also participate in a variety of enrichment activities and sports teams.

9.    The American School of Amsterdam

The American School of Amsterdam is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers an American high school diploma. Students can choose from a range of academic programs, including the International Baccalaureate, the Advanced Placement Program, and the Dutch National Curriculum. The school also has a range of extra-curricular activities.

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Introduction

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Millions visit every year to enjoy its beautiful canals, historic buildings, towering museums, and vibrant nightlife. But for parents moving here from overseas, international schools are needed to educate their children in English or another foreign language.

Amsterdam has several reputable international schools that cater to a range of nationalities and educational backgrounds. The most popular options are the British School of Amsterdam (BSA), the International School of Amsterdam (ISA), and the American School of Amsterdam (ASA).

The BSA offers an English-language education from pre-school to the secondary school level and has students from over 50 different countries. The ISA offers a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and has students from over 70 different countries. The ASA offers an American-style education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

All these schools are located in Amsterdam’s city center, making it easy for students to get around on foot or by bike. They also have excellent sports and arts facilities, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right school for your children?

If that sounds like a yes, worry less as we’ve got you covered on this platform. Today, we have compiled the nine best international schools in Amsterdam for expats. Not only is that, but you’ll know the benefits of studying in these schools and the curriculum they offer. Read on to get the full details of what we have.

Benefits of International Schools in Amsterdam

If you have children who have just begun their school career, then life is about to get a little more complicated. Not only will you be juggling the everyday family duties and after-school activities – but now a whole new set of issues related to schooling arise too.

You’ll need to find a suitable school for your kids to attend, which means deciding whether to go to a national or international school in Amsterdam. Before exploring the different pros and cons of these two categories of schools, it’s important to set out some definitions.

The official definition used by governmental bodies is “an institution established under public or private law, providing education at any level from pre-primary through senior secondary education.” In other words, an international school is simply one that is not affiliated with the Dutch education system.

National schools in Amsterdam are part of the Dutch public education system and follow the Dutch curriculum. International schools, as the name suggests, offer a curriculum which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of expatriate families and conforms to the standards of the country in which it is based.

Now that we know what we’re talking about, here are the benefits of sending your children to an international school in Amsterdam.

1.    Multilingual Environment

One of the biggest benefits of attending an international school in Amsterdam is the multilingual environment. Students have the opportunity to learn and practice multiple languages, which can be extremely beneficial for their future academic and professional careers.

Meanwhile, students who speak only one language are encouraged to learn another, which is good for their personal development. The majority of students at these schools come from expat families; therefore, they must know at least two languages- usually English and Dutch (some schools also teach other languages like French or German).

2.    An International Curriculum

Another great benefit of international schools in Amsterdam is that they follow a truly international curriculum. This means your child will be learning subjects like mathematics and science while also studying literature, art history, and geography.

The classes are taught in English (and sometimes other languages), which helps increase academic performance since children won’t have to waste time trying to understand the curriculum. Students also benefit from international teaching methods, which teach them to think critically and behave like responsible citizens of the world.

3.    Foreign Languages

At an early age, students attend international schools in Amsterdam where they learn several languages; Dutch is mandatory while other languages are optional (usually English, French or German). This will help them later in life, as it will be easier to find a job to use their language skills. Also, by learning different languages at a young age, students can improve their cognitive skills and memory.

4.    Internationality

The other students at international schools in Amsterdam are usually children of expats who live or work in this city, which gives the school a truly international vibe. This means your child will be exposed to different cultures and traditions.

They can learn from one another and become more open-minded and accepting towards foreign ideas and views. Also, by interacting with students from all over the world, your child will be better prepared to work in a multicultural environment when they enter the workforce.

5.    Career Preparation

One of the most important benefits of international schools in Amsterdam is that they prepare students for their future careers. These schools offer various career-oriented courses like business management, accountancy, and computer science, which provide students with essential knowledge and skills needed to pursue successful careers.

6.    Excellent Facilities

The final benefit of enrolling your child in an international school in Amsterdam is the excellent facilities that these schools offer. Most of them have spacious classrooms, well-equipped science labs, and libraries, as well as playgrounds and sports fields.

This means your child will have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in a supportive environment. In fact, many international schools in Amsterdam have been accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which is a testament to their high quality.

7.    Quality Education

International schools in Amsterdam are very serious about providing students with quality education. They have high-qualified teachers who are well trained to teach English as a second language. Also, parents can rest assured that their children will be safe at school; most international schools in Amsterdam have security guards, cameras, and swipe card access.

8.    A Safe and Secure Environment

One of the top concerns for parents when choosing a school is the safety and security of their children. International schools in Amsterdam offer a safe and secure environment with plenty of adult supervision.

The campuses are typically walled and gated, which has a calming effect on parents and students. The staff are well trained and experienced in education; therefore, you can be assured that your child is receiving the best care possible.

9.    International Diplomas

The last advantage of international schools in Amsterdam is that they offer internationally-recognized diplomas. This means that once your child graduates from one of these schools, they will be able to attend any college or university in the world.

Additionally, employers are more likely to hire someone with an international diploma since it shows that they are competent in multiple languages and have received a high-quality education.

10. An International Community

Another great thing about attending an international school in Amsterdam is that children from different cultures and backgrounds attend each school. This way, your child won’t just learn academic knowledge but also about real-world society. He or she will learn how to get along with people from all over the world, forming valuable relationships that could last a lifetime.