An Education Apart
The international school network in the Netherlands is a parallel education system that exists alongside the public Dutch school system. These schools cater almost exclusively to the children of the transient, international community. They are private institutions and are characterized by several key features: the language of instruction is almost always English; they offer internationally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British (I)GCSE/A-Level system, or the American High School Diploma; and their student bodies are highly diverse, with dozens of nationalities represented. These schools aim to provide a seamless educational transition for children who may be moving between different countries every few years, allowing them to continue their studies within a consistent educational framework.
This network is heavily concentrated in the main expat hubs: the Amsterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven regions. Because they are private, they charge significant tuition fees, which can range from €15,000 to over €25,000 per child per year. These costs are often a key component of a senior executive's relocation package. The demand for places in reputable international schools is extremely high, and many have long waiting lists, making the school search a critical and often stressful priority for relocating families.
A Bubble of Privilege and Isolation
While international schools offer a high standard of education and a stable curriculum, their role in the broader context of social integration is highly contentious. By their very design, they create an educational and social bubble. Children in this system have limited interaction with their Dutch peers and are not immersed in the Dutch language or culture. Their social world—and often, by extension, their parents' social world—is confined to the international community. This can create a sense of living in a separate, privileged enclave, detached from the realities of the host country.
Critics argue that this system hinders the long-term integration of families. While it provides a convenient solution for short-term assignees, it can be a disservice to families who end up staying in the Netherlands for a longer period. Their children may graduate from high school with little knowledge of the Dutch language, making it more difficult for them to attend a Dutch university or enter the local job market. The choice between an international school and a local Dutch school (which is free and offers an excellent education) is one of the most significant decisions an expat family has to make. It is a choice between a smooth international transition and a deeper, more challenging, but potentially more rewarding, local integration.
