Dutch language and culture lessons outside the Netherlands
If you live abroad with your child – or will be moving abroad with your child in the future – and would like them to follow Dutch language and culture lessons, there are a number of options available.
Dutch language and culture lessons will help your child to keep up their Dutch. This will make it easier for them to stay in contact with family and friends in the Netherlands. And, if you decide to return to the Netherlands, it will be easier for them to go to a Dutch school.
Forms of Dutch education outside the Netherlands
If you want your child to follow Dutch education in school hours, you can opt for an international school offering Dutch language and culture lessons. Some international schools also teach other subjects in Dutch, in addition to Dutch language and culture.
Some countries have schools that offer the same (or a comparable) curriculum as schools in the Netherlands. This is possible in:
- Aruba
- Belgium
- Curaçao
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Spain
- Suriname
View the options for Dutch education during school hours (information in Dutch)
If your child attends a school that does not offer Dutch language and culture lessons and you would like them to keep up their Dutch, you can arrange for them to follow extra lessons after school. This might be at school, or online.
Read more about education in Dutch after school hours (information in Dutch)
It will not always be possible to find a school offering Dutch language and culture lessons in the country where you live. Distance learning – in the form of online Dutch language and culture lessons for your child – is one alternative. You can also choose to teach your child yourself, using special teaching packs.
Read more about distance learning in Dutch (information in Dutch)
Finding a school
Visit the website of the Foundation for Dutch Education Worldwide (NOB) and search for a school in your country. This will show you the options for Dutch education in your area. Distance learning is always an option if there are no schools near you.
Find a school abroad (information in Dutch)
The Foundation for Dutch Education Worldwide (NOB)
The Foundation for Dutch Education Worldwide (NOB) can help you find a suitable form of education for your child. The Dutch Inspectorate of Education monitors the quality of the education offered, so you can be sure that your child will receive good education in Dutch abroad. Schools outside the Netherlands receive grants from the Dutch government if they are registered with the NOB.
Contact NOB
If you would like to know more about what is available in your situation, or if you have any questions about Dutch language and culture lessons abroad, contact the NOB.
Contact NOB (information in Dutch)