A very different educational Dutch system

During your experience in the Netherlands you will have the opportunity to realize the many differences between the Netherlands and France (to know the 5 main differences between French and Dutch refer to the article in question). One of them is the difference between the Dutch educational system and the French one.

Indeed, the Dutch educational system is very different on several points. Which has both its good and bad sides.

At first, one of the surprising but very positive aspects is the relation between teacher and students. In France, we are used to showing respect by formulating our emails or asking in class by saying Mr./Mrs. teacher. There is no such thing in the Netherlands.

Indeed, very often the teacher specifies that you can call him by his first name both in class and in your emails. The relationship is sometimes even so close that it is very common to make an appointment with the teacher outside of class to discuss about your difficulties.

Then, this relationship is also reflected in very interactive courses, where the student can often speak up and where the course is built step by step according to the students' answers. It is very uncommon to attend "monologue" courses as it sometimes happens in France.

Some aspects are less positive, starting with the grading system.

Indeed, the marks in the Netherlands are from 0 to 10 and to pass you will need a minimum of 5.5 in each class.

Also in the Netherlands, sources and databases are very important. Each piece of information used for a presentation or in a report must be followed by a source. Much more than in France! Which leaves less opportunity, I think, for personal interpretation.

In addition, the format of the sources is very important. If it is not properly organized, it may be penalizing, because the software will not recognize the sources and thus your report may be accused of plagiarism.

It happens really often here. A friend of mine lost two credits for that matter.

To conclude, as you have understood, the Dutch educational system has its own standards. The relationship between teachers and students is clearly one of the aspects I was able to appreciate. However, I had a lot of trouble with the importance the Dutch give to university sources.