Of the 1.3 million people in the Netherlands who take their driving test every year, only 41% pass one their first try according to the CBR (Central Driving Bureau)! What can you do to help your teenager pass their test and be the best driver, Dutch style, they can be? Here’s what you need to know to get your teen through this important rite of passage.

What Is the Driving Age in the Netherlands?

There are stages:

1. At 16.5 years old, you are allowed to take the Driving Theory Exam and begin actual driving lessons.
2. At 17 years old, you are allowed to take the Driving Exam, although even if you pass the exam, you are not yet allowed to drive unaccompanied. There must be a licensed driver seated next to the new driver who a) has had a Dutch or European driver’s license for at least 5 years, and b) is registered by the gemeente as one of the five people who are allowed to drive with the new driver.
3. At 18 years old, you are allowed to drive alone.

What Can You Do to Prepare Your Teen to Drive?

Once your teenager shows an interest in driving, you can start preparing them to be behind the wheel by making them your co-pilot! Have them look out for oncoming traffic at roundabouts, ask them how to best navigate through a busy intersection, etc. Basically, make them aware of how driving rules are played out everyday in your commute and in your neighborhood.

Important: Do not let them drive around in your car, even in abandoned parking lots! The Police are very strict about such infractions of Dutch law!

How to Prepare for the Driving Theory Exam

Books on the Driving Theory Exams are available at every driving school; there are also practice apps and practice exams available online. Your driving school will most likely offer a Driving Theory study class, which can be a good option for teens; having a dedicated time to focus with minimal distraction can help them absorb the information. Be wary of the crash courses known as “Theorie Spoed Cursus”. Driving Theory is the basis of being a good and safe driver, and ought not be rushed. The ideal approach is to buy a book, read a chapter daily, and do the practice exams (whether in a book or online). Then, depending on how well the practice exams go, perhaps take a few classes at a school to reinforce the information.

Some Driving Theory Exam sites:

Theorie Examen Oefenen and Leren

Theory House

Mijn Theorie Aanvragen

Drive Right

Wegrijden

Theorie Succes 

How Many Classes Do You Need?

The CBR recommends a minimum of 38 driving classes per person. It’s important not to simply go for the cheapest, quickest option. Have your teen take a trial lesson before picking out a package to determine at what level they are functioning. The instructors can pretty much pinpoint after one lesson the strengths and weaknesses of a given student, and advise accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost?

Get ready … getting your license in the Netherlands is expensive!

On average a class costs about €40/hour (x38 classes minimum), and an exam costs €260. A Theory Exam costs €35, and study material can cost around €45. In total, it will cost about €2,000 to for your teen to get their driver’s license.

How to Find a Good Driving School

There are so many driving schools in Amsterdam that it’s hard to pick out the perfect school via an internet search, but here are a few pointers:

• Be skeptical of a “guaranteed success” claim – there is no way to give a guarantee on passing! Some excellent drivers fail their driving test because of nerves and, like it or not, sometimes results are impacted by whether the examiner is having a bad day.
• Be sure to read a school’s online reviews carefully; some of a school’s rave reviews can come from from fake profiles!
• Last but not least – the student needs to click with the teacher. Taking a trial class not only reveals a driving student’s strengths and weaknesses, but is also a great way to learn about a teacher’s methods. If you feel that a different approach or teacher is needed, ask the school – or try a different school.

Some well regarded driving schools include:

Rijschool Green

Rijschool Go

Driving School Lima

Verkeersschool Nelen

Rijschool SafeLes 

Autorijschool Gulay Kayaalp  

As challenging as this process can be, it is good to know that a Dutch driver’s license is a truly good foundation for a lifetime of driving … wherever they drive. Don’t forget to enjoy the time it will free up for you!

Lana Huf-Germain is a born and bred Amsterdammer. She understands the difficulties faced by international families with no grasp of the language or history, and the extra problems this brings raising a family in Amsterdam. She started Amsterdam Family Assistance to help families new to the Netherlands overcome these barriers and make them feel at home.

The post Help! My Teenager Wants to Drive! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Could Anna be depressed?

Anna (not her real name) is a 12-year-old girl who has been more withdrawn and irritable than usual. She complains of frequent headaches. She refuses to go to her extracurricular activities and spends most of her time in her room alone. Her appetite has dropped. She doesn’t want to see her family or friends. She has recently made a comment on a social media site about not wanting to be around anymore. Her parents are very concerned and want to know what to do. Could Anna be depressed?

The answer is yes. Although Dutch children have been labelled among the happiest in the world, depression is still an issue facing young people here. In fact, the Dutch government recently started a campaign called “Hey, it’s okay”’ to talk about depression, especially aimed at youth. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the third leading cause of illness among adolescents globally, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in older teens. The good news is there is a lot that parents and caregivers can do to help prevent depression and give aid to struggling young people.

Anna has been more irritable and refuses to spend time with her family. Of course, young people can have mood swings as part of their normal development and want time alone. Mood swings can increase during the teen years when kids experience hormonal fluctuations and pubertal changes. However, Anna seems to have also withdrawn from her usual activities and friends. This and her comment on a social media site that she did not want to live should be taken seriously as a cry for help. What’s important to know is that depression can manifest itself differently among kids compared to adults.  

What is depression?

According to The Center for Young Women’s Health at Boston Children’s Hospital, depression is a constant low mood that affects behaviors, thoughts, and well-being. Depression may also lead to physical problems, such as difficulties sleeping, eating, or concentrating. As is the case with Anna and her frequent headaches, depression may also show as non-specific aches and pains. In severe cases, a child may feel that life is not worth living and be at risk for suicide. While it’s normal for kids to feel sad or down occasionally, it is concerning if your child shows some or all of the following warning signs consistently for two or more weeks. He or she could be depressed.

Warning signs include:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability, anger, or hostility
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Tearfulness or frequent crying
• Poor school performance
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in eating and sleeping habit
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

What causes depression?

Depression is likely related to a number of factors. I often ask my young patients about a family history of depression, conflict among family members, or significant family transition or change (which happen often among expat families). I also ask if there is any history of being picked on, bullied, or abused; a recent change in friendships; or any difficulties with academics. Finally, having a medical or mental health condition such as ADHD, anxiety, obesity, or diabetes can put some kids at higher risk.

What happens if depression goes untreated?

Without adequate support and early treatment, depression can lead to more serious issues. Youngsters turn to a variety of negative behaviors to escape feelings of sadness or frustration, including excessive video game playing and internet use, and unhealthy use of social media. Excessive screen time may also exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Binge drinking and drug use may be used to self-medicate mood-related issues.   

Can depression be associated with other mental health concerns?

Depression can be associated with poor body image, eating disorders, and self-injury. I routinely ask my patients about cutting and suicidal behavior, as the number of young people engaging in these practices is on the rise. Parents should know they are not increasing the likelihood of their children self-injuring simply by asking about it. To the contrary, it may be an important opportunity to get help early.

What are some treatments for depression?

No doubt, mental health issues, such as depression, can have a tremendous impact on kids and family. However, there are many things, you as a parent or adult can do to help.

The first step is to ask your child or teen if they are feeling down or depressed, or have thought of hurting themselves. Choose a safe place to talk, such as at the dining table, and let your child know what you have seen and why you are concerned. Ask your child to share what he or she is feeling, and get ready to listen without interrupting (see further strategies below).

If your child shows some or all of the following warning signs consistently for two or more weeks, he or she could be depressed.

If they are feeling sad or depressed, the next step is to consider getting counseling.  Counseling may be provided through school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Counseling can help kids to understand their feelings and develop strategies for coping.

In the Netherlands, it is common for a child to be seen by their huisarts (primary care doctor) for a referral for counseling and to rule out any physical causes for change in mood. The huisarts may, in turn, refer a child or teen to the Parent and Child Team (OKT), Community Health Services (GGD), Arkin Institute for Mental Health, or other specialized organisations for further evaluation. As wait times can vary, it is important to have regular follow-up with your huisarts, particularly if the level of depression increases.

It is also vital that your child or teen feel comfortable with their mental health provider. Having an open discussion with your huisarts about your child’s needs, language of choice, specific diagnosis, etc, can be helpful in finding the right provider. Some parents may choose to use the private system, and find a provider directly, without a referral. Although the wait time may be reduced, and this may allow for more autonomy, parents will need to pay out-of-pocket for such services, which can be quite expensive over time.

Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. In some cases, if depression doesn’t resolve with ongoing counseling, a trial of medication, alongside therapy, may be warranted. In severe cases, day treatment or inpatient care may be necessary. Of note, if your child or teen is actively considering suicide, they need immediate intervention by a mental health provider (or to be taken to the nearest emergency room).

Additional strategies to consider:

Trust your gut: Be aware of your child’s body language, comments, and other subtle clues to changes in mood and behavior. Kids may not always disclose issues to parents. Concerns voiced by peers or comments posted by your child on social media may also be important signs of a problem. If you suspect there might something wrong, then trust your instinct, and talk to your child openly.

Validate emotions and acknowledge strengths: Simply acknowledging your child’s sadness is key to making him or her feel understood and validated. To booster resilience, take time to talk about the activities they are doing well in, such as the arts or sports.

Increase personal and family time: Studies have shown that when families spend more time together, such as during meals, kids do better emotionally. Communicate daily with your kids. Listen. Talk to them about their school life and activities and how they are handling problems and making decisions. Setting aside time every day to talk and connect meaningfully with your child may go a long way to addressing (and preventing) depression.

Get kids connected: As with the case of Anna, kids who are depressed may pull back from friends and activities that they used to enjoy. Encourage them to reconnect. Help facilitate positive activities that will allow them to be with people they enjoy.

Eat well: Research has shown that there is a very strong link between mental and physical health. Unfortunately, young people are often prone to eating lots of convenience food. As a parent, you can help by encouraging healthy behaviors at home. Make sure your child is getting the nutrition they need for optimum brain health – eating lots of healthy fats, fruits and veggies, and protein. Avoid highly processed or sugary foods, which may cause rapid changes in energy level and mood.

Ensure adequate sleep: Studies show that kids today are simply not getting enough sleep. Many of my teen patients confide they are up very late, usually on the internet. Interestingly, kids who turn to electronic diversions such as TV and the internet to help them de-stress may end up being over-stimulated and have difficulty with sleep or even, over time, with weight management. Help your youngster by making sure they get enough rest.

Get active: Exercise produces chemicals that provide a feeling of well-being and help counteract stress. Parents should try to limit “screen time,” i.e., use of television, videos, and computer games, and increase the amount of outdoor and physical activities. Take walks, hike, or bike together as a family.

Volunteer in the community: Another meaningful and creative way to be active is to find volunteer or community service activities. In fact, helping others in need can serve as a very strong antidepressant, and can boost a child’s (and adult’s) mood.

Explore alternative methods of handling mood: Breathing and stretching techniques in yoga help relax muscles and release tension. There has been increasing awareness regarding the benefits of meditation and mindfulness to help kids develop resilience and prevent depression. For older kids who are more literate, encourage them to write, or journal, to express their mood.

Young people face innumerable pressures these days. It is not unusual for kids to experience occasional sadness or mood swings, particularly as they enter puberty. However, persistent irritability, sadness, complaints of pain, lack of interest in usual activities, and/or increase in alcohol or drug use may indicate depression, which can impact every aspect of a child’s (and their family’s) life. The good news is that there are clear strategies and resources available for parents in the Netherlands to help prevent and address depression and to ensure that their child gets back on track.

Resources:

GGD:  https://www.jouwggd.nl/onderwerp/dip-of-depressie/

OKT: www.oktamsterdam.nl

Arkin: https://www.arkinjeugdengezin.nl

www.gripopjedip.nl

www.omgaanmetjedepressie.nl

https://www.psychotherapie.nl

International Clinic for Mental Health in the Hague and Amsterdam

Center for Young Women’s Health at Boston Children’s Hospital

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

The post Depression and Kids appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

The Netherlands’ beloved theme park, Efteling, is located in Kaatsheuvel, about 110 km south of Amsterdam. It is the brainchild of Anton Pieck (1895-1987), the Netherlands’ most famous illustrator. Most of Efteling, especially the Fairytale Forest, was based on his designs. In 2017 Efteling was named Europe’s best theme park for young children by The Telegraph newspaper.

Time for a Visit

Our son turned 6 in May 2017, and we thought the Meivakantie would be a perfect time to visit this famous fairyland. For while Efteling has attractions for virtually every age, and there is no age limit for admittance, there are minimum height requirements for many rides. At 6 he was tall enough! Since we had no other trips planned during his two weeks of school holiday, it seemed a good idea to make a real trip of it and explore the region around Efteling as well.

After a little research, I concluded that Mondays and Tuesdays were the best days to visit. After consulting the weather forecast, we settled on a Sunday–Monday visit and booked a hotel. We chose Hotel Hof van ‘s Gravenmoer, which is very close to the theme park and is family friendly. Our little guy was thrilled to feed the hotel’s chickens, play in its garden, and delight in watching the horses and goats of the neighbouring farm.

On Sunday we had a wonderful time visiting the region around Efteling: the city of Den Bosch, the natural sand dunes of the area, and the lovely farms and stores in ‘s Gravenmoer. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at SED, a restaurant close to our hotel, and settled down for a good night’s sleep in preparation for our Efteling adventure the next day. On Monday morning, it was ‘klaar voor start’, as they say in the Netherlands! On to Efteling!

At Efteling

We arrived shortly after the 10:00 opening and easily found a parking place close to the park entrance. The magic began from the very moment we stepped out of the car, with Red Cape and Pardoes standing above the entrance waving at us, much to my son’s delight! Buying admission tickets took no time, although it was disappointing to learn that the discount cards I’d collected from Albert Heijn couldn’t be used! It was my own fault for not reading the conditions ahead of time, but to make use of the €10 discount, tickets have to be purchased at an Albert Heijn store. Another way to save money on the ticket price is to purchase them online, which saves you €2 a head.

We were in the park! We had a map to hand which was essential, because Efteling is huge! Where to start? Based on advice from friends, we began our adventure in the Sprookjesboom (Fairytale Forest) and stayed there until lunchtime. Around every corner there was something new and exciting, although personally we found Long Neck and The Fairytale Tree the most entertaining.

Some visitors bring food from home and picnic at the park, but as I had only packed snacks, we got to lunch in one of Efteling’s many restaurants. We chose one that offered a large selection of healthy food and drink. It was located near Droomvlucht, a ride through a world of fairies, elves and trolls, which was one of my favourite Efteling attractions.

On the other hand, what proved most exciting for our son was his first ever rollercoaster ride! He still talks about it, and was actually disappointed – though I wasn’t! – that he was not tall enough for the much bigger Python!

In addition to its many rides, Efteling has many wonderful performances. Don’t miss The Ravelijn – a spectacular show with horses, knights, dragons and fire!

We spent a full day in the park and while we managed to visit many of its attractions, we didn’t get to see and do everything. There really is a lot to see and do … but of course, this just means we will have to go back next year for another visit! Yay!

Practical Information

• Efteling is open year round from 10:00–18:00 and each season has its own distinctive events.    
• Efteling is accessible by public transportation.
• There are a several options when it comes to purchasing admission tickets, but general admission (from ages 4–60 years) is €37.50. For seniors and disabled people, admission is €35.50. Buying tickets online in advance saves you €2 per ticket. Parking is €10 and may also be purchased in advance.
• Baby/Toddler Care: Strollers can be brought into the park or can be rented for €4; bathrooms are equipped with changing stations and there is a dedicated area for breast pumping; highchairs are available at most restaurants.
• Read the information about rides and attractions before waiting in long queues only to discover they are not suitable for you or your family after all! I suffer from motion sickness and made the mistake of unknowingly entering a room and sitting down only to realise the seats would be moving around more than I could stomach! If only I had known ahead of time …

Looking for family-friendly accommodation near Efteling? Book your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas and we’ll receive a portion of the reservation value. Find the perfect accommodation for your family and support Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!

photo credit: Efteling

The post And Away We Go to Efteling! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Culture is Relative

Culture has a big impact on how we raise our children and no culture gets everything right. I used to think that my Dutch upbringing was not that different from growing up in the rest of the world. Then I became a nanny and a child care professional, which exposed me to many different cultures. The things we feed our kids, how we discipline them, and how we take care of them: there are vast differences!

The cultural differences in raising children became even clearer to me once I became a mother myself. I married a Bosnian man, my sisters married men from Suriname, and I have family all over the world. Exposure to all those different cultures has altered the way I view my own culture, upbringing and parenting.

One thing that struck me is that I seem to be so much more relaxed (or lazy) with my children compared to my multicultural family members. And when I look at social media or read international parenting blogs, I reach the same conclusion.

I believe the reason that many parents in the Netherlands are considered to be relaxed is because of all the things they don’t do rather than they do. So, if you’re exhausting yourself with doing too much, here are seven things you can learn from the Dutch.

1. Don’t worry about  planning all-day-long entertainment for your child

Most parents here send their children to after-school clubs on one or two days a week max. Therefore, most days are left open for free play. That doesn’t mean Dutch parents run around making sure the children are entertained, though. They feel children need to entertain themselves most of the time – playing outside or bringing a friend over from school. The role of the parents is to arrange some lemonade and cookies, while the children are playing. In our household, we occasionally take our daughters to special playgrounds and petting zoos and that’s pretty much it as far as organized activities are concerned.

2. Home cooking needn’t be Michelin starred

Many families in the countryside – and some in the cities – eat the traditional cooked potatoes, vegetables and meat practically every day. Although certainly not adventurous, it’s easy and quick. No fresh herbs, no fancy cooking techniques: just simple, cooked food. At lunch time, kids get sandwiches – first a savory one, with cheese or ham, followed by a sweet one. And yes, a lot of kids eat chocolate sprinkles every day!

3. Don’t bother trying to create little Einsteins

Parents in the Netherlands don’t usually spend much energy persuading their kids to study hard and learn a lot at a young age. They believe that kids will learn what they need to learn at school. And if they do want to learn more about a particular area, they will show interest themselves, instead of their parents pushing them to do it. Having fun at school and enjoying their childhood is probably considered the most important goal during this period.

4. Birthday parties needn’t be professional

Each birthday, Dutch children get birthday garlands, cake (baked or bought) and the pleasure of friends and family coming over. No huge birthday themes, no baking three days beforehand, and most of the party planning is done last minute. This doesn’t mean the birthday boy or girl is not celebrated and doesn’t feel special – on the contrary! We sing songs, give gifts and make sure we spoil the little star of the day. But none of our birthday pictures are Pinterest-proof and we certainly will not win any awards.

5. You don’t need to buy everything new

I love getting second hand clothing and toys for my daughters. I use my sister’s old stroller, I bought my crib from marktplaats.nl (the Dutch e-bay) and I regularly get clothing that my niece has outgrown. In the Netherlands, there’s no taboo in getting or buying second hand clothing or toys for your children, and it can save you a lot of money and time.

6. You are the one in charge of the kids’ schedule – not them

Many parents in the Netherlands believe in routines and early bedtimes for their children. The schedule is holy. This means that Dutch parents may leave early at parties, may not meet with you during naptime, and may have extremely early dinners. But there are several advantages to a tight schedule as well: the children are very well rested, there is less room for discussion about bed time (it’s always the same), and the parents have time for themselves in the evening.

7. Worry less 

I let my kids walk barefoot in the house all the time, which shocks my mother-in-law every time she sees it. If my daughter doesn’t want to wear her jacket, I let her experience the cold for herself and most of the time she’ll put her jacket on within five minutes. And if my children fall, I don’t come running to pick them up immediately. First, I observe if they are hurt and need me. Many times, they’ll just get up and play on.

When they get older, I’ll let them play outside by themselves and let them walk to school alone when the time feels right. The reason for this less protective way of parenting is that I want my daughters to grow into responsible, resilient and independent adults. As they grow up, I want them to learn as many life lessons as they can. If needed, I’ll intervene – but otherwise, I won’t stand in the way. It’s a parenting philosophy that is shared by many parents here.

In Conclusion

If you interact long enough with Dutch parents, you are bound to recognize some of the parenting characteristics described above. They seem to be relaxed and leave their kids a lot of space for exploring the world. In the end, there is no fixed right or wrong way to raise a child. But one thing I know for sure: being a mom is not an easy task, so if being a bit Dutch every now and then helps you cope, it can’t be such a bad thing.

The post Less is More: 7 Things We Can Learn from the Dutch about Parenting appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

• Some statistics and misconceptions about eating disorders
• The protective aspects of Dutch culture when it comes to body image issues
• Risk factors for body image and eating disorders
• The effects of social media on body image
• How to talk to your teens about body image and disordered eating
• How the Dutch healthcare system addresses eating disorder and at-risk individuals
• Resources for parents and teens

We begin this episode with a short segment explaining everything you need to know about cervical exams (pap smears) in the Netherlands. 

Dr Anisha Abraham is a pediatrician who has 20+ years experience helping young people with substance abuse, eating disorders, obesity, depression, and sexually-transmitted infections. She is currently on faculty at the University of Amsterdam and previously worked in the US and Asia. She also serves as a consultant in schools helping coach teens and their parents to handle stress and promote self-esteem and resilience. We highly encourage our listeners to check out Dr. Abraham’s TEDx talk ‘Demystifying Teens’ as well as her article Amsterdam Mamas article on sex education in the Netherlands.

Show notes: 

Nederlandse Acadamie Voor Eetstoornissen

Register of Dieticians in NL

Buro PUUR self-esteem training

Video on Cervical Screening Exams in the Netherlands

Information on cervical cancer screenings on the Dutch Public Health website

IAmExpat Fair 2017

Use booking.com/amsterdammamas to book your next holiday stay! 

Don’t forget to subscribe! You can find The Amsterdam Mamas Podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, or on your favorite podcast app.

For feedback, questions, or comments on this episode, visit our Facebook Page or contact us at podcast@amsterdam-mamas.nl.

The post S04E28: Teens, Body Image, and Eating Disorders appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

We talk with a couple of Group 8 students in Amsterdam who are in the middle of touring potential secondary schools, and hear their perspectives on the entire process. 

We also hear from local blogger, Sarah Familia, about what it’s like as a parent to navigate the secondary school choice matrix with your child.

For our last interview of this episode, we sit down with Annebet Van Mameren of New2NL. Annebet is well known in the community for helping parents navigate the Dutch Education system. She discusses the CITO exam, and the debates surrounding the secondary education streaming system. We also hear about issues that are particular to the process in Amsterdam.    

Even in a highly educated country with competitive international rankings and with happy kids, education is still an imperfect, complex affair. This episode is a must for anyone navigating the Dutch Education system.   

Show Notes

New2NL (also on Facebook and Twitter: @New2nl)

Find Sarah’s blog at casteluzzo.com

Booking.com/amsterdammamas

Don’t forget to subscribe! You can find The Amsterdam Mamas Podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, or on your favorite podcast app.

For feedback, questions, or comments on this episode, visit our Facebook Page or contact us at podcast@amsterdam-mamas.nl.

Image credit: Sarah Familia

The post S04E31: Choose Your Own Adventure: Navigating the Dutch Secondary School System appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

When Do I Need to Choose which Middelbare Schools to Tour?

Group 7 is the school year where parents begin thinking about the Middelbare School (MS), the next stage in the education ladder. Most parents will choose to tour now to give themselves plenty of time. It can feel like a rush if you leave it until Group 8.

By Group 8 (ages 11-13) they will need to make their choices. This is a good time to re-visit your favourites to be sure of your preferences.

When Should I Visit?

It is not mandatory to visit the schools. However, between January and March, Middelbare Schools offer a visiting schedule. I recommend looking at ‘stap 3‘ on the Gemeente’s website as this provides an overview of the schools. If you listed 12 high schools to visit, you may want to prioritize your top choices. Then, the following year, visit the remaining high schools on your list.

Where are the Middelbare Schools?

For an overview of the locations, visit the Gemeente website. Go to the schools’ websites to get familiar with their programs and see what they offer. 

You can apply to any school you wish. There is no postcode restriction. Since post codes do not apply, it is a “free-game” for those willing to travel far to attend a high school. It is normal in the Netherlands to consider schools within a radius of around one hour’s travel. 

What are the Different Types of Middelbare School?

Every school that you visit offers either VWO, VWO/HAVO, or VWO/HAVO/VMBO.

VWO (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs) is a pre-university education and includes the Gymnasium, which requires the additional study of Latin, and/or ancient Greek. In VWO, if your child is accepted but does not pass the first year, they must leave the school and find another school. However, if the school also offers HAVO, your child has the option to move to that level and stay.

HAVO (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs) is a preparation for university or a professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs or ‘HBO’).

VMBO (voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs) is a vocational education.

Read more about the different types of schools.

I recommend shortlisting 12 schools based on your child’s academic level and interest. Different schools offer different specialisms. Do they want to major in Drama and Music or are they more interested in the Sciences and in Math? Do they want a practical training or are they opting for an academic route?

Should I Keep my Child with their Friends?

There is also no guarantee that your child’s friends will get into the same school as you and they may also have ranked their choices differently. Friends come and go and many students will keep their best friends regardless of the school they choose. Selecting a Middelbare School should depend mainly on your child’s academic interest and their willingness to travel to the school of their choice. 

How Long Does it Take to Visit a Middelbare School?

This depends on you and your child but you will probably spend 2-3 hours per visit.  I recommend the following:

• Prepare some small snacks for your child as the long hours can make one hungry.  
• Take photos of your child in the classroom, during a science experiment, at the gym or in front of the high school.  This helps you distinguish the high schools later on.
• Say hello to fellow classmates or friends that you bump into on the tour. Seeing other kids they know will be a comfort to your child.
• Take the time to talk with the teachers and students.

What Should I do After the Tour?

Document each high school visit with notes on remarks from your child, something a teacher or student said, and photos. Remember that your child is in group 7 and it will take one year before any final decisions need to be made; that’s a long time to remember the details that mattered during the high school visit. Try to rank the schools in an order which makes sense to you.

Help make your child’s important step to high school a great experience! 

For more information on Secondary Schooling in Amsterdam, visit iAmsterdam.

The post Survival Guide to Touring Dutch High Schools appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.