Why in Leiden
- Learning Dutch in the Netherlands
- The Dutch Studies programme was established in 1986. Since then, the programme has developed into a lively international community. In the Netherlands, Leiden is the only place where international students can follow a full academic programme in Dutch Studies.
- Interdisciplinary
- During your Dutch Studies programme, you will not only learn to speak and write the language, you will also get to know about Dutch culture. To make this possible, the Dutch Studies department cooperates with the departments of History, Art History and Dutch Language and Culture. You will get to know the history of the Netherlands – how the Dutch people have managed to live in a country which is largely below sea level; you will learn about Dutch literature and, it goes without saying, about famous artists as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.
- Teaching by top-level academics
- Research and education are closely interrelated. Academic training is essential of all Leiden programmes. The University is committed to maintaining and strengthening its reputation as an authentic academic institution. This is the University’s motivation for permanent attention to continuous modernisation in education and innovation in research. Scholars of Dutch Studies from Leiden are among the top scholars in their field. One of them, the prominent linguist prof dr J.W. de Vries, founded the Dutch department in 1986. The staff of the department currently employs scholars in the field of cultural identity, Dutch art history, history, linguistics and literature.
- Leiden, close to Amsterdam and The Hague
- Leiden is an authentic Dutch town with beautiful historic monuments and canals. Student life is concentrated predominantly in the town centre. The University, the station and most of the shops are all within walking distance. Furthermore, Leiden has a huge student community. There are many interesting museums, such as the National Museum of Ethnology, the Municipal Museum ‘De Lakenhal’ and the Siebold House. Leiden is situated near larger cities such as The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam: less than 30 minutes by train!
- International contacts
- Leiden University has always been very internationally orientated. Students and staff from all parts of the world find their way to Leiden. The numerous partnerships and other contacts with academic institutions in many countries emphasise the University’s international focus.
- League of European Research Universities
- The focus on academic research of international standing is characteristic of the Leiden signature. Leiden University fully intends to remain among the top Universities in Europe. The University is founder and member of the League of European Research Universities and cooperates closely with other prominent universities such as Oxford, Heidelberg and Leuven. Leiden also maintains contacts with many universities outside Europe.
- Personal
- The Dutch Studies programme is a small personally oriented department with an average of 40 new students each year. Students come from all over the world to learn about Dutch culture and language. Learning a new language requires intensive study, therefore, during the first part of the programme, you will have many lectures. This will give you the opportunity to get to know your lecturers and fellow students. The Dutch Studies department also regularly organises receptions and other activities where all students are very welcome. Finally, in Leiden you can expect intensive, personal guidance from your first year right up to graduation.
