High School in the Netherlands

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  • Overview

    Hallo!

    Get a first-hand look the three principles of the Dutch school system; independence, cooperation and problem-solving on Greenheart Travel’s Dutch Language and Culture Program. As a high school study abroad or gap year student, you’ll ride a bike to your local Dutch high school, make life-long Dutch friends and learn about European art and history with the museum pass that gives you access to any museum in the country!

    Greenheart Travel’s program is ideal if you:

    • Love the idea of making cycling your main mode of transportation
    • Love learning – history, arts, and culture are some of your favorite topics!
    • Are academically independent – you might as well be in college!
    • Can’t wait to embrace the Dutch language. Bring it on! (Psst! If you’re a beginner, no worries. A Dutch language course is included in your program!)

    Sound like you? We thought so. Here’s the program at a glance:

    • Host family accommodation provides full language & cultural immersion
    • You can choose between short-term, trimester, semester or academic year lengths – short-term programs available upon request!
    • Students staying three months or less can choose to be placed in bilingual schools for an additional fee (ease into the Dutch language!)
    • A straightforward online application process
    • Start dates in spring or fall

    What do past participants say about studying abroad in the Netherlands?

    You and your team abroad truly did a wonderful job! Thank you! We greatly appreciated all the prompt and timely communications. We would recommend Greenheart Travel to others interested in pursuing student exchange travel abroad.” – Dave and Tammy Dunn, parents of exchange student in the Netherlands, Izzy Dunn.

  • Program Dates

    Fall 2024 Dates

    Please note we have a very limited amount of spots for our program in the Netherlands and spots could (and do) fill before the listed deadline. If you are set on a certain start date– please apply early! 

    Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

    • First Trimester: August 19 – November 15, 2024 [Limited Availability]
    • Second Trimester: October 23, 2024 – January 20, 2025
    • Semester: August 19, 2024 – January 12, 2025 [Limited Availability]
    • Academic Year: August 19, 2024 – July 18, 2025 [Limited Availability]

    Spring 2025 Dates

    Please note we have a very limited amount of spots for our program in the Netherlands and spots could (and do) fill before the listed deadline. If you are set on a certain start date– please apply early! 

    Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
    Apply early and save! Apply by June 15, 2024 and save $300 off a trimester or semester program and $500 off an academic year program. 

    • Trimester: January 6 – April 6, 2025
    • Semester: January 6 – July 20, 2025
    • Academic Year: January 6 – October 26, 2025

    You’ll know your exact arrival and departure dates after being placed in a host family and in a school! Program dates vary depending on region and school placement.

    Looking for a program shorter than 3 months? 2-month programs may be available on a case-by-case basis. Email travelapplications@greenheart.org to discuss your options with a Program Manager.

     

    Arrival and Departure 

    All students are required to book flights on their own. An airport transfer upon arrival is included in the cost of the program. We will provide your exact arrival and departure dates after acceptance, as well as the exact timeframes you should arrive/depart, so that you can start to search for possible flights. We require prior approval of a proposed itinerary before you purchase any flights.

    Nervous about flying on your own? We recommend students and parents sitting down together to review the following resources:

    For many Greenheart Travel students their first time flying is across the world to start their exchange program! You can read our alumni experiences on our blog, such as Emily’s or Madison’s blogs on their experiences flying to Japan or Rachel’s tips on what you actually need to know about flying.

    Any arrival or departure outside of your assigned window will incur $300 fee.

  • Costs & Inclusions

    Program Fees for Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

    • Academic Trimester: $9,890
    • Academic Semester: $12,060
    • Academic Year: $14,890

    Packaged into the Price:

    • Airport pickup upon arrival
    • Host family accommodation and 3 meals per day
    • High school placement and enrollment fees 
    • Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
    • Online Dutch language course (20 hours before arrival + 12 weeks during the program)
    • 6-Day arrival orientation with Dutch local coordinators for semester and year-long students, 4-day orientation for short-term programs (sightseeing, Dutch language, cultural training, etc.)
    • Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program for use on college applications
    • Your own personal bike during your time in the Netherlands to use to get around or to school every day
    • Local outings organized by your local coordinator (one per semester included)
    • Museum pass valid in all museums throughout the country
    • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program 
    • Greenheart Travel T-shirt & other Greenheart swag

    Our Support and Services: 

    • Visa Assistance  upon arrival. Local staff will have already submitted your application and will take you to finish the process during orientation!
    • Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your US-based program coordinators! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in the Netherlands.
    • Support from in-country staff upon arrival to the Netherlands.
    • Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave.
    • 24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
    • Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad.

    Additional Expenses You’ll Need to Cover (Estimates):

    • Airfare to/from Netherlands
    • Visa fees and expenses to travel to apply for the entry visa if required for your start date (290 euros + travel costs)
    • Simple start-up costs if you need anything upon arrival ($500)
    • Souvenirs, entertainment, personal travel, meals outside the home, optional school trips, extracurriculars, club sports, etc. ($300-500/month)
    • Request for placement in a bilingual school (EUR 1000) (optional)

    Payment Details:

    • $1,500 Application Fee due by the program deadline to formally apply
    • $5,000 Commitment Payment due 14 days after acceptance
    • Remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to your start date. If your program starts within 16 weeks of acceptance, the remaining program balance payment will be due at the same time as the commitment payment. 

    Worried about the program fee?

    Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially do-able. Each year we offer scholarships for high school study abroad students! We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many high school students fundraise in their hometown ahead of their program.

    We also offer discounts for applying early (plus there are many other benefits to applying early!) for each start date and for US families that have hosted an exchange student with Greenheart Exchange.

  • Eligibility

    In researching a study abroad program, you have already shown you are a leader and open-minded in your academic pursuits. These are just a few of the traits that our exchange students possess. You’re motivated to immerse yourself in another culture and flexible enough to live outside your comfort zone. You should also:

    • Be between 15 and 18 years of age (at the time of your program start date, not when applying)
    • Be from the United States or Canada
    • Possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75/4.0
    • Be in great mental* and physical health
    • Have a genuine interest in becoming a part of your host family and community
    • Be willing to study and learn the Dutch language

    Want to wait to study abroad until after you graduate? We can also accept high school graduates on a case-by-case basis who are no older than 18 years and 6 months upon arrival into the country.

    *What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.

    Please note that students who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD will not be guaranteed any academic accommodations plans by the host school abroad.

  • Orientation

    All participants will get to participate in a 6-day orientation upon arrival, in Soest, which is 45 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and 30 minutes from the city center of Amsterdam.

    You’ll have the opportunity to meet many other new like-minded and adventurous students who have also just arrived! By the end, you’ll have new friends scattered around the entire country. Orientation includes important activities and classes on what to expect on your program, language, and local culture. The accommodation is a short walk from the regionally famous sand dunes and has great facilities in a forested area.

    Example Itinerary:

    Subject to change.

    Monday – Welcome!

    On Monday the students will arrive around noon at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the High School Holland team will greet the students and bring them by bus to the accommodation in Soest. In the evening we have dinner together and will give a presentation about the program and the rules of the orientation week. We will also do some games so we can all get to know each other better.

    Tuesday – Tour of Amsterdam

    After breakfast, we will depart to the city of Amsterdam. The program of the day in Amsterdam will be communicated later, but we can already say that it will be an instructive and fun day! In the evening we have dinner again at our accommodation in Soest. After dinner, the students have some free time.

    Wednesday – Learn Dutch

    This day is full of Dutch classes, in the morning, afternoon and evening! But don’t worry there are enough breaks in between for coffee and tea and also for lunch. After the afternoon class, we will have dinner followed by one more session of language training with lots of fun games to practice the students’ Dutch skills.

    Thursday – Visa Processing

    After breakfast, the students will start with Dutch classes again. In the late afternoon, they will have free time to do whatever they want to do. The students that need a visa will also visit the Immigration and Naturalization Authorities. In the evening after dinner, there is time to relax and the option to watch a movie.

    Friday – Learn To Ride Your Bike!

    After breakfast students will get a small lesson on how Dutch traffic works for biking around your new city. Every student receives a free bike on this program to use during their entire exchange program. After this lesson, we will ride our bikes and visit the city of Amersfoort. After lunch, the students will attend a workshop that prepares them for a successful program. In the evening we will plan a fun activity for all students to close the week in a spectacular way!

    Saturday – Meet Your Host Families!

    Saturday is a very exciting day: you will meet your host family! Host families will come to pick you up at the orientation location. This is such a great part of the week as now the adventure really starts and all of the students will go to their new Dutch home with their new Dutch family!

    Fun at orientation!

    See More: Photos from Orientation in the Netherlands

  • Host Families

    The best way to learn about a new culture and language is to be fully immersed in it which is why all Greenheart Travel high school abroad students live with local Dutch host families. All of our host families are volunteers and will treat you as a member of their family. By being a part of your family’s daily life, you will learn to live and speak like a local! 

    Prospective host families undergo a rigorous screening process. Participants can rest assured that only suitable host families will be selected. In fact, many of our current host families have hosted students in the past, showing what an impactful experience it was.

    In order to qualify as a host family, the prospective hosts must:

    • Successfully pass a criminal background check
    • Undergo and pass an in-person interview with program staff
    • Agree to and pass a home inspection
    • Attend a comprehensive host family training
    • Commit to sending monthly reports to our local coordinators
    • Be able to provide you a comfortable sleeping and study space and 3 meals a day

    We will connect you with your host family prior to your arrival in your host country. By e-mailing and speaking with them before arriving, it will help break the ice when you finally meet in person. It will also show that you are as excited to live with them as they are to host you!

    Host families have many reasons why they want to welcome you! Our host families are volunteers, meaning they don’t receive compensation for housing and feeding students during their program. Many host families love the experience of cultural exchange – they learn just as much about your country as you do theirs. Many are also former exchange students and want to return the favor, or they have children who have gone or will go to study in the U.S. Having an exchange student exposes their children to new languages and cultures.

    A student meeting their host family at the end of orientation!

  • Placements

    We’ve placed students all over the Netherlands! Some of our most common placements are in the following towns: Meldersl, Terbor, Harderwijk, Venray and Melick.

    It is very unlikely you will be placed in a city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The majority of our families live in small to medium-sized towns outside of major cities, and it is important you be open-minded to small-town life. The Netherlands is a small country, so it’s likely you’ll get the chance to visit big cities very often.

    We make it a priority to place students with host families that closely match your interests and personality, for example, if you like field hockey, we’ll do our best to find a family that also loves field hockey! For this reason, we work first to find a suitable family rather than a destination preference. We can always take requests and make them a priority, but we can never guarantee placements in any specific city or region, and we match based on compatibility with the host family.

  • Activities and Excursions

    Each student will have activities and excursions that they can choose to be a part of. Your local coordinator will organize one event per semester, so that is two events if you stay for the academic year. The national office and staff will also organize one event per semester for all exchange students (for example, a trip to Gouda), so that is another two events for the academic year. And on top of that, there is also Family Day for host families and students to come together for a fun day.

    Therefore, there are 5 student events organized per academic year, and all expenses are paid for the student (including transportation costs).

    Please note these are subject to change and vary semester to semester.

    Example Activities and Excursions:

    • Family day in June
    • Local coordinator organized excursions 1 per semester
    • School-organized excursions (depends on the school)
    • In-country partner optional excursions and activities such as:
      • Gouda tour
      • King’s Day celebrations
      • Amsterdam (open-air museum)
      • Arnhem (cycling)
  • Academic Info

    So, what about credits? 

    Neither Greenheart Travel nor the host school abroad provides high school credit. All credit must be granted through your home school in the U.S. or Canada. All U.S./Canadian schools have different policies. Here’s a blog post to read more about how some alumni have transferred credits.  

    In the Netherlands, we cannot guarantee your host school will provide you an official transcript. If your school will not, some host schools will provide documentation, letters, and any other materials you require upon request. You must have good behavior, attendance, and performance in order for the school to fulfill this request.  

    Then, you should take this documentation back to your home school as proof of your participation in the program. Your home school is responsible for awarding you credit for this program or not.  

    Before You Go Abroad

    You should meet with your U.S./Canadian high school before you leave and share the general curriculum guidelines for The Netherlands with your guidance counselor and/or teachers.  

    Because the curriculum will vary by school and we cannot guarantee you’ll take any specific classes, it is important that you arrange the required classes required for your graduation, such as U.S. History, before or after your time abroad.  

    Greenheart Travel will be able to provide information about the general curriculum for your age level in The Netherlands, but you will not know your course schedule until after you arrive in country and start attending school.  

    Access your High School Curriculum Guidelines for the Netherlands here!

    Once You’re Abroad

    Please keep in mind that the grading system in other countries is different than the US and most host schools will not grant grades or transcripts as it is too difficult to evaluate your work due to the language barrier. If your host school is able to award you grades, they won’t be an exact match to what you would get in the US.

    However, our team of local coordinators in the Netherlands works hard provide proof of attendance and record of courses and evaluations of your performance. Many U.S. high schools of past students have accepted this for credit.

  • FAQs

    I am a parent with questions, where do I go?

    Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to chat with you about this big decision!

    I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

    Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests. 

    Please read more here.

    Can I choose where I will be placed in the Netherlands?

    No, you must be flexible about where you are placed within the Netherlands. We make it a priority to place students with host families that closely match your interests and personality, for example, if you like field hockey, we’ll do our best to find a family that also loves field hockey! For this reason, we work first to find a suitable family rather than a destination preference. We can always take requests and make them a priority, but we can never guarantee placements in any specific city or region, and we match based on compatibility with the host family.

    We’ve placed students all over the Netherlands! Some of our most common placements are in the following towns: Meldersl, Terbor, Harderwijk, Venray and Melick.

    It is very unlikely you will be placed in a city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The majority of our families live in small to medium-sized towns outside of major cities, and it is important you be open-minded to small-town life. The Netherlands is a small country, so it’s likely you’ll get the chance to visit big cities very often.

    I know a family in my program country that would like to host me. Is this possible?

    This is possible as long as we have a support network in the family’s host community and there is an available nearby host school.

    Will I have a host sibling my age?

    There is no guarantee that you will have a host sibling your age. Your host family may have young children, teenage children, or grown children who no longer live at home. Regardless of the age of your host siblings, they’ll be excited to welcome into the family!

    What if I don’t like my host family? Can I request a new one?

    No. We do not change host families based on preferences or location. However, if issues arise once you are on the program, we will handle them on a case-by-case basis and may make changes if necessary.

    Will I have my own room? Should I bring anything?

    This will depend on your host family. You might share a room with another exchange student or host sibling of the same gender but in most cases, you will have your own room.

    Your host family will provide sheets, pillows, towels etc. You are responsible for providing toiletries. Upon arrival your host family might also help you visit a store to pick up any missing items.

    What visa do I get and how do I apply?

    You will receive your visa once in country. You must complete immigration and visa paperwork during the application process, and when you arrive in the Netherlands the in-country staff will help you.

    Do I need vaccines/shots?

    Greenheart Travel strongly recommends that all program participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving to their destination country. If you will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of your program, please contact a Program Manager to confirm that your destination country will accept non-vaccinated participants.

    All participants are required to submit a record of immunizations during the application process.

    What happens if I get sick or have an emergency?

    If you get sick, your host family or local coordinator will help you get medical care.

    If you have an emergency on program, we have a 24/7 emergency number you can call. Our in-country partner staff and your host family will be there to assist you. Greenheart will be in touch with your parents regarding your emergency.

    You will be covered by medical and accident insurance for the duration of your program. You will receive all of the insurance information and an insurance card when you arrive in the Netherlands. This will cover you for most medical expenses you might incur, like prescriptions, ER visits, doctor visits, dental accidents, and hospitalizations.

    When is the first and last day of school?

    The first and last day of school will depend on the school you are placed in! Most students start school in late August and end in early July.

    What meals are provided?

    Your host family will provide three meals a day. The Dutch tend to eat a lot of bread, so sandwiches for breakfast and for lunch. The Dutch tend to eat healthy food. For dinner often potatoes, rice or pasta. Lots of vegetables and meat or fish. Nowadays lots of vegetarian food as well. And of course dessert!

    Students will eat lunch at their high school. They will bring a packed lunch from their host family.

    Will I get a transcript?

    Students who study for a semester or year are eligible for “convalidation,” meaning you can bring a document to your school in the U.S. to demonstrate the courses you took. Only students who performed well academically will be eligible, and the Dutch school decides if the student will receive convalidation or not. Our in-country partners will help students with the process, but it is their responsibility to obtain the convalidation.

    Do I need to be fluent in the Dutch language?

    No. One of the main goals of studying abroad is to become fluent in Dutch while living overseas. The host family and school will not expect you to be fluent when they first arrive and will help you improve your language skills. As long as you try your best, you’ll pick up the language sooner than you might think! Luckily in the Netherlands, we provide an online course before arrival, do workshops during the orientation week, and provide a 12-week Dutch course during your program also. Students who do trimester and 1-2-month programs will be placed in bilingual schools to ease the learning process. 

    Will anyone at my school speak English?

    Dutch students are required to study English at school, so many students speak English. However, remember that you are there to learn Dutch! Many students will ask to speak English with you, but remind them that you want to practice your new language skills.

    For semester and academic year students, all classes will be in Dutch. For trimester and two-month programs, you will be enrolled in a bilingual English and Dutch high school. We provide you with an online Dutch course prior to arrival, and a 12-week Dutch course during your program to ease the language barrier.

    What classes can I choose from? How do I pick them?

    During the application, you will be asked to choose a specific track (culture and society, economy and society, nature and health, and nature and technique).

    The mandatory subjects in every track are: Dutch, English, gym, social studies, and cultural arts. Students will have the opportunity to choose two electives, such as geography, other foreign languages, philosophy, arts (music, dance, drama, visual arts), physics, math, etc.

    Will I have a uniform? Is there a dress code?

    Most Dutch schools do not have school uniforms. You should dress smart casual to school.

    When should I apply?

    We recommend you apply a minimum of 6 months prior to your desired semester.

    The sooner you can apply the better, as acceptance, gathering documents, etc. can take a long time. Read more about why applying early is a good idea.

    Our final deadlines for fall start dates are March 15, and September 15 for spring departures.

    My home school requires service learning in order to graduate. How will I do that abroad?

    Greenheart Travel is proud to offer the Greenheart Club for all of our students. The Greenheart Club challenges our participants to pursue a deeper level of immersion through volunteerism. As a member of the Greenheart Club, you will receive guidance in strategizing creative ways to give back to your community, have access to tools for tracking your impact and receive incentives for their efforts as a global leader. This is a great chance for you to get to know the local community outside of the classroom while you study abroad.

    Will I have a cell phone and internet?

    You can keep your American phone number, but all students in the Netherlands must also have a local phone number to communicate with the local coordinator, staff, and your host family. We give you tips and advice for communication while abroad during your program.

    All host families (and most every person) in the Netherlands have internet in their homes. There is also 4G internet widely available throughout the country.

    If you have a laptop we recommend bringing it, as it will be helpful for school and for communicating with home.

    Will someone pick me up at the airport?

    Yes! Our local staff will pick you up from the airport and transport you to the on-site arrival orientation site. They can’t wait to meet you!

    Are flights included?

    Flights are NOT included in the cost of the program.

    I get a bike!?

    Yes, every student on this program gets their very own orange bike to use!

    Some Things You Might See at Orientation For High School in the Netherlands

    How will I get from orientation to my host family’s city?

    Your host family will pick you up on the last day of your on-site arrival orientation.

    Do you offer any scholarships, financial aid, or special discounts?

    Yes. Every year we offer various scholarships for select high school program destinations. There are two Early Bird Deadline discounts offered each year as well. If you have hosted a student for Greenheart Exchange, you are also eligible for a Greenheart Host Family discount.

    Can friends study abroad together?

    Our programs are based on a full, cultural immersion experience so friends are not allowed to study abroad together in the same host school. Don’t worry though; making friends in your new host country will happen quickly!

    Can I come home to visit or can my parents visit them while abroad?

    No. Visits are not allowed during the high school program. If your family wishes to visit, they should plan to meet you after your program is completed. In this instance, Greenheart Travel’s National office and international partner office should be informed of your family’s plans.

    Can I take the SATs while abroad?

    You will not be able to take the SAT’s while abroad.  We highly recommend taking the SAT’s prior to or after the program.

    I have already graduated, am I still eligible?

    On a case by case basis, we can accept graduated students in the Netherlands. However, note you must be 18 for at least 6 months of the program and will not be placed in the final year of high school. 

    Can I speak to current high school students or alumni?

    Yes! Check out our blog or your child can join our exclusive teen programs Facebook group to talk to current and past students.

    We also have a list of mentors (teens and parents) that are past participants open to chatting about their experience with potential new participants. Please inquire here if you want to be put in touch with a mentor.

  • Why Greenheart Travel?

    Greenheart Travel has been working with high schoolers for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

    • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
    • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
    • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
    • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like medical insurance so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
    • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
    • Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
    • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
    • We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
    • Continued support throughout your time abroad

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel students and alumni!

    Greenheart Grants

    Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

    Greenheart Alumni Program

    We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

    Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each May Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to around 10 teen alumni to attend our annual conference in Chicago. You can see more about what Jr. GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

  • Application Process

    Committing to studying abroad can feel daunting, but we are here every step of the way to make the application process as simple as possible! Below are the various steps you’ll need to take to be accepted on a high school abroad program.

    1. Start Your Application HereYou will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application. Once the initial form is complete, you will be connected to a High School Abroad program manager who will speak with you and a parent to go over the details of the program.

    2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

    3. Submit your application fee: A $1,500 application fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee, it’s not additional. 

    4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

    5. Interview: After submitting your application fee, you will schedule an interview. During this interview, we will ask you questions about living with a host family, adjusting to new situations and homesickness, among other things. You will also receive an overview of the next few months and what you can expect. This is done via Zoom, and at least one parent should also be in attendance.

    6. You’re Accepted! Once you’ve completed all the steps, Greenheart Travel will thoroughly review your application and will contact you within 2-3 weeks about your acceptance. Then, you’ll get more information about preparation, visas, and placement.

    7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $5,000 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. We cannot start the host family matching process until we have this payment. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

    7. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to The Netherlands! 

    Required Documents

    In addition to completing an application, you will also be required to submit documents. You can be collecting the documents during the application process, but all documents will be due 14 days after you submit your application fee.

    The following documents will be required for all destinations:

    • Letter of Recommendation (from a teacher, coach or guidance counselor) – does not need to be sealed, should be scanned and uploaded to the document portal
    • Transcripts from the last 3 years (unofficial transcripts accepted)
    • Student Dear Family Letter
    • Parent Questionnaire & Letter
    • Photo Album (5-7 photos of you on a Word document with captions in English and Dutch)
    • Headshot
    • Medical Form (including immunizations)
    • Copy of your passport
    • 2-3 minutes self-introduction video sent via YouTube link*
    • Secondary rules & expectations document signed by both parents and students
    • Preliminary visa and immigration documentation
    • Preliminary insurance application
    • Hobbies and interests questionnaire
    • School preferences questionnaire
    • Birth certificate with an apostilled authentication

    Tips for the video: This video doesn’t have to be long, but it should be enough to get a good impression of you! It should include things like your full name, age, home life, home school life, hobbies and interests, and why you want to come to the Netherlands and what you’re hoping to learn.

    Payments

    For payments, a $1,500 non-refundable fee will be due with your submitted application. This will be deducted from your overall program cost. If we are able to take a last-minute application submitted after the deadline, the deposit will be $2,000.

    Once you are accepted onto the program, a $5,000 commitment payment will be due within 14 days of acceptance.  The remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to  your start date, or at the same time as your commitment payment, whichever comes first.

    You’ve Been Accepted, Now What?

    Start getting ready for your adventure! Your program manager will be in regular communication with you to make sure that you are on track in your preparations to go abroad.

    • Upon acceptance, you will receive a student handbook (parents – you get one, too!) and access to the Greenheart Travel Atlas, as well as the Greenheart Club.
    • You will receive your host family and school placement roughly 2-3 months after acceptance.
    • After receiving your host family and school placement, you will receive further instructions on applying for your student visa (if applicable for your program length)
    • We will also schedule an online pre-orientation with other Greenheart students a few weeks before your departure!
  • Schedule a Call

    Have questions or want to talk to one of the program coordinators? Set up a time to have a phone call below.


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