I’m in the Netherlands, where can I travel during my work placement abroad? The Netherlands is a beautiful country with many interesting destinations. Whether you’re a student studying abroad or a curious traveller, the country is full of cultural treasures, picturesque landscapes and exciting activities. In this article, we present some of Holland’s must-see destinations, focusing on its rich history, artistic heritage and natural attractions. Get ready to discover the hidden treasures of this fascinating country, and also get ready for an excursion into the various possibilities available to you outside the Netherlands. Let me remind you that the Netherlands not only has incredible scenery, but also borders on some equally incredible countries, so there may well be one or more destinations outside the Netherlands, who knows?
I’m in the Netherlands, where can I travel during my work placement abroad? If I were you, I’d keep reading!
The only Amsterdam
The capital of Holland is the ideal starting point for visiting the country. Famous for its canals, narrow houses and world-famous museums, this cosmopolitan city offers a vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife. Cycle along the picturesque canals and visit the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can admire works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, and explore the trendy Jordaan district for cosy cafés and unique shops where you can relax and have fun during your stay. Don’t miss the Anne Frank House, a poignant symbol of the country’s history during the Second World War, I personally visited it and found it very moving, it’s a piece of human history that should not be forgotten, so if you’re passing through, make sure you visit.
The beautiful Hague
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and home to many international political organisations, such as the International Court of Justice and the Dutch Parliament. As well as its political scene, The Hague has a remarkable wealth of cultural attractions. Visit Moritz House, a museum housing masterpieces such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl, or the Peace Palace, a symbol of the Netherlands’ commitment to peace and justice in the world. The Hague is also known for its beautiful beaches, especially Scheveningen, where you can relax in the sun after a day of exploring. The Hague is about an hour from Amsterdam. You can get there by train, which will take less time, or by car, but the journey will take around 15 minutes longer.
You have to go to Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a dynamic, modern port city with cutting-edge architecture and a breathtaking urban landscape. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt and is now a centre of innovation and design. Admire Piet Blom’s famous cube houses, explore the Markthal, an impressive covered market, and climb to the top of the Euromast tower for a spectacular view of the city. Rotterdam also hosts many arts and cultural festivals throughout the year, making it an ideal city for art and entertainment lovers. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful and complete cities in which to enjoy an experience that is both rich in knowledge and full of fun and excitement. Rotterdam is also one of the best ports in the world, 11th in the world and 1st in Europe.
The beautiful mills
The Netherlands is famous for its iconic windmills, and no trip would be complete without a visit to the windmills of Kinderdijk. Located in the South Holland region, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed windmill complex is an impressive example of Dutch hydraulic engineering. Stroll along the canals, watch the windmills in action and discover the fascinating history of the Dutch struggle with water. It’s a perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Dutch countryside.
What else do you want to know?
Of course, the Van Gogh museum is one of Amsterdam’s highlights, and if you want to have some fun, there’s the red light district, but don’t forget to behave professionally, because you’re always there for a work placement. But luckily it’s not just Holland you can visit, there are plenty of countries in the surrounding area that can be visited at a low and convenient price, at a very favourable time.
Belgium
I’m in the Netherlands, where can I travel during my work placement abroad? Just a few hours by train from Amsterdam, you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Belgian capital, Brussels. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the Grand Place, taste the famous Belgian chocolate and drink a nice cold beer in one of the many traditional cafés. Of course, Brussels isn’t the only place to visit in Belgium, so if you know of any other places that friends or relatives may have recommended, don’t hesitate to go – it would be a shame to waste such an opportunity. The train journey usually costs between €30 and €50 and takes about 2 hours.
The only Germany
From the Netherlands, for example, you can get to Cologne in less than 3 hours by train. Admire Cologne’s famous cathedral, explore the trendy Belgisches Viertel district and taste the delicious local beer, Kölsch. And of course, in Cologne, Germany, you absolutely must try the world-famous Cologne water. Afterwards, you can visit the surrounding area of Cologne, which offers some incredible and breathtaking scenery, as well as the cathedral, the chocolate museum, Phantasialand, the zoo, Augustusburg castle and much more. Train fares vary, but on average you should expect to pay between €40 and €60 for a return ticket.
Sweet France
I don’t think there’s much to say about France that you don’t already know – the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées… Stroll along the Seine and soak up the bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre. You should be aware, however, that visiting the whole of Paris would take at least three or four days, so unless you want to do something specific and short, I’d recommend visiting other smaller, more typical places full of culinary delights and typically French: Brittany, Strasbourg, Lille, Metz… Train tickets to Paris generally cost between €90 and €120 for a return journey.
Le petit Luxembourg
This small neighbouring country is an excellent option for lovers of nature and history. Discover Luxembourg’s medieval streets, explore the castles perched on the hills and admire the breathtaking scenery.Among the things to see in Luxembourg is the unique Casemate del Bock, a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the rock of the mountain that dominates the city and made it an impregnable fortress: today you can visit 17 km of tunnels up to 40 metres deep that were built during the Cold War. The old town, the Place de la Constitution and the Gëlle Fra, the Adolphe Bridge, the Corniche path, the wine route and Neumünster Abbey are all places you can visit in Luxembourg. The train journey from Amsterdam takes around 4 hours and tickets generally cost between €60 and €80 for a return journey.
The incredible United Kingdom
I’m in the Netherlands, where can I travel during my work placement abroad? If you want to travel a little further afield, you can take a ferry from the Netherlands to the UK. For example, the ferry journey from Amsterdam to Newcastle in England takes around 15 hours. Explore the famous city of Newcastle, visit Edinburgh in Scotland or discover the wonders of the English countryside. The UK is an incredible country, there’s so much to visit, sure, the cost and travel are completely different, but if someone is passionate and desperate to visit England, they can do so easily. The cost of the ferry depends on the station and the company, but you can expect to pay between €100 and €200 for a return trip.
The Netherlands offers a host of fascinating destinations to explore during your work placement abroad. From the romantic canals of Amsterdam and the picturesque windmills of Kinderdijk, to the modern architecture of Rotterdam and the cultural richness of The Hague, this country has something to offer every visitor. Don’t forget to sample Dutch culinary delights such as stroopwafel and sautéed herring, and take advantage of the well-maintained cycle paths that criss-cross the country. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff or nature enthusiast, the Netherlands will leave you with unforgettable memories. The Netherlands offers a wealth of knowledge and incredible experiences, but there’s not just Holland to visit, there are also other places and countries you can visit and where you can have incredible and unforgettable experiences, always if you’re a person who likes to visit and get to know new places and people. I’m in the Netherlands, where can I travel during my work placement abroad? I hope this blog has inspired you to travel as much as possible, and if you want to do an internship in the Netherlands, all you have to do is contact the International Horizons team!
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.