Also known as Holland, the Netherlands is a country in Northern Europe that borders Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands has a strong connection to their history while keeping up with a changing society. After you welcome an au pair from this country into your home, you have the unique opportunity to learn about a culture that's different from your own — and in a deeply personal way. You and your children will love finding connections between yourselves and your au pair while understanding the differences.

General Facts About the Netherlands

If you host an au pair from the Netherlands, you and your family will learn many new and interesting facts about this country, including:

• The Netherlands is home to about 17 million people.
• The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is home to around 820,000 people.
• The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, although Frisian is recognized as the official language of one region in the country, known as Friesland.
• Water is a dominant feature of the landscape of the country — it is home to three rivers and 26% of the country is below sea level.

Your au pair will be able to tell you even more about her home country as well as unique facts about the region and city where she is from.

Family Life and Children in the Netherlands

The family is very important to the people who live in Holland. Dutch families are very supportive of one another. If you host an au pair from the Netherlands, that cultural focus on the family will surely translate to their care for your children.

Driving Skills

Teenagers in the Netherlands can get their driver's license when they are 17 years old. First, you must take lessons at a driver's school when you first begin learning how to drive. Next, you need to take a written exam. There are also a few different practical exams that people in the Netherlands must pass in order to obtain their license. With so much emphasis on learning how to drive safely, your Dutch au pair should be able to transport your children safely. However, we highly recommend discussing driving during the interview process.

Education

Children in the Netherlands attend primary and secondary school for free until they are 16 years old. They can continue to go to school until they are 18 years old but must pay tuition at that point. Students have many options for schooling, including public, private and international schools.

Communication and Language Skills

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. One region, Friesland, gives residents the option of speaking Frisian as well, and there are also several other regional languages that are spoken. Many Dutch people also speak English and German.

Religion

Half of the population of the Netherlands does not identify with any religion. After non-religious affiliation, the majority of Dutch follow Christianity, with smaller percentages represented by Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.

Diet

Dutch cooking focuses on simplicity and many of their dishes are very straightforward. The diets of people in the Netherlands contain lots of vegetables and less meat than diets in the United States.

Hosting a Dutch Au Pair

While looking for the perfect au pair for your family, EurAupair will assist you through the entire process. From browsing through profiles of au pairs from the Netherlands to interviewing potential matches, we want to help you find the perfect addition to your family. To begin the exciting and rewarding process of meeting your new au pair, please contact us today!