Universiteit Leiden

Language was the factor that made me decide to choose studying in The Netherlands. Because eventhough the local people speak Dutch, but the instruction language we use in the class is English which was the language I already spoke before I came to The Netherlands. Nonetheless, I took a Dutch course for 3 months in Indonesia before I came to The Netherlands, just to prepare my self to have a basic understanding of the local language in an everyday interaction, i.e. go to local market, etc.

Communication was not a problem in the university environment because people are aware of the fact that there are a lot of international students around so as soon as they realise this, they speak english to you, i think they are quite willing to help. In the community as well it is a bit easy at least you can cope with the things and places you need to go.I think generally people are willing to help when they realise you don't speak the local language.

English is the teaching language as well as the social language. It is the universal language within the international community and everybody uses it. Dutch never rose as a language because every Dutch person speaks English and seem eager to do it. Even when one tries his Dutch the answer arrives in English.

Although Dutch is the main language in the Netherlands, the people tend to know English, but speak Dutch within themselves. Overall, its not difficult when in a university town because most people will speak English with you.

In The Netherlands almost everybody speaks English and is polite enough to use it with non Dutch speaking foreigners. However, Dutch should be given a try, since people are nice enough to let you practice on them.

Due to the proficiency of most dutch people in English and the fact courses were in English, it was difficult to learn the language - more courses should have been made available.