Intercultral Communication

  Wheels of Culture: Biking in the Netherlands When imagining life in the Netherlands, one image rises above the rest,  people riding bikes through cobbled streets, over canals, and past centuries old buildings. Bicycles aren’t just a mode of transportation, they’re a powerful reflection of Dutch values like environmentalism, independence, and practicality. More Than Just Transportation The Netherlands is home to over  23 million bicycles,  more bikes than people (CBS, 2022). In cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht, it’s common to see business professionals, students, parents with kids, and even the elderly traveling by bike. Dedicated bike lanes, traffic signals, and parking garages are everywhere. It’s not just convenient, it’s cultural. Biking is normalized from an early age. Dutch children often learn to ride before they even start school, and they bike to school on their own by the age of 10 or 11. This independence reflects the Dutch parenting style, which values s...

  Education in the Netherlands: A Reflection of Dutch Values The education system in the Netherlands is globally recognized for its school structure, accessibility, and alignment with Dutch cultural values. It emphasizes  equality and independence , offering all children access to quality public education from an early age. The system is designed to guide students toward academic or vocational paths that suit their individual strengths, while giving the students strong social skills and the ability to be able to think critically. Education in the Netherlands is not just about academics;  it reflects the country’s broader values of respect for others, efficiency, and personal development (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, 2020). Structure and Access Public education in the Netherlands is  free and available to all students. However, parents may make  small voluntary contributions for extracurricular activities if that is their children's wish. Compulsor...