The Netherlands is a good destination for people looking for better job opportunities. An academic certificate from a Dutch-based institution can boost your CV. While attending a physical classroom is a good experience, it might not work if you need to balance work and school. Thanks to modern education technology, you can opt for an online course.
Advantages of Online Courses
Like the rest of the world, the Dutch education system has always favoured the brick-and-mortar setup. However, with the growth of the internet, online classes are gradually becoming a norm. A study by the Babson Survey Research Group found that about 33 per cent of college students take at least one course online. The research also showed that these classes are as effective, and sometimes even more efficient, than the traditional in-person classroom courses.
Some of the advantages of an online course are:
- Your job will not suffer because of school work as you can schedule your study times during your free time.
- You can study in a college or university in any part of the country from the comfort of your home.
- You determine the pace of your study so it is possible to take a shorter time to complete than when attending physical classes.
Top Online Courses to Consider
Even though there are many online courses, some are more beneficial to expats than others. They include:
- Course in the Dutch language: If you are moving to the Netherlands but cannot speak Dutch, then you should start here. It will not only help you on the streets or in the coffee shop but also boost your career as you will more easily communicate with colleagues and be able to express your ideas.
- Courses in your current career: Opting for a course that will help you up the corporate ladder will be more beneficial than learning just for the sake of it. Studies show that 68 per cent of online students are experienced professionals.
How to Choose an Online College
Some of the key factors to consider when choosing a college are:
- Language: If you need to study in the Netherlands, you will find about 2,100 courses offered in English.
- Accreditation: Employers in the Netherlands only consider certificates from accredited learning institutions.
- Flexibility: Part-time learning is the best arrangement if you must attend a live classroom at specific times of the day.
- Fees: Some colleges offer financial aid to expats taking online courses, but you should still make sure tuition fees are within your budget.
Conclusion
Thanks to the internet, you can earn a degree without attending a traditional classroom. Use online courses to improve your employability in the competitive Dutch job market. It will be helpful to research extensively to determine the course that will be most beneficial to your stay in the Netherlands.