Discovering Holland

Seen from outside, the Netherlands seems like a country that has its things in order: neat streets guide you through our cities, straight canals transport our water and orderly politicians take care of our affairs. There is, however, more to this country than meets the eye. Dutch society and its politics are complex and hard to figure for those who come from countries that are structured differently. How come the Dutch have a good working country while there – ostensibly – is not one strong political player? How do all the Dutch political parties reach their agreements? What is the secret to the innovative Dutch economy? And how has Dutch culture become so influential over the world?

In this summer school, students will get to know the Netherlands better and gain insights in the working of this, as it is often perceived, well organized country. Through lectures and subsequent discussions students will be introduced to the main developments in Dutch Politics, Economics, History, and Culture. Participants will learn that the standard image of a neatly organizes country might be true on the surface, but that, in reality, there is more complexity than one might expect.