The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is situated in Northwestern Europe and consists of twelve provinces, bordered by Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, with the remainder surrounded by coastline along the sea. Dutch is the official language of the country. Renowned for its excellent transportation infrastructure, the Netherlands boasts the Eurostar, an international high-speed rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. With Paris just three hours away, and London and Berlin accessible by a five or six-hour train journey, the Netherlands serves as a gateway to Europe. Rated as one of the safest countries globally according to the 2018 Global Peace Index, the Netherlands offers a vibrant cultural scene. Students can enjoy leisure time in nearby coffee shops, attend summer festivals, and explore events hosted in the country's museums. Moreover, with 95% of the Dutch population proficient in English, life in the Netherlands becomes significantly more accessible. The Dutch higher education system is highly regarded, offering lower tuition fees and living costs compared to countries like the US, UK, and Canada. The interactive and student-centered teaching style facilitates the development of critical skills such as problem-solving and creative thinking. Dutch universities provide a plethora of English-taught programs, with approximately 2,000 programs available entirely in English. Students earn credits throughout their academic journey, with these credits awarded upon completion of their studies. Additionally, numerous scholarship opportunities are available. Drawing students from over 160 different countries, the Netherlands fosters strong ties with various cultures and business communities worldwide. Notable universities include Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Delft University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Groningen, Maastricht University, Radboud University Nijmegen, and Wageningen University and Research Center.