Part 11 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Schooling Abroad

Darien Wilson
Apr 8
3 min read

Updated: 21 hours ago

What Will Your Child’s Classroom Look Like on the Other Side of the World?

I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands with a 10 year old, and this is Part 11 of 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

Moving Abroad Means a New School System

If you’ve been a parent in the U.S., you probably have some baked-in ideas of what’s “normal” when it comes to school—ideas you might not even realize you take for granted.

But education systems around the world vary dramatically.

Surprise: Homeschooling Is Highly Restricted in Some Countries

For example, homeschooling is not generally allowed in the Netherlands. It is legal only in very rare cases, such as when a parent can prove that no school in the area aligns with their philosophical or religious beliefs—a difficult standard to meet.

So if you were thinking of continuing an online school program from the U.S. while living in the Netherlands, the answer is almost certainly: no, that won’t be allowed under Dutch law.

Mandatory School Attendance Abroad

In the Netherlands, school attendance is mandatory from age 5, and the Dutch take it very seriously. There are even truancy officers (leerplichtambtenaren) who are stationed in airports around school breaks to catch people leaving for vacation a day or two early (tempting since tickets are cheaper then). And yes—it’s true that families who are caught skipping school are fined.

When we first moved to the Netherlands, I assumed my child would have time off for Christmas vacation, so I purchased plane tickets and a hotel starting December 23. However, I was later surprised to learn that in the Netherlands, children usually attend school even on Christmas Eve. (It's a small country, so if they're visiting family for Christmas, it wouldn't be more than a few hours to travel - unlike in the U.S.)

I asked the school if I could take my child out of school on December 23 and 24, since I didn't know any better when I bought the tickets, and changing them would be expensive. The response? A resounding NO.

You May Need Help Navigating the System

Understanding a new school system is a big lift, especially if you don’t yet speak the language, have a child with special needs, or don't know how to navigate local bureaucracies.

I found it helpful to hire an educational consultant, because understanding the Dutch school structure was overwhelming—and at the time, I was in a time crunch and didn’t yet have a local network to lean on.

Whether you're looking at Dutch public schools, bilingual programs, or international schools, having someone to explain the system and help you find the best fit for your child can be a lifesaver.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Every country has its own expectations around:

Curriculum
School schedules
Tracking (placing students into vocational vs. academic pathways)
Parent involvement
Assessment and grading

You might feel lost at first—and that’s totally normal.

So do your research early, connect with expat parent groups, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.

Schooling abroad isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a deeply emotional one. But with planning and support, your child or children can truly thrive.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.