Backlash as English becomes preferred language at some Dutch universities
Britain’s exit from the European Union next year has only accelerated the phenomenon, with international students flocking to the Netherlands which provides an ideal base for those wishing to study in English within the EU
The growing popularity of English as a medium of instruction at Dutch universities is ringing alarm bells among local lecturers and students, with some now even calling for government intervention.
As Shakespeare’s mother tongue spreads in lecture halls across the country’s 14 universities, the Dutch education department is finalising a proposal to deal with the matter.
Britain’s exit from the European Union next year has only accelerated the phenomenon, with international students flocking to the Netherlands which provides an ideal base for those wishing to study in English within the EU.
Some 90 per cent of the Dutch population speaks English, to the envy of many of its less Anglo-competent neighbours.
To add to the attraction, many local universities are much cheaper than their British or US-based counterparts.
English usage is particularly dominant at Master’s degree level.