The Netherlands might be small, but when it comes to sharing its culture with the world, this little country punches well above its weight.
From orange-soaked King’s Day celebrations to innovative architecture, quirky humour, and a surprisingly forward-thinking education system — the Dutch have plenty to offer, and they’re not shy about putting it out there (in English, of course).
Here’s how the Netherlands is showing off its best bits — and why that’s a win for all of us.
Festivals: Putting Dutch culture on the global stage
Let’s start with the obvious: the Netherlands is famously gezellig, slightly chaotic on King’s Day, and suspiciously good at throwing a festival for just about anything (flowers, fish, fries — you name it).
But beyond the stroopwafel stereotypes, Dutch culture is a fascinating mash-up of tradition, innovation, and international flair.
Events like Dutch Design Week, Pride Amsterdam, and, yes, even Eurovision, show off the country’s creative side, but not just for the locals, but for a global audience.
Education: It’s not just windmills and wooden shoes
The Netherlands is home to some of the most international universities in Europe — and no, it’s not just because everything is in English (though that definitely helps).
READ MORE | Studying in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Dutch higher education is full of forward-thinking approaches, digital classrooms, and tech-savvy tools that are reshaping how we learn.
But it’s not all shiny apps and robot tutors. There’s also plenty of debate happening here about the balance between Dutch identity and internationalisation.
How much English is too much English? Can AI improve learning without turning students into zombies? The Dutch are asking all the right questions — and actually trying to answer them.
Satire: The Dutch way of saying “we care” (with a side-eye)
Let’s be honest — the Dutch have a unique sense of humour. It’s dry, direct, and often hilariously (or painfully) blunt.
And that humour shows up everywhere: in news commentary, in late-night shows, in memes, and in those weird-but-wonderful editorial cartoons that say more in a doodle than some politicians say in a year.
Satire plays a surprisingly big role in how the Dutch process politics and social issues. It’s a cultural tool that helps break down complex topics, challenge the status quo and, perhaps most importantly, keep things from getting too serious.
READ MORE | The ultimate list of Dutch Quirks
So if you ever wondered how a nation can laugh its way through housing crises and climate debates, you’ve clearly never seen a Dutch comedian in action.
Tech, tulips, and the future…well, of everything
Innovation is kind of a national sport in the Netherlands. Whether it’s creating sustainable floating neighbourhoods or rolling out a flashy online casino with quick payouts, the Dutch are quietly (or not-so-quietly) shaping the future.
You’ll also find that the latest tech trends often show up first in education. From AI in classrooms to digital administration systems that actually work (imagine!), Dutch schools and universities are busy experimenting with what learning might look like in the future.
Why does all this matter?
Because sharing culture isn’t just about exporting Gouda and tulips (though we fully support both), it’s about building bridges, sparking conversation, and creating space for global perspectives.
The Netherlands is doing that — not just through news articles and events, but through everyday openness, curiosity, and yes, a bit of Dutch directness.
Whether you’re an expat, a student, a tourist, or just a curious human scrolling the internet, there’s something refreshing about how the Dutch show up on the world stage — candid, clever, and always a little bit quirky.
And if you ever want to dive deeper into that world, you’re in the right place. 😉
How do you feel about Dutch culture as an international? Share your thoughts in the comments.
