The Hidden Success Factor in International Assignments: Family & Education Support

A Family Story: Finding the Right Dutch School

When the Hewitt family relocated from Dubai to the Netherlands after ten years abroad, one of their most important decisions concerned education for their two sons.

“In Dubai, our children attended private schools, as there is no public school system for expatriates,” the family explains. “When we moved, we initially looked at international schools in Amsterdam that offered similar curricula, facilities, and extracurricular activities. While the quality was excellent, the experience—and the cost—felt very familiar.”

Exploring the Dutch education system

The Netherlands offers a distinctive education landscape. Alongside international schools that provide globally recognised programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the country has a strong, government-funded public school system. All Dutch public schools follow the same national curriculum but differ in pedagogical approach, religious background, and educational philosophy.

For families planning a longer stay, Dutch public schools can be an attractive option. Children attend primary school from ages four to twelve, usually close to home, and then move on to secondary education at different academic levels.

Choosing local integration

“The international schools felt too similar to our life abroad,” the Hewitts say. “We wanted our children to truly integrate—cycling to school, learning Dutch, and building long-term friendships.”

Navigating the public school system initially felt challenging, particularly due to limited availability. At that point, the family was introduced to Young Expat Services (YES). With professional guidance, they learned about the Dutch language immersion system (Nieuwkomers classes) and visited several schools in Amsterdam and Haarlem.

“These programmes are designed to support international children before they transition into regular Dutch classes,” the family explains. “The guidance we received made the process clear and manageable.”

Positive outcomes

After several months at their chosen school, the family’s experience has been very positive. Teachers carefully assessed their children’s needs, placements were adjusted where necessary, and the language support proved both professional and effective.

“Learning a new language takes time,” the Hewitts note, “but the long-term benefits—academically, socially, and culturally—are clear.”

In the end, the family found a solution that allows them to integrate into the local community, reduce education costs, and support their children’s development in a new country.

A broader impact for international families

Research has shown that accompanying spouses and children significantly increase the chances of a successful international assignment. Access to high-quality education support is therefore a key factor in long-term relocation success.

This is also reflected in the experience of global employers:

“Booking.com has worked with YES! since 2014, growing our collaboration through hundreds of new colleagues and their families who have made the Netherlands their new home. YES! has supported each of our new colleagues with genuine commitment, individual attention, and an empathetic approach—listening carefully to the needs of both parents and children to find the best possible schooling solutions.

The value of Booking.com’s employee relocation services is enhanced by YES!’ unique and thorough education services.”

Together, these experiences highlight how targeted educational guidance can make a decisive difference for internationally relocating families—and for the organisations that support them.