However, in order to enrich their learning experience, all foreign students that come to HEBO have to take a few courses in Dutch and Dutch culture. The Queen has her official residence in The Hague. The city is home to quite a few international organisations such as the International Court of Justice and offers top-rate cultural and recreational facilities. There are excellent sandy beaches. Cable television is available to most people and more than 20 channels in 6 languages can be received.
Public transport is excellent.
Higher education in The Netherlands State-funded higher education in The Netherlands comprises two kinds of university. On the one hand, there are the 13 traditional research universities, which place a strong emphasis on academic achievement. On the other, there are about 50 hogescholen , or universities of professional education. Unlike the traditional universities, they have a much more practical approach and explicitly set out to train students for specific jobs or a range of jobs at an academic level. There are strong links between these universities and the business world.