Studying at UNESCO-IHE entails that you will live in Delft, the Netherlands. Delft is a small town with just about 90.000 inhabitants, famous because of Delft Blue ceramics, canals and the paintings of Vermeer. Moreover, Delft is the centre of Dutch water knowledge, hosting TU Delft, the Deltares Institute and -of course- UNESCO-IHE.
Throughout the year the Institute hosts a number of activities that aim to make life as pleasant as possible, and arranges frequent excursions to locations in the Netherlands and Europe, as well as the field trips that form part of each study curriculum.
UNESCO-IHE has a unique ‘Meet the Dutch’ programme that aims to encourage cultural exchanges. This volunteer programme matches participants studying at the Institute to the local inhabitants of Delft and its surroundings.
During their stay in the Netherlands, the participants are able to visit their ‘host family’ on a regular basis, and to sample Dutch culture and festivities from a family perspective.
The exchange works both ways – the host family is also invited to join the participant in festivities at UNESCO-IHE or at home. Many participants have maintained contact with their host family for many years after leaving the Netherlands.
"Delft - Historic city between The Hague and Rotterdam. It's a beautiful, unspoiled town with traditional architecture, canals, bikes, and the world famous blue and white ceramics."
"The Netherlands is an internationally oriented and innovative country located at a central spot in Europe."