Hotel The Island Amsterdam

<body> <p>This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them.</p> <p>Hotels in amsterdam are rare and few. Especially the trendy onces. The Island is an exception to the rule. It always keeps the Hotel up to date what interior decoration is concerned. located close to the RAI congress center and in the cozy rivierenbuurt it offers all sorts of facilities, ranging from indoor to ourtdoor pools, gum, wellness, health spa, sauna, internet café and lots of others.</p> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table18"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table19"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table20"> <tr> <td>Beautiful Amsterdam</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_nl/tuinen/winter.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. And rightly so! Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, cozy pubs and fun shops and (flower) markets? Let our site show you a great many of the surprising things Amsterdam has in store for you.</td> </tr> </table> <table cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" summary="content" border="0" valign="top" id="table21"> <tr> <td vAlign="top" width="50%"> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table22"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table23"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table24"> <tr> <td>Amsterdam, congress city</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="Rai Amsterdam © Astrid Nap" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_ams/zakelijk/rai1.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">Amsterdam’s historical charm is just one face of this dynamic modern city. The splendour of its waterside buildings blends with a sophisticated business environment, to create one of Europe’s most popular destinations. <WBR> <nobr><span class="linkset"> <a USA-35histarget href="http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/businesstravelers/congres.html"> More<img alt="" src="http://www.holland.com/images/icons/leesverder_amsterdam_gb.gif" align="Variables.alignment" border="0"></a></span></nobr></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="5"> </td> <td vAlign="top" width="50%"> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table25"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table26"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table27"> <tr> <td>Congress centres in Amsterdam</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="Rai Amsterdam © Astrid Nap" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_ams/zakelijk/rai4.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">Amsterdam has the ideal accommodation for any kind of event, whether it is a congress for 15,000 cardiologists, a high-tech meeting of 1500 IT specialists, an antiques exhibition or a trade fair for the automotive industry. <WBR> <nobr><span class="linkset"> <a USA-35histarget href="http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/businesstravelers/centra.html"> More<img alt="" src="http://www.holland.com/images/icons/leesverder_amsterdam_gb.gif" align="Variables.alignment" border="0"></a></span></nobr></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colSpan="3"><center></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td vAlign="top" width="50%"> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table28"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table29"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table30"> <tr> <td>Culinary Highlights</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_ams/stadsgids/restaur1.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan outlook is reflected in the wealth of its international cuisine. So whether delegates are homesick for their own style of cooking, or feeling ready for a culinary adventure, there will be something to satisfy them. <WBR> <nobr><span class="linkset"> <a USA-35histarget href="http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/businesstravelers/culinair.html"> More<img alt="" src="http://www.holland.com/images/icons/leesverder_amsterdam_gb.gif" align="Variables.alignment" border="0"></a></span></nobr></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="5"> </td> <td vAlign="top" width="50%"> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table31"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table32"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table33"> <tr> <td>Goodnight</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_ams/stadsgids/ahotel.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">Cosy and intimate, elegantly classical or with a touch of historical grandeur; businesslike or on the contrary homely - Amsterdam has precisely the kind of hotel to suit your meeting or event. <WBR> <nobr><span class="linkset"> <a USA-35histarget href="http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/businesstravelers/hotels.html"> More<img alt="" src="http://www.holland.com/images/icons/leesverder_amsterdam_gb.gif" align="Variables.alignment" border="0"></a></span></nobr></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td vAlign="top" width="50%"> <table cellSpacing="4" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table34"> <tr> <td colSpan="2"> <table class="topicheaderborder" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0" id="table35"> <tr> <td> <table class="topicheader" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="2" width="100%" border="0" id="table36"> <tr> <td>Going out in Amsterdam</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td class="topictext"> <img class="imageborder" height="83" alt="" hspace="8" src="http://www.holland.com/images/hoco_dh/stadsgids/wegwijzer/discobol.jpg" width="124" align="right" vspace="4" border="0">In the evening no one needs to be bored in Amsterdam! For a relaxed evening out you can visit one of the many cinemas, the casino or a cozy café. If you like clubbing there is a large choice of dance venues and discos. Under the 'Hip Hang-outs' section you will discover the most popular venues in Amsterdam. <WBR><nobr> <span class="linkset"> <a href="http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/signposts/nightlife/index.html"> More<img alt="" src="http://www.holland.com/images/icons/leesverder_amsterdam_gb.gif" align="Variables.alignment" border="0"></a></span></nobr></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3"> </td> <td> <table cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table37"> <tr class="linkset"> <td colSpan="2"> <table cellSpacing="0" width="100%" id="table38"> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%" id="table39"> <tr> <td> <SCRIPT language=JavaScript type=text/javascript> var TotalIcons = 0; function sendMail(){ language = getLanguageid(); tempurl = new String(document.URL); callurl = 'http://search.holland.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=TRN/Hoco/SendMail/Hoco/Email_Form&ExpIgnore=true&pubid=1003908521629&sendurl='+tempurl; popupWin(callurl,'Mailto',400,400,100,100); } function getLanguageid(){ language = getCookie('languageid'); if (language == null){ language = 'GB'; } return language; } </SCRIPT> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="5"> </td> </tr> </table> <p> </p> <div id="globalWrapper"> <div id="column-content"> <div id="content"> <div id="bodyContent"> <b><span class="unicode audiolink"> <a class="internal" title="Nl-Amsterdam.ogg" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Nl-Amsterdam.ogg"> Amsterdam</a></span> <span class="metadata audiolinkinfo"><small>(<a title="Wikipedia:Media help" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Media_help">help</a>·<a title="Image:Nl-Amsterdam.ogg" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Nl-Amsterdam.ogg">info</a>)</small></span></b>, <a title="Capital" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital"> capital</a> of the <a title="Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands"> Netherlands</a>, lies on the banks of two bodies of water, the <a title="IJ (bay)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IJ_(bay%2529"> IJ bay</a> and the <a title="Amstel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel"> Amstel</a> river. Founded in the late <a title="12th century" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_century"> 12th century</a> as a small fishing village on the banks of the <a title="Amstel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel"> Amstel</a>, it is now the largest city in the country and is a financial and cultural centre. As of <a title="August 1" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_1"> August 1</a>, <a title="2006" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006"> 2006</a>, the population of the city proper is 741,329; the population of the official Greater Amsterdam area is approximately 1.5 million, but the real agglomeration is estimated at 2 to 2.5 million. Amsterdam is also one of the core urban centres of the greater metropolitan area called "<a title="Randstad" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randstad">Randstad</a>" (Ring City) which encompasses other Dutch cities such as <a title="Haarlem" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlem"> Haarlem</a>, <a title="Utrecht (city)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrecht_(city%2529"> Utrecht</a>, <a title="Leiden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leiden"> Leiden</a>, <a title="The Hague" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hague"> The Hague</a> and <a title="Rotterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam"> Rotterdam</a> and has a population of over 7.5 million.<p> Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in <a title="Europe" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe"> Europe</a>, dating largely from the 17th century. At this time, a series of concentric, semi-circular <a title="Canal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal"> canals</a> ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many fine houses and mansions are situated along the canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because they are built on wooden <a title="Pile" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pile"> piles</a> to cope with the marshy subsoil.</p> <p>Although Amsterdam is officially designated as the capital of the Netherlands, it has never been (save a brief period between <a title="1808" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1808"> 1808</a> and <a title="1810" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1810"> 1810</a>) the seat of the court, government, or parliament of the Netherlands, which are all located at <a title="The Hague" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hague"> The Hague</a>. Amsterdam is also not the capital of the province in which it is located, <a title="North Holland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Holland"> North Holland</a>, whose capital is located at <a title="Haarlem" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlem"> Haarlem</a>. See <i> <a title="Capital of the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_of_the_Netherlands"> capital of the Netherlands</a></i> for more information.</p> <p>Amsterdam is famous for its free-spirited liberalism, diversity and tolerance.</p> <table class="toc" id="table13" summary="Contents"> <tr> <td> <div id="toctitle"> <h2>Contents</h2> <span class="toctoggle">[<a class="internal" id="togglelink" href="javascript:toggleToc()">hide</a>]</span></div> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#History"> <span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">History</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Coat_of_arms"> <span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Coat of arms</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#City_government"> <span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">City government</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Weather"> <span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Weather</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Economy"> <span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Economy</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Demography"> <span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">Demography</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Academia"> <span class="tocnumber">7</span> <span class="toctext">Academia</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#Public_transport"> <span class="tocnumber">8</span> <span class="toctext">Public transport</span></a> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li class="toclevel-2"> <a href="#Current_situation"> <span class="tocnumber">8.1</span> <span class="toctext">Current situation</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#History_2"> <span class="tocnumber">8.2</span> <span class="toctext">History</span></a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#Private_transport"> <span class="tocnumber">9</span> <span class="toctext">Private transport</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Airport"> <span class="tocnumber">10</span> <span class="toctext">Airport</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Sports"> <span class="tocnumber">11</span> <span class="toctext">Sports</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#Periodic_events"> <span class="tocnumber">12</span> <span class="toctext">Periodic events</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#Tourist_attractions"> <span class="tocnumber">13</span> <span class="toctext">Tourist attractions</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#Famous_Amsterdammers"> <span class="tocnumber">14</span> <span class="toctext">Famous Amsterdammers</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Sister_cities"> <span class="tocnumber">15</span> <span class="toctext">Sister cities</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Notes"> <span class="tocnumber">16</span> <span class="toctext">Notes</span></a> </li> <li class="toclevel-1"> <a href="#External_links"> <span class="tocnumber">17</span> <span class="toctext">External links</span></a> </li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table> <p> <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> //<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> </SCRIPT> <a id="History" name="History"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: History" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=1">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">History</span></h2> <dl> <dd> <div class="noprint"> <i>Main article: <a title="History of Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Amsterdam"> History of Amsterdam</a></i></div> </dd> </dl> <p>Amsterdam began as a fishing village in the in the late 12th century. According to legend Amsterdam was founded by two <a title="Frisians" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frisians"> Frisian</a> fishermen, who landed on the shores of the Amstel in a small boat with their dog. The damming of the river <a title="Amstel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel"> Amstel</a> gave it its name (in Dutch: Amstelredam "Dam in the Amstel", turned into Amsterdam in the course of time). The traditional founding of the city of Amsterdam is October 27, 1275, when the inhabitants living around the Amstel dam were granted freedom from paying the <a title="Toll bridge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll_bridge"> tolls</a> associated with the <a title="Lock (water transport)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_(water_transport%2529"> locks</a> and bridges of Holland. It was given <a title="City rights in the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_rights_in_the_Netherlands"> city rights</a> in <a title="1300" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1300"> 1300</a> or <a title="1301" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1301"> 1301</a>. From the <a title="14th century" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century"> 14th century</a> on, Amsterdam flourished, largely on the basis of trade with the cities of the <a title="Hanseatic League" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League"> Hanseatic League</a>.</p> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="Historical centre" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_airphoto.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="127" alt="Historical centre" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Amsterdam_airphoto.jpg/200px-Amsterdam_airphoto.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_airphoto.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_airphoto.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> Historical centre</div> </div> </div> <p>In the <a title="16th century" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century"> 16th century</a> the Dutch rebelled against <a title="Philip II of Spain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_II_of_Spain"> Philip II of Spain</a> and his successors. The revolt escalated into the <a title="Eighty Years' War" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighty_Years'_War"> Eighty Years' War</a> which ultimately led to Dutch independence. After the break with Spain the Dutch Republic became known for its relative religious tolerance. <a title="Jew" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jew">Jews</a> from <a title="Spain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain"> Spain</a> and <a title="Portugal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal"> Portugal</a>, prosperous merchants from <a title="Antwerp" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antwerp"> Antwerp</a> (economic and religious refugees from the part of the Low Countries still controlled by Spain), <a title="Huguenots" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huguenots"> Huguenots</a> from <a title="France" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France"> France</a> (persecuted for their religion) sought safety in Amsterdam.</p> <div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 182px"> <a class="internal" title="Dam Square in the late 17th century: painting by Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde (Gemäldegalerie, Dresden)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="128" alt="Dam Square in the late 17th century: painting by Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde (Gemäldegalerie, Dresden)" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ce/AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg/180px-AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg" width="180" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> <a title="Dam Square" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam_Square"> Dam Square</a> in the late 17th century: painting by Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde (Gemäldegalerie, Dresden)</div> </div> </div> <p>The <a title="17th century" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century"> 17th century</a> is considered Amsterdam's "Golden Age". In the early 17th century Amsterdam became one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Ships sailed from Amsterdam to the Baltic Sea, <a title="North America" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America"> North America</a>, <a title="Africa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa"> Africa</a> and present-day <a title="Indonesia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia"> Indonesia</a> and <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil"> Brazil</a> and formed the basis of a worldwide trading network. Amsterdam's merchants had the biggest share in the <a title="Dutch East India Company" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_India_Company"> VOC</a> and <a title="Dutch West India Company" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_West_India_Company"> WIC</a>. These companies acquired the overseas possessions which formed the seeds of the later Dutch colonies. Amsterdam was the most important point for the trans-shipment of goods in Europe and it was the leading financial centre of the world. Amsterdam's stock exchange was the first to trade continuously.</p> <p>The population grew from slightly over 10,000 around 1500 to 30,000 around 1570, 60,000 around 1600, 105,000 in 1622 and almost 200,000 around 1700 (a twenty fold increase in 200 years). Thereafter, the population did not change much for another century and a half. During the century before <a title="World War II" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II"> World War II</a> it almost quadrupled to 800,000, but then remained fairly constant again to this day.</p> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 182px"> <a class="internal" title="Painting of Amsterdam in 1538" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Oudamsterdam.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="131" alt="Painting of Amsterdam in 1538" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/Oudamsterdam.jpg/180px-Oudamsterdam.jpg" width="180" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Oudamsterdam.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Oudamsterdam.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> Painting of Amsterdam in 1538</div> </div> </div> <p>The 18th and early 19th centuries saw a decline in Amsterdam's prosperity. The wars of the Dutch Republic with the <a title="United Kingdom" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom"> United Kingdom</a> and <a title="France" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France"> France</a> took their toll on Amsterdam. During the <a title="Napoleonic Wars" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleonic_Wars"> Napoleonic Wars</a> Amsterdam's fortunes reached their lowest point. However, with the establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in <a title="1815" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1815"> 1815</a>, things slowly began to improve. In Amsterdam new developments were started by people like <a title="Samuel Sarphati" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Sarphati"> Samuel Sarphati</a> who found their inspiration in Paris.</p> <p>The end of the 19th century is sometimes called Amsterdam's second Golden Age. New museums, a train station, and the Concertgebouw were built. At this time the <a title="Industrial Revolution" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution"> Industrial Revolution</a> reached Amsterdam. The <i> <a title="Amsterdam-Rhine Canal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam-Rhine_Canal"> Amsterdam-Rhine Canal</a></i> was dug to give Amsterdam a direct connection to the <a title="Rhine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhine"> Rhine</a> and the <i> <a title="North Sea Canal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea_Canal"> North Sea Canal</a></i> to give the port a shorter connection to the <a title="North Sea" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea"> North Sea</a>. Both projects improved communication with the rest of Europe and the world dramatically. <a title="Joseph Conrad" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Conrad"> Joseph Conrad</a> gives a brief description of Amsterdam, seen from the sea at this period, in <a class="extiw" title="q:Joseph_Conrad" href="http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Conrad"> <i>The Mirror of the Sea</i></a> (1906).</p> <div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="In 2005, 965,000 people visited the museum adjoining #263 Prinsengracht, better known as the Anne Frank House." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Annefrankmuseum.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="136" alt="In 2005, 965,000 people visited the museum adjoining #263 Prinsengracht, better known as the Anne Frank House." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a3/Annefrankmuseum.jpg/200px-Annefrankmuseum.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Annefrankmuseum.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Annefrankmuseum.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> <font size="1">In 2005, 965,000 people visited the museum adjoining #263 Prinsengracht, better known as the <a title="Anne Frank House" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank_House"> Anne Frank House</a>.<sup class="reference" id="_ref-0"><a title href="#_note-0">[1]</a></sup></font></div> </div> </div> <p>Shortly before the <a title="First World War" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_War"> First World War</a> the city began expanding and new suburbs were built. During <a title="World War I" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I"> World War I</a>, the Netherlands remained neutral. Amsterdam suffered a food shortage and heating fuel became scarce. The shortages sparked riots in which several people were killed.</p> <p>Germany invaded the Netherlands on <a title="May 10" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_10"> 10 May</a> <a title="1940" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940"> 1940</a>, taking control of the country after five days of fighting. The Germans installed a Nazi civilian government in Amsterdam that cooperated in the persecution of Jews. However, a minority of people in Amsterdam helped the Jews in hiding and suffered persecution themselves in doing so. More than 103, 000 to 105,000 <a title="Jew" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jew">Jews</a> were deported from the Netherlands to concentration camps, of whom perhaps the most famous was a young German girl, <a title="Anne Frank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank"> Anne Frank</a>. Only 5,000 Dutch Jews survived the war. In the last months of the war, communication with the rest of the country broke down and food and fuel became scarce. Many inhabitants of the city had to travel to the countryside to collect food. Dogs, cats and raw sugar beets were consumed to stay alive. Most of the trees in Amsterdam were cut down for fuel and all the wood of the apartments from the Jewish people who were deported.</p> <p><a id="Coat_of_arms" name="Coat_of_arms"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Coat of arms" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=2">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Coat of arms</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 182px"> <a class="internal" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wapen_van_Amsterdam_bewerkt.PNG"> <img class="thumbimage" height="110" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Wapen_van_Amsterdam_bewerkt.PNG/180px-Wapen_van_Amsterdam_bewerkt.PNG" width="180" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wapen_van_Amsterdam_bewerkt.PNG"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wapen_van_Amsterdam_bewerkt.PNG"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The coat of arms of Amsterdam is composed of three <a title="Saint Andrew" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew"> St Andrew's</a> crosses, aligned vertically. Historians believe they represent the three dangers which have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The city's official motto, <i>Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig</i> ("Valiant, Resolute, Merciful") which is displayed on the coat of arms, was bestowed on it by <a title="Queen Wilhelmina" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Wilhelmina"> Queen Wilhelmina</a> in 1947 in recognition of the city's bravery during World War II. The lions were added in the sixteenth century.</p> <p>The <a title="Imperial Crown of Austria" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Crown_of_Austria"> Imperial Crown of Austria</a> was awarded to the city in 1489 by <a title="Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_I,_Holy_Roman_Emperor"> Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor</a>, out of gratitude for services and loans. The crown was a sign of imperial protection and acted as a seal of approval for Amsterdam merchants abroad. The Westertoren also features the imperial crown.</p> <p><a id="City_government" name="City_government"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: City government" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=3">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">City government</span></h2> <dl> <dd> <div class="noprint"> <i>Main article: <a title="Amsterdam (municipality)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_(municipality%2529"> Amsterdam (municipality)</a></i></div> </dd> </dl> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="Lloyd building in Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lloyd333.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="150" alt="Lloyd building in Amsterdam" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/27/Lloyd333.jpg/200px-Lloyd333.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lloyd333.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lloyd333.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> Lloyd building in Amsterdam</div> </div> </div> <p>As all Dutch municipalities, Amsterdam is governed by a <a title="Politics of the Netherlands (terminology)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Netherlands_(terminology)#burgemeester"> mayor</a>, his <a title="Politics of the Netherlands (terminology)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Netherlands_(terminology)#Wethouder"> aldermen</a>, and the <a title="Politics of the Netherlands (terminology)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Netherlands_(terminology)#gemeenteraad"> municipal council</a>. However, unlike most other Dutch municipalities, Amsterdam is subdivided into fifteen <i> stadsdelen</i> (boroughs), a system that was implemented in the 1980s to improve local governance. The <i>stadsdelen</i> are responsible for many activities that previously had been run by the central city. Fourteen of these have their own council, chosen by a popular election. The fifteenth, Westpoort, covers the harbour of Amsterdam, has very few inhabitants, and is governed by the central municipal council. Local decisions are made at borough level, and only affairs pertaining to the whole city, such as major infrastructure projects, are handled by the central city council. <i>See also:</i> <a title="List of mayors of Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mayors_of_Amsterdam"> List of mayors of Amsterdam</a></p> <p><a id="Weather" name="Weather"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Weather" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=4">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Weather</span></h2> <p>Amsterdam enjoys a moderate temperate climate, with the weather patterns being strongly influenced by Amsterdam's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the prevailing westerly winds. Winters are mild and average above freezing, although frosts are not uncommon during periods of easterly or northeasterly winds that blow from the interior of the continent. Summers are warm but seldom hot. Although days with measurable precipitation are common, Amsterdam averages less than 760 mm of precipitation annually. Most of the rain falls as protracted drizzle or light rain. Cloudy and damp days are common, particularly in the cooler months.</p> <p><a id="Economy" name="Economy"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Economy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=5">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Economy</span></h2> <p>Amsterdam is the financial/business capital of the Netherlands and repeatedly chosen the fifth most important city in Europe in which to do business after London, Frankfurt, Paris and Brussels, but has recently moved to a sixth place just behind Barcelona (Cushman and Wakefield). Many large Dutch corporations and banks have their headquarters in Amsterdam, like <a title="ABN Amro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABN_Amro"> ABN Amro</a>, <a title="Heineken" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heineken"> Heineken</a>, <a title="ING Group" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ING_Group"> ING Group</a>, <a title="Ahold" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahold"> Ahold</a>, <a class="new" title="Delta Lloyd Group" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Delta_Lloyd_Group&action=edit"> Delta Lloyd Group</a> and <a title="Philips" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philips"> Philips</a>. <a title="KPMG" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KPMG"> KPMG</a> International's global headquarter is located in Amsterdam, as is the European headquarter of <a title="Cisco Systems" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_Systems"> Cisco Systems</a>.</p> <p>Because of the many large companies in Amsterdam, and the rest of the Netherlands, <a title="Reuters" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters"> Reuters</a> has a relatively large representation in the city.</p> <p>Though many subsidiaries are located along the old canals, more and more companies decide to move to a newly built office tower outside the city centre. The <a title="South Axis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Axis"> South Axis</a> (Dutch: <a title="Zuidas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuidas"> Zuidas</a>) is increasingly a banking area, and is intended to become the new business-face of the Netherlands. There the recently expanded <a title="World trade center" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_trade_center"> World trade center</a> also has its location.</p> <p>The <a title="Amsterdam Stock Exchange" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Stock_Exchange"> Amsterdam Stock Exchange</a> (AEX) is part of <a title="Euronext" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euronext"> Euronext</a>, and is the oldest stock exchange on earth. Nowadays it still is one of the most important in Europe.</p> <p><a id="Demography" name="Demography"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Demography" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=6">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Demography</span></h2> <table class="wikitable" style="WIDTH: 830px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="table14"> <caption> <a title="Demography" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demography"> Demographic</a> evolution of Amsterdam between <a title="1300" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1300"> 1300</a> and <a title="2006" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006"> 2006</a></caption> <tr> <th> <a title="1300" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1300"> 1300</a></th> <th> <a title="1400" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1400"> 1400</a></th> <th> <a title="1500" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1500"> 1500</a></th> <th> <a title="1600" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1600"> 1600</a></th> <th> <a title="1650" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1650"> 1650</a></th> <th> <a title="1796" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1796"> 1796</a></th> <th> <a title="1830" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1830"> 1830</a></th> <th> <a title="1849" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1849"> 1849</a></th> <th> <a title="1879" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1879"> 1879</a></th> <th> <a title="1899" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1899"> 1899</a></th> <th> <a title="1925" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1925"> 1925</a></th> <th> <a title="2006" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006"> 2006</a></th> </tr> <tr> <td>1,000</td> <td>3,000</td> <td>12,000</td> <td>60,000</td> <td>140,000</td> <td>200,600</td> <td>202,400</td> <td>224,000</td> <td>317,000</td> <td>510,900</td> <td>714,200</td> <td>743,905</td> </tr> </table> <p><sup class="noprint">[<a title="Wikipedia:Citing sources" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources"><i><span title="The material in the vicinity of this tag needs references to reliable sources." style="WHITE-SPACE: nowrap">citation needed</span></i></a>]</sup> <a id="Academia" name="Academia"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Academia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=7">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Academia</span></h2> <p>Amsterdam has two universities: the <a title="University of Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Amsterdam"> University of Amsterdam</a> (Universiteit van Amsterdam), and the <a title="Vrije Universiteit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrije_Universiteit"> Free University</a> (Vrije Universiteit). Other institutions for higher education include an art school, De Rietveldacademie, the Hogeschool van Amsterdam and the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten. Amsterdam's <a title="International Institute of Social History" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Social_History"> International Institute of Social History</a> is one of the world's largest documentary and research institutions concerning social history, and especially the history of the labour movement. Amsterdam's <a title="Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortus_Botanicus_(Amsterdam%2529"> Hortus Botanicus</a>, founded in the early 1600s, is one of the oldest <a title="Botanical garden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanical_garden"> botanical gardens</a> in the world, with many old and rare specimens, amongst which the coffee plant that served as the parent for the entire coffee culture in Central and South America.</p> <p><a id="Public_transport" name="Public_transport"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Public transport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=8">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Public transport</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="NS double-decker train at Amsterdam Central Station" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NS_train1.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="150" alt="NS double-decker train at Amsterdam Central Station" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/de/NS_train1.jpg/200px-NS_train1.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NS_train1.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NS_train1.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> NS double-decker train at Amsterdam Central Station</div> </div> </div> <p><a id="Current_situation" name="Current_situation"></a> </p> <h3><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Current situation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=9">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Current situation</span></h3> <p>Public transport in Amsterdam, operated by <a title="Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemeentelijk_Vervoerbedrijf"> Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf</a>, <a title="Connexxion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connexxion"> Connexxion</a>, <a title="Arriva" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arriva"> Arriva</a>, and <a title="Nederlandse Spoorwegen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nederlandse_Spoorwegen"> Nederlandse Spoorwegen</a>, consists of:</p> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li>national and international <a title="Train" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train"> train</a> connections </li> <li>3 <a title="Metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro"> metro</a> lines, 1 <a title="Light rail" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_rail"> light rail</a> line and 1 more <a title="Metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro"> metro</a> line under construction, together the <a title="Amsterdam metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_metro"> Amsterdam metro</a> </li> <li>16 <a title="Tram" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram"> tram</a> lines </li> <li>An express tram line (IJtram) </li> <li>55 local bus lines </li> <li>regional bus lines </li> <li>several <a title="Ferries" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferries"> ferries</a> for pedestrians and cyclists across the <a title="IJ (bay)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IJ_(bay%2529"> IJ</a> (free of charge) </li> <li>a Fast Flying Ferry towards <a title="Velsen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velsen"> Velsen</a>-Zuid on the North Sea shore </li> <li>local night bus lines </li> </ul> <p>A new underground line, the <a title="North/South Line" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North/South_Line"> North/South Line</a> (<i>Noord/Zuidlijn</i>) is under construction. The estimated completion date is in 2012.(See also <a title="Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemeentelijk_Vervoerbedrijf"> Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf</a>, <a title="Amsterdam metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_metro"> Amsterdam metro</a>, <a title="Amsterdam Centraal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Centraal"> Amsterdam Centraal</a>).</p> <p>As of the start of 2006 most of the regional transport is handled by <a title="Arriva" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arriva"> Arriva</a>, <a title="Connexxion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connexxion"> Connexxion</a> used to handle all of regional transport and still operates a few lines.</p> <p><a id="History_2" name="History_2"></a></p> <h3><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: History" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=10">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">History</span></h3> <p>During the construction of the <a title="Amsterdam metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_metro"> Amsterdam metro</a>, plans to demolish the entire former <a title="Jew" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jew"> Jewish</a> neighbourhood near the <a title="Nieuwmarkt" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwmarkt"> Nieuwmarkt</a> led to strong protests. The metro was still built (wall decorations at the Nieuwmarkt station are dedicated to the protests), but plans to build a highway through the neighbourhood in the centre of Amsterdam were abolished.</p> <p><a id="Private_transport" name="Private_transport"></a> </p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Private transport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=11">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Private transport</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="Many bikes parked in Amsterdam." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_bicycle.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="131" alt="Many bikes parked in Amsterdam." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Amsterdam_bicycle.jpg/200px-Amsterdam_bicycle.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_bicycle.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_bicycle.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> Many bikes parked in Amsterdam.</div> </div> </div> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="A few of the ubiquitous cyclists in Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amster.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="150" alt="A few of the ubiquitous cyclists in Amsterdam" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/90/Amster.jpg/200px-Amster.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amster.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amster.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> A few of the ubiquitous cyclists in Amsterdam</div> </div> </div> <p>Amsterdam is known as one of the most <a title="Bicycle-friendly" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle-friendly"> bicycle-friendly</a> cities in the world and is a center of <a title="Bicycle culture" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_culture"> bicycle culture</a>. Most main streets have bike paths. <a title="Bicycle rack" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_rack"> Bike racks</a> are ubiquitous throughout the city. There are about 700,000 bicycles in the city. Each year, about 80,000 of them are stolen and 25,000 end up in the canals. In the city centre, driving a car is discouraged, parking fees are steep and a great number of streets are closed off for cars. The A10 <a title="Ringroad" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringroad"> Ringroad</a> surrounds the city and provides connections to four major motorways: the A1, A2, A4 and A8, as well as quite a few exits to roads leading into the city (S101 through S118).</p> <p><a id="Airport" name="Airport"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=12">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Airport</span></h2> <p> <a title="Amsterdam Schiphol Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Schiphol_Airport"> Amsterdam Schiphol Airport</a>, is less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station. It is the biggest airport in the Netherlands, the fourth largest in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. It handles about 42 million passengers a year and is home base to <a title="KLM" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KLM">KLM</a>, since 2004 part of <a title="Air France-KLM" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_France-KLM"> Air France-KLM</a>.</p> <p><a id="Sports" name="Sports"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Sports" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=13">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Sports</span></h2> <p>Amsterdam is the home town of <a title="Ajax Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajax_Amsterdam"> Ajax</a>, a team in the <a title="Dutch Football League" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Football_League"> Dutch Football League</a>. Its home base is the modern stadium <a title="Amsterdam ArenA" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_ArenA"> Amsterdam ArenA</a>, located in the south-east of the city. The team shares that facility with the <a title="Amsterdam Admirals" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Admirals"> Amsterdam Admirals</a>, an <a title="American football" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football"> American football</a> team.</p> <p>In 1928, Amsterdam hosted the <a title="1928 Summer Olympics" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1928_Summer_Olympics"> Games of the IXth Olympiad</a>. The <a title="Olympisch Stadion (Amsterdam)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympisch_Stadion_(Amsterdam%2529"> Olympic Stadium</a> built for the occasion has been completely restored and is now used for cultural and sporting events.</p> <p>Amsterdam also is home to a famous <a title="Ice rink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_rink"> ice rink</a>, the <a title="Jaap Eden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaap_Eden"> Jaap Eden</a> baan. The <a title="Amstel Tijgers" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel_Tijgers"> Amstel Tijgers</a> play in this arena in the Dutch <a title="Ice hockey" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey"> ice hockey</a> premier league. In <a title="Speed skating" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_skating"> speed skating</a> many international championships have been fought in the 400-meter lane of this ice rink.</p> <p>The city also has a <a title="Baseball" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball"> baseball</a> team, the <a title="Amsterdam Pirates" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Pirates"> Amsterdam Pirates</a> who play in the Dutch Major League. Three <a title="Field hockey" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_hockey"> field hockey</a> teams, Amsterdam, Pinoké and Hurley who play their matches around the <a title="Wagener stadium" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagener_stadium"> Wagener stadium</a>. These teams are offently referred to as playing in Amsterdam. However, all of them (even Amsterdam) are playing their matches on the grounds of neighbourcity <a title="Amstelveen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstelveen"> Amstelveen</a> There is also a <a title="Basketball" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball"> basketball</a> team, the <a class="new" title="Amsterdam Astronauts" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam_Astronauts&action=edit"> Amsterdam Astronauts</a> who play in the Dutch premier division and play their games in the Sporthallen Zuid, near the Olympic Stadium.</p> <p>Since <a title="1999" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999"> 1999</a> the city of Amsterdam honours it's best sportsmen and -women at the <a title="Amsterdam Sportsman of the year" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Sportsman_of_the_year"> Amsterdam Sports Awards</a>. Boxer <a title="Raymond Joval" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Joval"> Raymond Joval</a> and fieldhockey midfielder <a title="Carole Thate" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carole_Thate"> Carole Thate</a> were the first to receive the awards in 1999.</p> <p><a id="Periodic_events" name="Periodic_events"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Periodic events" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=14">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Periodic events</span></h2> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li>April - <a title="Koninginnedag" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koninginnedag"> Koninginnedag</a>, <i>Queen's day</i>, <a title="April 30" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_30"> 30 April</a>, the former <a title="Queen of the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_the_Netherlands"> Queen's</a> (<a title="Juliana of the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliana_of_the_Netherlands">Juliana</a>) birthday, also the day Juliana transferred her title to her daughter Beatrix. </li> <li>June - The <i>Amsterdam Roots</i> Festival, last week of June. International music festival </li> <li>June - <a title="Holland Festival" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Festival"> Holland Festival</a> is an international festival for theater, music, dance, opera, film and art, throughout the month of June. </li> <li>August - <a class="new" title="Amsterdam Pride" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam_Pride&action=edit"> Amsterdam Pride</a>, first weekend of August, <a title="Gay pride" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride"> gay pride</a> weekend </li> <li>August - <a title="Hartjesdag" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartjesdag"> Hartjesdag</a>, 3rd Weekend in August. </li> <li>August - <a title="Uitmarkt" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uitmarkt"> Uitmarkt</a>, last weekend in August, the start of the cultural season </li> <li>August - <a title="Amsterdam Tournament" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Tournament"> Amsterdam Tournament</a>, late August, International Football-tournament hosted by <a title="AFC Ajax" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFC_Ajax"> AFC Ajax</a> </li> <li>August - <a title="Sail Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sail_Amsterdam"> Sail Amsterdam</a>, a five-yearly event, when <a title="Tall ship" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_ship"> tall ships</a> from all over the world can be visited. Next event 2010. </li> <li>October - <a title="Amsterdam Marathon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Marathon"> Amsterdam Marathon</a>, mid-October </li> <li>October – The <a class="new" title="Bokbier" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bokbier&action=edit"> Bokbier</a> Beer Festival in the <i>Beurs van Berlage</i> (Old stock Exchange) </li> <li>October – <i>Grachtenrace</i> (Canal Race), 25km rowing race, 2nd Saturday in October. </li> <li>November - <a class="external text" title="http://www.shadowfestival.nl/home/" href="http://www.shadowfestival.nl/home/"> Shadow Festival of Documentary Film</a> </li> <li>November – December The <a class="new" title="IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IDFA_International_Documentary_Film_Festival_Amsterdam&action=edit"> IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam</a> </li> <li>November - <a title="Cannabis Cup" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_Cup"> Cannabis Cup</a>, mid-November annual cannabis competition, hosted by <a title="High Times" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Times"> High Times</a>. </li> <li>December – <a title="Sinterklaas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas"> Sinterklaas</a> </li> </ul> <p><a id="Tourist_attractions" name="Tourist_attractions"> </a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Tourist attractions" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=15">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Tourist attractions</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="WIDTH: 202px"> <a class="internal" title="Leaning buildings are common in Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_lean.jpg"> <img class="thumbimage" height="267" alt="Leaning buildings are common in Amsterdam" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1d/Amsterdam_lean.jpg/200px-Amsterdam_lean.jpg" width="200" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_lean.jpg"></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify" style="FLOAT: right"> <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amsterdam_lean.jpg"> <img height="11" alt="" src="magnify-clip.png" width="15"></a></div> Leaning buildings are common in Amsterdam</div> </div> </div> <dl> <dd> <div class="noprint"> <i>Main article: <a title="Amsterdam Tourist Attractions" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Tourist_Attractions"> Amsterdam Tourist Attractions</a></i></div> </dd> </dl> <p>Amsterdam is noted for many outstanding museums, including the <a title="Rijksmuseum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijksmuseum"> Rijksmuseum</a>, the <a title="Stedelijk Museum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stedelijk_Museum"> Stedelijk Museum</a>, <a title="Rembrandt House Museum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt_House_Museum"> Rembrandt House Museum</a>, and its world-class symphony orchestra, the <a title="Concertgebouworkest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concertgebouworkest"> Concertgebouworkest</a>, whose home base is the <a title="Concertgebouw" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concertgebouw"> Concertgebouw</a>. The <a title="Van Gogh Museum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Gogh_Museum"> Van Gogh Museum</a> houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. <a title="Anne Frank House" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank_House"> Anne Frank House</a> is also a popular tourist attraction.</p> <p>Amsterdam is also famous for its <a title="Red-light district" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-light_district"> red-light district</a>, <i> <a title="De Wallen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Wallen"> de Wallen</a></i>. <a title="Prostitution" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution"> Prostitution</a> is legal in the Netherlands at specific places. The red-light district is located in the center of the city along major canals and is clearly marked on maps. However, this is not unique to Amsterdam as other Dutch cities such as <a title="Utrecht (city)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrecht_(city%2529"> Utrecht</a>, <a title="The Hague" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hague"> The Hague</a>, <a title="Leeuwarden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeuwarden"> Leeuwarden</a>, <a title="Haarlem" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlem"> Haarlem</a> and <a title="Groningen (city)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groningen_(city%2529"> Groningen</a> also have "Hoerenbuurten" ("Hooker areas").</p> <p>Centred around the Wallen, but also elsewhere in the city, <a title="Cannabis coffee shops" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_coffee_shops"> coffee shops</a> sell <a title="Cannabis (drug)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_(drug%2529"> cannabis</a>. This is not completely legal but is tolerated when small quantities of cannabis (up to 5 grammes) are involved.</p> <p><a id="Famous_Amsterdammers" name="Famous_Amsterdammers"> </a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Famous Amsterdammers" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=16">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Famous Amsterdammers</span></h2> <table class style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" id="table15"> <tr> <td vAlign="top" align="left"> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li> <a title="Karel Appel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karel_Appel"> Karel Appel</a> - painter </li> <li> <a title="Frits Bolkestein" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frits_Bolkestein"> Frits Bolkestein</a> - Dutch politician and former EU commissioner </li> <li> <a title="George Hendrik Breitner" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hendrik_Breitner"> George Hendrik Breitner</a> - painter </li> <li> <a title="Simon Carmiggelt" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Carmiggelt"> Simon Carmiggelt</a> - writer and columnist </li> <li> <a title="Johan Cruijff" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Cruijff"> Johan Cruijff</a> - football player </li> <li> <a title="Anne Frank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank"> Anne Frank</a> - Holocaust diarist </li> <li> <a title="Theo van Gogh (film director)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_van_Gogh_(film_director%2529"> Theo van Gogh</a> - filmmaker and columnist </li> <li> <a title="André Hazes" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Hazes"> André Hazes</a> - singer </li> </ul> </td> <td vAlign="top" align="left"> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li> <a title="Freddy Heineken" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddy_Heineken"> Freddy Heineken</a> - beer magnate </li> <li> <a title="Meindert Hobbema" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meindert_Hobbema"> Meindert Hobbema</a> - painter </li> <li> <a title="Jozef Israëls" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jozef_Israëls"> Jozef Israëls</a> - painter </li> <li> <a title="Wim Kok" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Kok"> Wim Kok</a> - former prime minister </li> <li> <a title="Harry Mulisch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Mulisch"> Harry Mulisch</a> - writer </li> <li> <a title="Multatuli" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multatuli"> Multatuli</a> - writer </li> <li> <a title="Rembrandt" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt"> Rembrandt</a> - painter </li> <li> <a title="Baruch Spinoza" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_Spinoza"> Baruch Spinoza</a> - philosopher </li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table> <p>For an overview of more famous Amsterdammers see <a title="Category:People from Amsterdam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_from_Amsterdam"> People from Amsterdam</a></p> <p><a id="Sister_cities" name="Sister_cities"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Sister cities" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=17">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Sister cities</span></h2> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Mozambique.svg"> <img height="13" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Flag_of_Mozambique.svg/20px-Flag_of_Mozambique.svg.png" width="20" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Mozambique.svg"></a> <a title="Beira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beira"> Beira</a>, <a title="Mozambique" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique"> Mozambique</a> </li> <li> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Nicaragua.svg"> <img height="12" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Flag_of_Nicaragua.svg/20px-Flag_of_Nicaragua.svg.png" width="20" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Nicaragua.svg"></a> <a title="Managua" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managua"> Managua</a>, <a title="Nicaragua" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicaragua"> Nicaragua</a> </li> <li> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_China.svg"> <img height="13" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Flag_of_China.svg/20px-Flag_of_China.svg.png" width="20" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_China.svg"></a> <a title="Beijing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing"> Beijing</a>, <a title="People's Republic of China" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People's_Republic_of_China"> China</a> </li> <li> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.svg"> <img height="10" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Flag_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.svg/20px-Flag_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.svg.png" width="20" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.svg"></a> <a title="Sarajevo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo"> Sarajevo</a>, <a title="Bosnia and Herzegovina" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina"> Bosnia and Herzegovina</a> </li> <li> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Canada.svg"> <img height="10" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Flag_of_Canada.svg/20px-Flag_of_Canada.svg.png" width="20" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Canada.svg"></a> <a title="Montreal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal"> Montreal</a>, <a title="Canada" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada"> Canada</a> </li> </ul> <p><a id="Notes" name="Notes"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: Notes" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=18">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">Notes</span></h2> <div class="references-small"> <ol class="references"> <li id="_note-0"><b><a title href="#_ref-0">^</a></b> Source: <a class="external text" title="http://www.annefrankhuis.nl/content.asp?PID=715&LID=2" href="http://www.annefrankhuis.nl/content.asp?PID=715&LID=2"> 2005 a record year for the Anne Frank House</a> </li> </ol> </div> <p><a id="External_links" name="External_links"></a></p> <h2><span class="editsection">[<a title="Edit section: External links" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=edit&section=19">edit</a>]</span> <span class="mw-headline">External links</span></h2> <div class="infobox sisterproject"> <div class="floatleft"> <a class="image" title=" " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Commons-logo.svg"> <img height="67" alt=" " src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/50px-Commons-logo.svg.png" width="50" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Commons-logo.svg"></a></div> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 60px"> <a title="Wikimedia Commons" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Commons"> Wikimedia Commons</a> has media related to: <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"> <i><b> <a class="extiw" title="commons:Amsterdam" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam"> Amsterdam</a></b></i></div> </div> </div> <ul lastCheckbox="null"> <li> <a class="external text" title="http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=52363860&x=4898529&z=11&l=1&m=a" href="http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=52363860&x=4898529&z=11&l=1&m=a"> WikiSatellite view of Amsterdam at WikiMapia</a> </li> <li> <a class="extiw" title="wikitravel:Amsterdam" href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Amsterdam"> Amsterdam travel guide</a> from <a title="Wikitravel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikitravel"> Wikitravel</a> </li> <li> <a class="external text" title="http://www.iamsterdam.nl/" href="http://www.iamsterdam.nl/"> Official website of the city of Amsterdam</a> (<a class="external text" title="http://www.iamsterdam.com/" href="http://www.iamsterdam.com/">English Version</a>) </li> </ul> <table class="wikitable" style="CLEAR: both; FONT-SIZE: 95%; MARGIN: 0.5em auto" id="table16"> <tr style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> <td align="middle" width="30%">Preceded by<br> <b> <a title="Florence" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence"> Florence</a></b></td> <td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="40%"><b> <a title="European Capital of Culture" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Capital_of_Culture"> European City of Culture</a></b><br> 1987</td> <td align="middle" width="30%">Succeeded by<br> <b> <a title="West Berlin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Berlin"> West Berlin</a></b></td> </tr> <tr style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> <td align="middle" width="30%">Preceded by<br> <b> <a title="Bogotá" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogotá"> Bogotá</a></b></td> <td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="40%"><b> <a title="World Book Capital" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Book_Capital"> World Book Capital</a></b><br> 2008</td> <td align="middle" width="30%">Succeeded by<br> <b>N/A</b></td> </tr> </table> <p><br clear="all">  </p> <center> <table id="table17" style="MARGIN: 0px 2em"> <tr> <th style="background: #ccccff" align="middle" width="100%"> <div style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 50px">  </div> <b> <a title="North Holland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Holland"> North Holland Province</a></b></th> <th> <a class="image" title href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_North-Holland,_Netherlands.svg"> <img height="33" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Flag_North-Holland,_Netherlands.svg/50px-Flag_North-Holland,_Netherlands.svg.png" width="50" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_North-Holland%2C_Netherlands.svg"></a></th> </tr> <tr> <td style="FONT-SIZE: 90%" align="middle" colSpan="2"> <a title="Aalsmeer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aalsmeer"> Aalsmeer</a> | <a title="Alkmaar" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkmaar"> Alkmaar</a> | <a title="Amstelveen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstelveen"> Amstelveen</a> | <a title="Amsterdam (municipality)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_(municipality%2529"> Amsterdam</a> | <a title="Andijk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andijk"> Andijk</a> | <a title="Anna Paulowna" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Paulowna"> Anna Paulowna</a> | <a title="Beemster" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beemster"> Beemster</a> | <a title="Bennebroek" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennebroek"> Bennebroek</a> | <a title="Bergen (North Holland)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergen_(North_Holland%2529"> Bergen</a> | <a title="Beverwijk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverwijk"> Beverwijk</a> | <a title="Blaricum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaricum"> Blaricum</a> | <a title="Bloemendaal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloemendaal"> Bloemendaal</a> | <a title="Bussum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bussum"> Bussum</a> | <a title="Castricum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castricum"> Castricum</a> | <a title="Den Helder" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Den_Helder"> Den Helder</a> | <a title="Diemen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diemen"> Diemen</a> | <a title="Drechterland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drechterland"> Drechterland</a> | <a title="Edam-Volendam" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edam-Volendam"> Edam-Volendam</a> | <a title="Enkhuizen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enkhuizen"> Enkhuizen</a> | <a title="Graft-De Rijp" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft-De_Rijp"> Graft-De Rijp</a> | <a title="Haarlem" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlem"> Haarlem</a> | <a title="Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlemmerliede_en_Spaarnwoude"> Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude</a> | <a title="Haarlemmermeer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haarlemmermeer"> Haarlemmermeer</a> | <a title="Harenkarspel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harenkarspel"> Harenkarspel</a> | <a title="Heemskerk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heemskerk"> Heemskerk</a> | <a title="Heemstede" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heemstede"> Heemstede</a> | <a title="Heerhugowaard" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heerhugowaard"> Heerhugowaard</a> | <a title="Heiloo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heiloo"> Heiloo</a> | <a title="Hilversum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilversum"> Hilversum</a> | <a title="Hoorn" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoorn"> Hoorn</a> | <a title="Huizen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huizen"> Huizen</a> | <a class="new" title="Koggenland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Koggenland&action=edit"> Koggenland</a> | <a title="Landsmeer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landsmeer"> Landsmeer</a> | <a title="Langedijk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langedijk"> Langedijk</a> | <a title="Laren" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laren"> Laren</a> | <a title="Medemblik" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medemblik"> Medemblik</a> | <a title="Muiden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muiden"> Muiden</a> | <a title="Naarden" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naarden"> Naarden</a> | <a title="Niedorp" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niedorp"> Niedorp</a> <a title="Oostzaan" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostzaan"> Oostzaan</a> | <a title="Opmeer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opmeer"> Opmeer</a> | <a title="Spanbroek" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanbroek"> Spanbroek</a> | <a title="Ouder-Amstel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouder-Amstel"> Ouder-Amstel</a> | <a title="Purmerend" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purmerend"> Purmerend</a> | <a title="Schagen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schagen"> Schagen</a> | <a title="Schermer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schermer"> Schermer</a> | <a title="Stede Broec" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stede_Broec"> Stede Broec</a> | <a title="Texel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texel"> Texel</a> | <a title="Uitgeest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uitgeest"> Uitgeest</a> | <a title="Uithoorn" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uithoorn"> Uithoorn</a> | <a title="Velsen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velsen"> Velsen</a> | <a title="Waterland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterland"> Waterland</a> | <a title="Weesp" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weesp"> Weesp</a> | <a title="Wervershoof" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wervershoof"> Wervershoof</a> | <a title="Wieringen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieringen"> Wieringen</a> | <a title="Wieringermeer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieringermeer"> Wieringermeer</a> | <a title="Wijdemeren" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wijdemeren"> Wijdemeren</a> | <a title="Wormerland" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormerland"> Wormerland</a> | <a title="Zaanstad" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaanstad"> Zaanstad</a> | <a title="Zandvoort" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zandvoort"> Zandvoort</a> | <a title="Zeevang" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeevang"> Zeevang</a> | <a title="Zijpe" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zijpe"> Zijpe</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="FONT-SIZE: 90%" align="middle" colSpan="2"> <a title="Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands"> Netherlands</a> | <a title="Provinces of the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Netherlands"> Provinces</a> | <a title="Municipalities in the Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_in_the_Netherlands"> Municipalities</a> | <a class="external text" title="http://www.sdu.nl/staatscourant/gemeentes/gemprovin.htm#NH" href="http://www.sdu.nl/staatscourant/gemeentes/gemprovin.htm#NH"> map</a></td> </tr> </table> </center> <div class="NavFrame" id="NavFrame1" style="CLEAR: both"> <div class="NavHead"> <div class="noprint plainlinksneverexpand" style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; LEFT: 0.5em; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: auto; COLOR: #000000; PADDING-TOP: 0px; WHITE-SPACE: nowrap; POSITION: absolute; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"> <a title="Template:Capital cities of the European Union" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Capital_cities_of_the_European_Union"> <span title="View this template.">v</span></a> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">•</span> <a title="Template talk:Capital cities of the European Union" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Capital_cities_of_the_European_Union"><span title="Discussion about this template.">d</span></a> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">•</span> <a class="external text" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Capital_cities_of_the_European_Union&action=edit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Capital_cities_of_the_European_Union&action=edit"><span title="You can edit this template. Please use the preview button before saving." style="COLOR: #002bb8">e</span></a></div> <b> <a class="image" title="Flag of the European Union" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European_flag.svg"> <img height="20" alt="Flag of the European Union" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/European_flag.svg/30px-European_flag.svg.png" width="30" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European_flag.svg"></a> <a title="Capital" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital"> Capital</a> cities of the <a title="European Union" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union"> European Union</a></b><a class="NavToggle" id="NavToggle1" href="javascript:toggleNavigationBar(1);">[hide]</a></div> <div class="NavContent" style="FONT-SIZE: 0.9em; MARGIN: 0.5em"> <div class="floatright"> <a class="image" title="Flag of the European Union" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European_flag.svg"> <img height="33" alt="Flag of the European Union" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/European_flag.svg/50px-European_flag.svg.png" width="50" longdesc="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European_flag.svg"></a></div> <p><strong class="selflink">Amsterdam</strong> · <a title="Athens" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens"> Athens</a> · <a title="Berlin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin"> Berlin</a> · <a title="Bratislava" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bratislava"> Bratislava</a> · <a title="Brussels" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels"> Brussels</a> · <a title="Bucharest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucharest"> Bucharest</a> · <a title="Budapest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest"> Budapest</a> · <a title="Copenhagen" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen"> Copenhagen</a> · <a title="Dublin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin"> Dublin</a> · <a title="Helsinki" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki"> Helsinki</a> · <a title="Lisbon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon"> Lisbon</a> · <a title="Ljubljana" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ljubljana"> Ljubljana</a> · <a title="London" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London"> London</a> · <a title="Luxembourg (city)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_(city%2529"> Luxembourg City</a> · <a title="Madrid" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid"> Madrid</a> · <a title="Nicosia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicosia"> Nicosia</a> · <a title="Paris" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris"> Paris</a> · <a title="Prague" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague"> Prague</a> · <a title="Riga" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riga"> Riga</a> · <a title="Rome" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome"> Rome</a> · <a title="Sofia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia"> Sofia</a> · <a title="Stockholm" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm"> Stockholm</a> · <a title="Tallinn" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallinn"> Tallinn</a> · <a title="Valletta" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valletta"> Valletta</a> · <a title="Vienna" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna"> Vienna</a> · <a title="Vilnius" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius"> Vilnius</a> · <a title="Warsaw" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw"> Warsaw</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="rood" id="colors"> <table class="border" id="table1" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">The Dutch initials ROCvA stand for the "Amsterdam Regional Community College". We are a Foundation under Dutch law, established at the initiative of local and national government in 1997. The ROCvA covers Amsterdam and the nearby townships of Amstelveen, Hoofddorp and Hilversum.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Like Community Colleges in other countries we focus on vocational education and training for participants from the age of 12 and adults in our region. We are one of the largest Community Colleges in Europe with some 35,000 students and 3,500 part-time and full-time staff at about 60 locations.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Vocational training and education</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Our offering comprises long-term and short-term courses in vocational education, apprenticeships and adult education. This includes customised courses for the private and non-profit sectors. We work closely with the business community to provide these courses across a wide range of specialities. Indeed, customisation and speciality are key words here. Quality training deserves quality facilities. This principle is reflected in our accommodations. These also reflect the meshing of theory and practice, which is at the heart of vocational training and education in the Netherlands.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Course options / levels</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Our full-time college-based route combines study with hands-on training in the workplace. The part-time option is a work-based route - with part-time education and apprenticeship slotted together. The courses come in four levels (as defined by the Dutch Adult & Vocational Education Act and in line with European-SEDOC classification). Students at the highest level can go on to university/college equivalent studies.</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="rood" id="colors0"> <table class="border" id="table2" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden0" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">ROC van Amsterdam offers a number of courses Dutch as a second language for private individuals as well as for employees of organisations and companies.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">For more information please contact:</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">NLC Bedrijfstrainingen</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">ROC van Amsterdam Airport</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Opaallaan 25,</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Tel : (023) 5693691</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="rood" id="colors1"> <table class="border" id="table3" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden1" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Business (national/international, including commercial, clerical, retail/wholesale) </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including multi-media designer and IT media production </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Social/Health Care </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Art, Culture and Entertainment </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Sport </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Security and Public Safety, Legal Services, Facility Management </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Technology (construction, vehicle mechanics, logistics, engineering, inc. electrical, mechanical and laboratory engineering)Hotel/catering/restaurant studies (inc. management) </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Tourism </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Bakery/Pastry </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Aviation (services, engineering/maintenance, logistics) </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Fashion and Beauty Care </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Adult Education (secondary education, Dutch as second language, citizenship) </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Basic Education (literacy, maths, Dutch as second language, social skills, parent participation, citizenship) </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Pre-vocational training </li> </ul> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="rood" id="colors2"> <table class="border" id="table4" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden2" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">Today's Europe is notable for internationalisation. Our response has been pro-active. We have created synergetic alliances with leading learning-institutions - and not only in Europe. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">This international network gives students the chance to broaden their horizons with work secondment in the USA, Mexico, South Africa, or another European country. ROCvA is a member of EFVET (European Forum of Vocational Training and Education) and of PIN (Post-Secondary International Network).</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors3"> <table class="border" id="table5" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden3" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Studies </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">The demand for internationally trained professionals is growing. Professional organisations are looking for managers, management assistants and business people with an excellent command of the English language and an active interest in other cultures.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Recognised education</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The ROC van Amsterdam offers you the opportunity to realise your ambitions. The International Studies are recognised Dutch courses that are taught either bilingually or entirely in the English language. Your English will improve in leaps and bounds, and you will do work placement with international organisations in the Netherlands and, when you're ready, abroad as well.</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors4"> <table class="border" id="table6" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden4" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Opportunities in the labour market</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">International training is a good investment in your future. You will feel stronger and more secure at home and abroad.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Working in the Netherlands</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The Netherlands, and the Amsterdam / Schiphol area in particular, is home to countless international head offices where English is the working language. English is used in meetings, minutes of meetings, internal memos, project planning, management documents and external contacts, even when most of the employees within the organisation are Dutch. Speaking English makes it possible to share information easily with colleagues in other (foreign) offices. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Working abroad</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">An order abroad is not unusual in these organisations. You can be sent out for a longer or shorter period. At least, if your knowledge of English is up to par. A business negotiation may not fall through due to poor language skills or -- which often occurs -- improper reactions to other cultures and customs. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors5"> <table class="border" id="table7" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden5" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Knowledge of cultures and customs</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">A wide and active interest in other cultures and customs is essential. It often happens that business contacts and mergers go wrong due to a lack of understanding of foreign manners and expectations. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Cultural awareness</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The ROC van Amsterdam international training devotes a great deal of attention to knowledge of other countries. Can you easily address colleagues in France with their first name? Why do the Japanese say, "Yes, but..." when they really mean no? Is it smart to offer Belgian customers a lunch of sandwiches?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">It is best to know those types of things.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Subjects include:</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Understanding and respect for cultural differences</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Culture-related convictions, perceptions and behaviour</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Customs and etiquette in other countries</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Receiving foreign guests</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Various negotiation styles</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Foreign business and management styles</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors6"> <table class="border" id="table8" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden6" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Work placement abroad</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">Work placement abroad is an indispensable experience for those who truly aspire to an international position in a foreign country, and it looks great on your C.V. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Vocational practical training is part of your study</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Work placement abroad forms part of international vocational training. Every year you usually spend a period of 10 weeks doing work placement, and usually at least one work placement abroad. The ROC van Amsterdam Airport will help you on your way. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Work placement (BPV, practical vocational training) is not separate from your education. In cooperation with your work placement counsellor, you complete tasks and study assignments that fit in with your training. You test and develop your professional skills and build up your study points.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Working with foreign partners</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">There are often different customs and rules in other countries. What is considered "normal" in the Netherlands is not necessarily so elsewhere. Perhaps the most important thing you learn abroad is to adapt to a different working and living environment. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors7"> <table class="border" id="table9" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden7" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Continuation</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">International hotel companies always support employees with various incompany programmes,</p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Such as:</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Catering Operations</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Events Planning</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Hospitality Service</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Professional Bartending</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Hotel/Restaurant Management </p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>and more</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors8"> <table class="border" id="table10" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden8" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Admission requirements</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">Naturally, admission requirements differ per course of study. You can see what the admission requirements are on the information pages of the course of study you are considering.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">English</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">You must have at least a 7 as your final mark for English. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Preliminary training</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The preliminary training must be related to the content of the training you want to register for. If, for example, you have never had economics in your preliminary training, it will be difficult for you to apply for Business Studies. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">You will find more information in the explanation of each course. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Admission interview</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">After registering, you will be invited for an admission interview. Then it will be decided whether you meet the admission requirements. If you were just under a 7 for English, or you are missing a part of your preliminary training, then your admission interview will be decisive for your registration. Your motivation for doing the study is a very important factor in this case. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors9"> <table class="border" id="table11" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden9" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Costs of study / Study grants</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaIntroTekst">Studying costs money. The amount of the costs depends on your age, the course of study you will take and whether you opt for BOL (vocational training) or BBL (vocational guidance).</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">International studies of the ROC van Amsterdam Airport</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">If you want to know which study you want to do, request the <a href="http://www.roc-amsterdam.nl/sf/sf.cgi?22306"> brochure</a>. It contains a detailed description of the training and you can read about the costs it will entail. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The International Studies of the ROC van Amsterdam are all BOL courses. If you are 16 or 17 year old, you can request compensation for the study costs. The amount of the compensation depends on your parents´ income. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">If you are 18 or older, you are usually entitled to student grants. This is a basic grant and (depending on your parents income) a supplementary funding. This could be an interest-bearing loan and/or a supplementary grant. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaAandachtTekst">These regulations are constantly subject to change.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">For the latest information from the Informatie Beheer Groep (Information Management Group), where you can find out everything about study grants: </p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Pick up a folder in the library</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Call +31 50 599 77 55</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Visit the <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.ib-groep.nl/"> Informatie Beheer Groep</a> website</p> <p class="rocvaTekst" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"> <span style="COLOR: #ff9900; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span>Or you can ask us for information at our Service Point. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">Costs for work placement abroad</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Costs of study can be a bit higher than for the Dutch courses, e.g. for the work placement abroad or for extra English-language learning materials.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">For a work placement abroad, the European Union usually provides a subsidy. Every year it is determined whether this subsidy will be granted. So you cannot just count on it. Sometimes you are simply paid by a foreign company, or you receive a compensation. But that is often not the case. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">The ROC van Amsterdam makes efforts to limit additional costs to a minimum.</div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center><center> <div class="vervolg"> <div class="geel" id="colors10"> <table class="border" id="table12" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" border="0"> <tr> <td id="M_midden10" vAlign="top" align="left"> <div class="content"> <div class="Section1"> <p class="rocvaKop1">Frequently asked questions</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr1">1. Is my English good enough?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr2">2. How often do we do work placement?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr3">3. Is work placement abroad required?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr4">4. Does an international study lead to a recognised diploma?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr5">5. Will other foreign languages also be given in the training?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"><a href="#Nr6">6. Can you fall back on the Dutch training if the English-language courses prove to be too difficult?</a></p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">1. Is my English good enough?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Your English must be good enough to be able to follow lessons given in English. Your command of the language does not immediately need to be perfect in all respects. After all, the idea is to improve your command of the language through bilingual or English-language education. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst">As a point of departure, you have a 7 as the final mark for English. But motivation is also important. If your mark is a bit lower, it is always the admission interview that determines whether or not you will be admitted. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">2. How often do we do work placement?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Depending on the course of study, you usually go every year for 10 weeks. In general you do at least one work placement abroad, the others in an internationally operating company.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">3. Is work placement abroad required?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">That depends on the course of study. For International Business, an international work placement is an essential part of the training. For Executive Secretaries, work placement abroad is highly encouraged, but in general work placement in an international organisation is sufficient. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">4. Does an international study lead to a recognised diploma?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">Yes. The curriculum is always composed in such a way that it meets the requirements of the Dutch Ministry of Education. With International Business Studies and International Retail Management, there is even a situation of a double diploma: you receive both a Dutch and an English diploma.</p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">5. Will other foreign languages also be given in the training?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">In addition to English as the language of instruction, you usually also have at least one foreign language: French, German or Spanish. </p> <p class="rocvaTekst"> </p> <p class="rocvaKop2">6. Can you fall back on the Dutch training if the English-language courses prove to be too difficult?</p> <p class="rocvaTekst">For International Business and International Retail Management, that will be difficult: these courses follow the British structure in terms of the subdivision of the subject material and examination. Stopping usually means restarting in the Dutch version from the very beginning. For ESS, it will most likely mean dropping from level 4 to level 3. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </center> <p> </p> </body>