The presence of foreign businesses and staff is the reason why there is a European School in Bergen. The European School in Bergen is is one of 14 European schools in Europe and the only one in the Netherlands. It offers an international education in a range of European languages (Dutch, English, French, German and Italian) for children aged 4 to 18. Most of its pupils are the children of expats. After their final examination at the age of 18, successful pupils are awarded a European Baccalaureate, which is recognised throughout the European Union and in many other countries.
In 1602 The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was founded – it was the first multinational, and for many years the biggest commercial enterprise, in the world. It started here in North Holland. Since then, the strategic position for enterprises in the NHN region has gone from strength to strength.
