Dutch parents who decide to live abroad for a brief or extended period usually take their children with them. Many parents would like their children to receive a Dutch education during this time abroad. There are currently more than 200 Dutch schools and educational facilities worldwide. These have been set up by Dutch people or Dutch companies and organizations. Lessons are taught by qualified Dutch teachers.
Stichting NOB acts as intermediary, advisor and promoter for all these educational facilities. Foreign schools receive an annual subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science via Stichting NOB and also make use of the foundation's services. As a result, Dutch schools abroad remain up to date with developments in The Netherlands.

Two types of education
Stichting NOB differentiates between two types of education abroad: full Dutch (primary) education, and Dutch language and culture as a supplement to local or international education.

Full Dutch primary education
Children can attend a complete programme of Dutch (primary) education in a number of countries. All subjects taught in The Netherlands are also on the curriculum of these schools. The schools can use Stichting NOB's framework for a school policy plan. This plan serves as an example and is based on standards evolved in The Netherlands. Schools abroad also use the CITO pupil monitoring system that checks progress and assesses the quality of education. The pedagogic climate at these schools is comparable to that in The Netherlands.

Teaching of Dutch language and culture
Nowadays parents more frequently opt for Dutch language and culture classes instead of a full Dutch primary school curriculum. These lessons, often both primary and secondary education, are meant for Dutch children attending a local or international education program. By attending these Dutch classes, children will be prevented from falling behind in their native language when returning to The Netherlands. The school policy plans also provide guidance here. The school policy plan for children of 4 - 12 years old is attuned to the main aims of primary education as much as possible. The plan for secondary education is aimed at the Dutch state examination or another recognized certificate that formally includes Dutch.

Activities
A number of Stichting NOB's activities have already been detailed, such as providing subsidies and drawing up framework plans. But there is more. An overview:

• The organization provides information (mainly by telephone and e-mail) to parents and to organizations transferring staff overseas. This concerns the departure, staying abroad and returning to The Netherlands;
• Conducting individual assessment of, and giving advice on, children with regard to school achievement, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems, or transfers to other schools;
• Advice: as well as drawing up and bringing up to date of framework plans, Stichting NOB gives advice and guidance to schools. This includes both educational matters and organizational issues;
• Stichting NOB is administrator of the Dutch departments of the European Schools, which train students for the European Baccalaureate;
• Guidance in setting up new schools;
• Recruitment and selection of teachers;
• Refreshment courses for teachers;
• Organizing summer camps and cultural projects;
• Maintaining contact with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, and the National Inspectorate regarding the quality of education;
• Cooperation with organizations like the IVIO World School, Edufax, Stichting IBID, the Dutch Language Union, and the Library for Expats.