The Dutch consulate in Amsterdam is currently closed due to a renovation
and is not expected to be partially open again until early July 2025. On their website
they indicate that limited appointments will be available after the reopening,
which means we expect that the consulate will not be open in time for students to apply for their
visa in the Netherlands. Therefore, we recommend that you make an appointment at a
other consulate in Europe.

The options

A good option is Frankfurt, we recommend everyone to go to Frankfurt because the waiting times in Brussels are extremely long. So you can also go to Brussels, but keep in mind that
as a non-Belgian national you will be at the back of the waiting list. This means you will not be able to make an appointment until
September 2025. In Frankfurt the waiting times are shorter and you can arrange your visa faster. In addition, you can also try to make an appointment at other consulates, such as Luxembourg, Paris, Berlin or Munich. These cities often offer faster options and thus can be a good choice for many students.

Because appointment availability can change, we recommend logging on to consulate websites regularly
to check for previously available
appointments. It is possible that an appointment may become available at short notice, so by checking
regularly you may be able to bring your appointment forward. Also, remember to
check this with your Slamstox supervisor.

At Slamstox, we are happy to help you find the right location and schedule
your appointment. Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging your
visa application or for more information on the required documents.

To play college sports, you must have completed at least high school. However, there are several options:
– You have a completed HAVO or VWO diploma;
– You have a GED diploma. This is an American High School certificate that you can get as a Dutchman if you only have a VMBO diploma, for example;
– You have a completed (two-year) MBO education;
– You are working on a bachelor’s degree;
– You have a completed bachelor’s degree.

Here you will find more information about the various options.

If you attended a Dutch high school, you must have completed HAVO or VWO. You can start the process while you are still in school, but you can’t start at a university in America until you get your degree.

There are also opportunities for athletes who have already started studying in the Netherlands. Are you already studying at a Dutch MBO, HBO or WO university? Then you can often transfer to an American university. Slamstox will help you find a university that meets your academic needs.

College sports, the combination between sports and studies in America. You study at a university and at the same time compete for one of their sports teams. Student-athletes earn a degree while also being on the sports fields almost every day.

In America, almost all universities have sports teams that compete against each other in both regional and national leagues. In this way, you can improve yourself in both athletic and academic areas in the best possible way, a good balance between sports and studies. In most cases, scholarships are given to student-athletes to reduce tuition costs in exchange for athletic performance.

In America, all schools are called “universities” or “colleges. This does not mean that for admission you must also be able to handle a university level in the Netherlands. For more information, see the FAQ “What level must you have done in school?”.

Would you also like to combine sport and study in America and would like more information? Feel free to contact us!

‘Student-athlete’ is the American term for a university student who not only studies, but is also an official athlete on one of the university’s ‘varsity’ sports teams during his or her studies. ‘Varsity’ stands for the official sports team; in fact, you can also play recreational sports at a university.

Every student-athlete is brought in (scouted) by a college coach to play against other teams from other universities during games and tournaments. Often students are compensated for this in the form of athletic scholarships (scholarships), so they have less (or no) expenses for tuition, lodging and meals.

Student-athletes often have an unwritten “special” status in college and are seen as unique students. It is therefore also quite normal in America that you are actually recognized at school as a ‘student-athlete’ by other students at the university. A kind of VIP status, in other words 😉

The combination between sports and studies in America is the perfect opportunity to develop to your full potential as an athlete, student and person in an international environment.

In the Netherlands it is almost impossible to do both a university study and play sports at the highest level on a regular basis. In America this is possible because universities have their own teams, and they do everything in their power to help students perform at both levels. The university makes sure that all your classes are adapted to your sports schedule, making it very easy to combine your school with your sport.

Universities offer academic coaching, intensive training and competition schedules, physical therapy and sports psychology. All this is organized in conjunction with the best facilities in the sports world. In other words, you will be prepared for a successful career in top sports.

Read an example of“why college ‘track and field’ is more fun than normal ‘athletics.

There is a place for almost every athlete because at American universities there are as many as 35 different sports. In these 35 different sports, universities compete against each other with the ultimate goal of becoming national champions!

In alphabetical order they are the following sports: Acrobatics, American Football, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball,Beach Volleyball, Archery, Bowling, Cross Country, E-Sports, Football, Golf, Hockey, Baseball, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rifle Shooting, Rodeo, Rowing, Rugby, Equestrian, Fencing, Clean Jumping, Skiing, Softball, Sprint, Squash, Synchronized Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Gymnastics, Soccer, Volleyball, Water Polo, Cycling, Wrestling, Sailing and Swimming.

Are you curious about the conditions for your sport? Then check out our sports page.

This varies greatly; leagues and divisions are arranged at many different levels. International top athletes receive scholarships, but regional athletes also have a chance to combine sports and studies through a scholarship in America.

Some student-athletes’ goal is to become professionals, others just enjoy continuing to play intense sports while studying. The level depends on the university. So there are spots available for almost all athletes! Wondering if you qualify? Or would you like to know which division is right for you? Contact us, Then we make an individual assessment.

As a student-athlete, you will train with your team, travel to tournaments and play games. All in one of the world’s most unique sports environments, America breathes sports and every university wants to be the very best both academically and athletically!

You find yourself in this fanatical sports environment while also earning a college degree. It seems like a lot, but student-athletes in America are well taken care of. It is the priority of both yourself and the school to develop to your fullest potential, as a student, athlete and person. For example, almost every university has free tutors, physical therapists, (sports) psychologists, dieticians and more: purely for student-athletes.

The school wants to do everything possible to make sure you get good grades, which is why the school makes sure you get extra academic tutoring as soon as it is needed.

Are you wondering what life as a student-athlete looks like approximately? No worries, we got you covered. Check out our Around & About video to see what life is like as a student-athlete in the middle of Pittsburgh.

Want to get in touch with us, have a question or want to schedule a personal consultation? You can always call, email or send us a whatsapp message. We will always respond as soon as possible. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30-17.00.

– Mail: info@slamstox.com

– Phone: +31619873272

You can always visit our contact page for more information or fill out a no-obligation introduction form!

In addition, you can always reach us on Instagram. Send a DM if you want to get in touch with us or when you have a question.

Would you like to meet with us and schedule a personal interview. Send an introductory form and we will contact you soon.

Sometimes people choose to start as early as age 12 but some also start as late as age 20. So there is no age limit on signing up with Slamstox. We usually see applications starting in the^3rd year of high school. Then you are usually 14/15 years old. To go to an American university you must have a high school or pre-university diploma or you must have completed at least 2 years of a secondary school education. This is basically not age specific.

Did you think you were too young to start and are now eager to get started anyway? Start by filling out this no-obligation introductory form.

If you want to become a student-athlete, we often schedule an introductory meeting. Here we give you information on everything you need to know about Slamstox and sports and studying in America. With this knowledge in your pocket you can make your choice. If you have any questions, you can always contact us.

Are you ready to embark on the America adventure? Then we are going to get the Slamstox process started and you will officially become a Slamstox student-athlete. There’s a lot to be done before you can get on the plane to America and this is where we’re going to help you.

Slamstox has set up a process that covers everything to make your time in America unforgettable. In doing so, we take into account your personal wishes.

Are you curious about exactly how the process works? Then schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting.

The process of becoming a student-athlete in America is complex, but Slamstox is here to help! There are many steps to go through, even before contacting coaches.

On the process page you can find more information about what our process looks like simplified. Would you like more information about this process or are you interested? Please feel free to contact us.

Most students leave after passing their HAVO/VWO final exams. So the average age is about between 16-18. There are also many students who have already started their studies in the Netherlands, or who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and want to do a master’s in America. Therefore, the
age to start can be as high as 23 or 24. It is important to get a good handle on your eligibility
. To make sure you are still eligible to play when you leave for America.

Are you curious about your opportunities to play sports and study in America? Then feel free to contact us!

You have 4 years of eligibility, meaning you have 4 years of playing eligibility to play
games for a university as a student-athlete. You can spread these out over a period of 5 years after
graduating high school and when you have started an education. Have you already started a bachelor program in
the Netherlands? Then you can also transfer to America as a ‘transfer student’
, this means you can take your credits from the current school year with you to your American university. After finishing your Bachelor it is also possible to directly start a
master program in America. As a transfer student, it is important to have a clear picture of your remaining
eligibility. Slamstox can help you map out your remaining eligibility
(eligibility to play) and apply to the American sports federations.

Not sure if you meet the requirements? If so, feel free to contact us!

As an international student you need a student visa, with an F1 student visa visa you are entitled to study in America over a period of five years and obtain a (bachelor’s) degree from an American university.

Should you want to get your master’s degree at a U.S. university, you often also need an F1 student visa. You may also need a J1 student visa for this purpose.

To qualify for a U.S. student visa, you are required to go through several procedures. You must submit certain documents and supporting documents with the application and go for an interview at the consulate in Amsterdam for a visa interview. If everything is in order, you can pick up the visa at the Dutch embassy or it will be sent to you.

Slamstox will also guide you through this step of the America process so that everything is worry-free. Want to know more? Feel free to contact us

It is certainly possible to return home during your time in America. Most student-
athletes return home during Summer Break and Winter Break. Summer break
normally begins in May and lasts until mid-August. This may depend on your school and
sports competitions. Winter break normally lasts from early December to early
January. So on average you have about 3/4 months to go back home.

The exact length of summer and winter break depends on your sport and university. Questions or want to know more? Feel free to contact us for more information.

Most Slamstox student-athletes study on the East Coast. This is because most
universities are located here. One of the most popular states in America is California, here
also a lot of Slamstox student-athletes study. This is partly because of the nice weather, tropical environment and cultural cities. The picture below shows a map of our America map in our Eindhoven office. Here you can see where all the Slamstox toppers are located!

During the recruiting process, coaches don’t just look at your athletic results and possible rankings. There are
many more factors that coaches consider when deciding whether or not to add you to their team
. Important ones include:

• Academic results: as a student-athlete, you are also expected to care about your studies
  and get good results. Coaches then look at your GPA and your scores
  on admissions tests such as the SAT and the TOEFL, among others.
• Communication with the coach: when in contact with coaches, it is important to show interest
  and to be on top of things: make sure you don’t wait too long to answer
  a coach. Slamstox helps throughout the process with having contact with coaches.
• Video footage: coaches like to see you in action. By watching video footage,
  the coaches can get a better idea of your level. You can find many
  examples of recruiting videos on our YouTube channel.

Also read this article, here you will find all 5 important factors coaches look out for during the
recruiting process.

Interested or want to know more? Then contact us without obligation.

If you want to stay in America longer, there are a number of options for extending your stay in America after completing your bachelor’s degree. We briefly explain these below.

1) Optional Practical Training (OPT). Every international student has the opportunity to work in America for 1 more year after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Many students use this year to find a suitable company that offers full-time employment while funding a U.S. work visa.

2) Extend your stay by continuing your studies with a Master’s or PhD. In this case, you will need to reapply for a student visa for the respective program. There is eligibility to play as a student-athlete for a period of 4 years, so there may no longer be an athletic scholarship. However, there are other ways to reduce your tuition costs. Want to know how? Then contact us.

3) A work visa! Another way to continue living in America is through a work visa. It frequently happens that international student-athletes receive job offers from American companies during their studies or just after.

4) Last but not least: find an American boyfriend or girlfriend and get married! Or enter the Greencard lottery: in this, with a lot of luck, you will have a chance to live in America. 😉