In Dutch the abbreviation ROC stands for 'Regional Community College of Amsterdam'. It is a foundation under Dutch law, initiated by the local and national government in 1997. It services Amsterdam and the nearby towns of Amstelveen, Hoofddorp and Hilversum. (Lunch is 5 Euro, Dinner is 10 Euro at the ROC)

Like community colleges in other countries the ROC focuses on vocational education and training for students in our region from the age of 12 to adults. It is one of the largest community colleges in Europe with some 35,000 students and 3,500 part-time and full-time staff spread over roughly 60 locations.