Hi there! I'm looking into the same program. I'm guessing that when you say 'Netherlands' you are looking into Groningen? I've looked into their program as well. Where in the UK are you looking? Oxford's program in the Oriental Institute has caught my eye. Also, not to interrogate you, but where did you do your undergrad, and why the present interest in 2nd Temple studies?
I've had the same questions, especially in regards to admissions. I can't seem to a get a number of applicants to the program anywhere, just broader admission statistics. Melissa Pucci of admissions wrote to me the following in response;
'We received 580 applications this year and 260 were admitted. The acceptance rate was about 44%. The acceptance rate in the Bible program was a little less than that, about 30%.'
But I am a little unsure of what is meant by 'Bible program.' Anyways, I also share your aversion to the GRE, but am applying to HDS as well (they have Levenson and FMC is an emeritus there), and so must take it. Bleh! When I asked Melissa if the GRE played any role at all at YDS admissions, she assured me they absolutely did not. I also visited last spring and sat down with Dr. Collins. He noted that the first thing he looks at is GPA. He told me that he has accepted students without any language prerequisites, but that they proved exceptionally bright and learned them (Greek and Hebrew) over an intensive summer course. However, he noted that languages are indeed helpful, and it seems to me that your language training will prove appealing. I myself have taken three years of Greek, two years of Hebrew (although about 19 credits, by the time I graduate), and a year of Aramaic. I've also had three years of conversational German in high school, which now need to be transferred into theological German. My present study of Aramaic was at the request of Dr. Collins, and he seemed especially insistent that I be able to read Hebrew unpointed!!! However, overall, i think your language experience will be helpful, and from what Colllins seemed to indicate, your GPA might pose some difficulties, but might still keep you competitive.
If you'd like to exchange papers, feel free to let me know. I'm curious as to what you are submitting for your writing sample. I'm scared out of my wits about it, and so I'm writing something totally new. I've started research on a form-tradition critical study on the myth of the Watchers, with an eye toward critiquing some proposals which have been made as to its Sitz Im Leben. If, when I finish, you'd like to critique it, let me know! Alright, hopefully some of my blabbing has helped. I really don't know much more than you, but I'll cross my fingers for the two of us. Best of luck!