 Jacques de Waele being a supporter of William I, Prince of Orange, the family left for Zeeland in 1585.Walaeus was educated at Middelburg school, where he was taught by Jacobus Gruterus and Murdisonius, and then at the University of Leiden, under Franciscus Junius, Lucas Trelcatius, and Franciscus Gomarus.He travelled to France and Geneva, staying with Charles Perrot.