Virág Varga
Virág found herself stuck at a crossroads when the time came to choose a university. Stay in Hungary or move abroad to the Netherlands? Everything changed when she discovered NHL Stenden at a university fair in Budapest. After then signing up for the Walk & Talk tour and speaking with both students and teachers, her mind was made up. The international aspect, variety of courses, and the combination of business and marketing was everything Virág was looking for and confirmed that a degree in Marketing Management was the next step for her.
“Marketing management at NHL Stenden is a four-year programme, with each year divided into four terms followed by exam weeks. In the first two years, we focus on the creative side of marketing and explore areas like sales, purchasing, and finance. In the third year, we get to specialise by choosing minor subjects, and the fourth year is about doing an internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad. One of the best parts of NHL Stenden is that it has connections with almost 200 universities globally, but the hardest part is trying to choose from all the different options.”
Brand new beginnings
“NHL Stenden’s Design-Based Education approach places a strong emphasis on the practical side of learning. This means that every week, besides theoretical classes, we also have two practical lessons where we apply the knowledge we’ve learned. Within just a few weeks of starting the programme, we were already working with actual companies, and later we even got to go on field trips to different cities to get to know different organisations. This has made the whole studying experience much more real and relevant.”
“I really enjoy the atmosphere as it’s welcoming and international. Our class, for example, has students from 15 different countries. This has made me more open and curious about all the different cultures. Plus, now I have friends from all over the world! It really feels like a taste of what working life will be like in the future. Group projects are especially great because they teach you how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and everyone brings a unique perspective.”
“Initially, I found it challenging to leave the life I’d built in Hungary and start afresh – a new country, new studies, and a new group of friends. But I realised that change isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be good. What surprised me when comparing the Hungarian and Dutch class timetabling is that in Hungary you follow the same rigid schedule week on week, whereas at NHL Stenden there’s more flexibility. This helps me fit in other hobbies, travelling, and sports, as I’m not just studying all the time. I also love that there’s always something happening, whether it’s on campus, in class, or in the city – we’re never bored!”
Getting market-ready
“As for the future, I’m keeping my options open. I might pursue a master’s degree to deepen my knowledge, or I might start working right after graduation if I find the right company during my studies or internship. Even if I don’t end up as a marketing manager, my time at NHL Stenden has made me certain I’m on the right path and that Marketing Management was the best programme to start this journey. If you get a chance like this, take the leap and don’t be afraid of any changes along the way: every experience will enrich your life and help you grow.”
Find out more about Marketing Management on the programme’s website and explore our study abroad opportunities.