Putting down your roots as an international student can be challenging, but also very exciting. In the Study in Holland podcast we talk about what it’s like to live in the Netherlands as an international student. Using statements to trigger the discussion, four students share their surprise and disbelief, their thoughts and experiences – and come up with some great tips.
We launch into the podcast with a culture shock experience and for Dale this was the surprise of a kind stranger agreeing to pay for his bus ticket and then...? Well, listen to find out what happened next.
This week's topic is social life and we talk about all kinds of aspects from socialising being a distraction for homesickness to creating friends for life, or simply a network that spreads across the globe. But just how do you meet people when you're new in town and how easy is it to mix with different nationalities. Our students have some great insights and share their ideas. Of course, new friends and activities are all part of building up your own life as a student, and no matter how strong those friendships area, we all agree homesickness can still sneak in – but why is that so often on a Sunday?
We launch into the podcast with Lea sharing her culture shock experience, the amazement of being able to see straight into people's houses. Windows are large, the curtains are open and, as Jade says, there are lovely ornaments on the window sills. You just can't help but look – and that's ok, right?
When it comes to housing, the students all agree that you need to give yourself plenty of time, if only for your own (and your parents’) peace of mind. They discuss different ways of finding a room or a house, and the challenges you can face as an international student unable to actually get to the city you want to live in. So what backup plans could you have? And, when you've found somewhere to live, how do you furnish it? Whether you're looking for a wardrobe or kitchen utensils, our students have got some great tips.
We launch into the podcast with a culture shock experience. This time it's about bread. Dutch bread just doesn't seem to hit the mark for some people. What do you think? Is Dutch bread really so damp (?) and boring? And is it really eaten with just about everything?
It seems our international students think Dutch cuisine is mainly deep-fried. Not always the healthy option maybe, but, wow, those snacks taste good! And the students come up with quite a list of foods they like, from fries to fish. Talking about Dutch supermarkets then led to quite a conversation. Are Dutch supermarkets well-organised or not, cheap or expensive, too small or just right? It seems our students have all developed their own habits in terms of where to shop and they've got some great tips. Once they've got the groceries in, they've got varying skills in the kitchen, though. Good or bad cook, it's always nice to eat with housemates or go out now and then. And where do you go? Well, our students have got names for you. Spoiler alert: the sushi place they recommend is really great value for money. Jade was so full one time, she could hardly even walk home!
The Study in Holland podcasts are hosted by Dutch NHL Stenden student Lotje with Vincent from Germany, Jade from Zimbabwe, and Agata from Romania. This week, they talk about the Dutch and some typical Dutch stuff.
We launch into the podcast with Agata sharing her culture shock experience... the way the Dutch cycle. The sheer amazement of not just cycling through hailstorms, rain and whatever but also of what people transport on their bikes. What's the craziest thing you can think of? Well, the Dutch will carry it on their bike!
So the Dutch are renowned for being direct and it can be a good thing but our students do signal a fine line... between being direct and just being mean. That said, it seems everyone is pretty friendly, saying hi on the street and returning well wishes. And isn't nice when the waiter says ‘enjoy your meal’ and you say, ‘you too!’ Our students also talk about getting around Europe and how it's pretty easy to get around, but you really need to hear why Jade felt like a child in a candy shop when she first got here.
Did you know King's Day doesn't just have a great festival vibe but there's a cute side to it too? Lotje sees children's entrepreneurial spirit being nurtured but how? Of course, there's lots going on in all Dutch cities, towns and villages for King's Day, but there's a lot of places that are well worth going to even when there's not a street party going on. What places do our students have on the top of their lists? Well, Utrecht, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are all discussed and they've all got something going for them, from architecture to old history.
The Study in Holland podcasts are hosted by Dutch NHL Stenden student Lotje with Vincent from Berlin, Jade from Zimbabwe, and Mohammed from Qatar. This week, they talk about the educational system.
We launch into the podcast with Mohammed sharing his culture shock experience. This time it's about the opening hours of the supermarkets in the Netherlands. Let’s say these are very different from what he’s used to in Qatar…
When it comes to the educational system, the international students share their experience of life at university in the Netherlands. What do they think of Dutch lecturers? Just how chill is it to work with students from all over the world? How well does NHL Stenden prepare you for your future work? And to what extent is the unversity also a social meeting point? What are the places to go if you want to have a chat and where should you go if you want to study quietly? The students end the podcast by sharing tips you should not miss out on.
In this week’s episode our students Jade, Clémentine, Vincent and Lotje talk about choosing what to study. Like each week, we launch into the podcast with one of the students sharing a culture shock. This time Clémentine talks about the Dutch habit of waving to people on boats. Uh, ok…?!
Choosing what to study is no easy task so it's always great to be able to compare notes with others going through the same process. Our students talk about why it's so amazing to study abroad and see new things, gain new perspectives, meet different kinds of people. It may all sound pretty serious but our international students are dead set on the benefits – especially when studying in the Netherlands. Whether the differences are big or small, our students feel at home, but what is it about this country that makes it so good. Is it what Jade says? Everything just works? And what does she mean?
The students have some great ideas about how you can work out if a degree is right for you and how to get in touch with other students to get the ins and outs of studying in the Netherlands.
