Vast majority (94%) of international students satisfied

Nuffic conducted a study on what Holland Alumni from the countries where a Netherlands Education Support Office (Neso) is located, appreciated about their study and life in the Netherlands. The study shows that 94% of the international students is satisfied with their living and studying experiences in the Netherlands and felt welcome.

The four most valued aspects of the Dutch higher education system were the usage of English, teacher-student relations, competence based learning and an international classroom.

For most international students, the application for a study visa is the first contact that they have with a Dutch public institution, other than the university they have applied to. This contact contributes to their first impression of the Netherlands and is important. The majority of the respondents (89%) were satisfied with their visa application experience.

Staying in the Netherlands after graduation

Eleven percent (11%) of the respondents stayed in the Netherlands after their study or returned at a later stage to work. Some of these alumni were studying for a PhD while others were working in private knowledge-intensive companies (R&D). The most important reasons for wanting to return to the Netherlands at a later stage, in order of importance, were the quality of life in the Netherlands, attractiveness of the living and social environment and the reputation of the universities.

On the other hand, employment opportunities, the Dutch culture and way of life, the quality of work, connectedness to the Netherlands, financial reasons (e.g. higher salaries, tax benefits), and ease of obtaining a visa were less important.

To read the full article by Nuffic, click here.