The Dutch healthcare system: what should I know as an international student?The Dutch healthcare system is famous for being top-notch. It’s also infamous for having a bit of a reputation with how enthusiastically general practitioners (GPs) give out Paracetamol, which to me is both hilarious and concerning for all parties involved. Regardless, the Netherlands has an excellent standard for healthcare, and it often shows up at the top of the rankings for best healthcare systems in the world. However, what else is there to know as an international student? In this article, I’ll tell you all about the Dutch healthcare system, so you are prepared for your stay in the Netherlands.
"April doet wat hij wil" - what April in the Netherlands is like from an international student's perspectiveIt is quite literally impossible not to care about the weather here in the Netherlands. Should you go out, should you stay at home, should you go for groceries, should you order in – a lot of your daily activities depend on what the Earth is looking to throw your way, partly because life here is so… outdoors-y. It’s therefore no surprise that there exist many proverbs about the weather, universal across all languages. However, the Dutch saying April doet wat hij wil (April does what it wants) is unique to the Netherlands, mainly since April is a bit… spontaneous about how it feels.
Loneliness during the winter holidaysFeeling lonely during the winter holidays is more common than we often admit, hidden behind the season’s festive facade.
Dutch holidays: when and how are they celebrated?In the Netherlands, we celebrate many different holidays, each with its own unique traditions. Some of them are even public holidays, meaning that you don’t have classes. It can be quite useful for you to know what you can do on those days or why you are free. Are you curious who that old man in the red coat and hat riding a horse in winter is? You will find out here!
A guide to Dutch cultureAs a Dutch girl who has lived in the Netherlands her entire life, I find our culture and habits nothing special. However, while studying at the University of Twente and meeting people from all over the world, I soon realised how Dutch culture sometimes differs from other cultures. From our daily routines to our deeply rooted traits, here’s a guide to navigating life in the Netherlands!
Apps to get as an international studentThere are many useful apps that will make your student time in the Netherlands a lot easier. If you’re an international student, it’s reassuring to have something just in reach (like your phone) to make your daily life easier to navigate. Whether you’re a foodie, love to travel, or want to save money, these apps have you covered!
Missing food from home as an international? Here’s where to go!University is the perfect time to pick up a new skill. For me, it was cooking – now, I’m not gonna be getting any Michelin stars any soon, but I can hold my own in the kitchen. My favourite dishes are traditional dishes from back home in Indonesia, but I had no idea where to get ingredients – at first. If you miss the taste of home, and are unsure of where to get ingredients, then you’re in luck. Enschede has some pretty nice foreign goods stores where you can get most of everything you’re craving. Read on for a compilation of my favourite international stores and restaurants in Enschede.
Why and how you should learn Dutch as an international studentIf you’re moving abroad, it only makes sense for you to want to integrate yourself into the country you’re moving to. To do this, the most important step is to learn the language – not necessarily master it, but just learn enough to get by. Learning Dutch allows you to communicate with the locals, learn about their culture, and make friends. Not learning Dutch only puts you at a disadvantage – besides, having an extra language in your portfolio is always a good idea.
Finding a room: a guide to hospiterenAre you looking for a student room in the Netherlands? Then you will undoubtedly get acquainted with the somewhat peculiar phenomenon hospiteren – the process of applying for a room in a Dutch student house. If you’re new to this concept, it may be frustrating to go to several house viewings and interviews only to get the message afterwards that you didn’t make it. However, it’s possible to get that coveted room, also as an international student – and with these nine tips, you just might increase your chances!
A three-minute video guide: How to travel from Eindhoven Airport to campusStarting as an international student in a country you don't know can be daunting. As an upcoming student of the University of Twente, it starts with travelling to the Netherlands. How do you travel from Eindhoven Airport to the campus? We will help you on your way!
What should you pack when studying in the Netherlands?Wondering what essentials you absolutely cannot forget to pack for your thrilling study abroad adventure at the University of Twente in the Netherlands? In this video, I’ll tell you what to pack!
The Dutch grading system: how does it work?To international students, the Dutch grading system in university can be a bit confusing. You won’t see people getting the coveted 10s very often, nor will you see people scraping the bottom of the barrel with 1s and 2s. Never fear, however: this guide’s here to help you make sense of the university’s grading system! So before your parents berate you for only getting an 8, make sure you read this guide first.
Why I came to study in the NetherlandsDeciding where to go to for university was a tough decision to make. The Netherlands was famous for its quality of education – but then again, so were many other countries. However, through reading and research, I found some things that made the Netherlands the country to go for, at least for me: from its campuses and student life to its close-knit communities of international and Dutch students. In this rather personal story, I’ll navigate you through how I decided to go to the Netherlands for my Bachelor’s.
Preparing for university: what can I expect?Preparing for university is… an experience. It’s stressful enough back home – going overseas is an entirely different beast. Getting the confirmation letter was one thing, but actually preparing for life in the Netherlands? I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, looking back, it wasn’t that bad of an ordeal, considering the huge step you’re taking in your life. There are mountains of resources you can use to help you navigate this new chapter in your journey, and now you’ll be able to add this guide to the top – I’ve been there, I’ve done that.
Biking 101: all about the bicycleIn the Netherlands, cycling is not just a mode of transport – for a lot of people, it’s a way of life! I know, I know, you’ve probably already read that same sentence a billion times in other guides, but the importance of owning a bicycle in the Netherlands can’t be stressed enough. They’re cheap, they’re efficient (one of the most efficient machines ever invented, in fact!) and they’re reliable.
How do you get around in the Netherlands?Getting around in the Netherlands can be as easy as tapping a card on a reader – because, really, that’s all there is to it sometimes. This guide is here to help you easily navigate the Dutch terrain and make the most of your time in Enschede and the Netherlands.
Student associations: how to get the most out of student life in the NetherlandsAs an international student, the prospect of being active on campus can be both exciting and challenging. Finding meaningful ways to fill your free time and connect with like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your university experience. For me, that meaningful thing turned out to be through active participation in my own country’s student association.
Finding a house in the Netherlands: how does it work?The Netherlands is renowned for its excellent education system and vibrant student life. This means that a lot of students are trying to find housing every year, which is why finding suitable accommodation can be a challenge for both local and international students. However, with careful planning and resourcefulness, students can successfully secure housing. I'll tell you all about it!
Things I wish I had known before I came to the NetherlandsAs my second year in the Netherlands is nearing, I’ve come to reflect on what I wish I’d known before coming here to make life in this wonderful country easier, and what I wish I’d realised sooner. There are a lot of stereotypes about the Dutch and Dutch culture in general, but I’ve found that some of them aren’t even true – they’re the exact opposite, from my own experiences.
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