The Netherlands: a relaxing way of life and learning
25 Mar 2011
Fun, friendly faces and culture await students heading to the Netherlands, says Jessica Moore
Ask some British students why they might be drawn to the Netherlands and you’ll elicit a knowing smirk, but there’s a lot to enjoy beyond the coffee shops. The region has a rich history and a liberal outlook while the Dutch accept visitors with open arms, which is particularly evident in itsstudent bodies. According to the Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education (Nuffic), there are currently 76,750 international students on roll.
Marina Caspers studies international business and economics at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). She comes from Poole but grew up Germany and South Africa as well. The Netherlands suits her. “Amsterdam is a very international city,” explains Caspers. “Everyone speaks English. I think in most countries, even in Europe, not speaking the host language can be a handicap, but here it really isn’t,” she says.
According to Mercer’s 2010 Quality of Living survey, which evaluates 320 cities worldwide, Amsterdam is the 13th best place to live. In the 2010 pan-European International Student Barometer, 92 per cent of UvA’s students said it was “the place to be”. Caspers says: “Amsterdam has a huge variety of things to do, including a great clubbing scene.
There are some great bars and in the summertime we often have big picnics in the parks. There are lots of comedy nights too, many of which are organised by the university. And we have borrels, which are when students and faculties meet up for drinks in local pubs.”
“Amsterdam has got so much culture and so many museums, and that’s something I really enjoy,” adds Caspers. “There’s a scheme where students can buy a card for €25 that gives you free entry to all the museums for a year.”
The only aspect of Dutch culture Caspers can’t rave about is the food: “It’s an acquired taste”, she says tactfully. “They make good chips.”
UvA has 2,000 international students from more than 80 countries. They are supported by the International Student Network (ISN), which offers pastoral care, as well as a lively social calendar, including film nights, excursions, parties and weekly drinks, much like the other Dutch universities. Each institution has a network of associations run by students that bring them together for academic activities, sports and recreation.
Read full article on: The Independent