NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences: A community shaped by people, not profiles

Beyond the Profile: How One Dutch University is Building a Community, Not Just a Student Body

Imagine a place where your name is known, not just your student ID. In the heart of the Netherlands, a unique educational institution is redefining the university experience, proving that true learning thrives not in isolation, but within a vibrant, interconnected community. This is not about curated online personas; it's about forging genuine connections that last a lifetime.

The Dutch Landscape: More Than Just Canals and Windmills

The Netherlands, a nation renowned for its cycling culture and eco-conscious living, provides a picturesque backdrop for higher education. Picture yourself navigating streets where bicycles are king and neighborhoods adorned with solar-paneled rooftops, a testament to a forward-thinking society.

Moving away from home can feel like a monumental leap, especially to a new country. However, at this particular university, the journey is never a solitary one. You'll find yourself walking alongside students from over 100 different nationalities, each on their own quest for knowledge and personal growth.

Across the Netherlands, the international student population exceeds 115,000, a testament to the country's welcoming embrace of global talent. This collective ambition creates a powerful synergy, where shared challenges become opportunities for mutual support and triumphs are celebrated together.

A Community That Knows You by Name

This institution prioritizes its people above all else. Whether you're diving into the complexities of business administration, the intricacies of computer science, or the art of hospitality management, you'll find yourself on a first-name basis with your lecturers. This approach fosters an environment of approachability and mutual respect.

The university's commitment to its students extends to creating a true "home away from home." With four distinct campuses nestled within the Netherlands, each offers a unique facet of this supportive ecosystem. Your personal journey is valued, and your presence is recognized.

Design-Based Education: Learning by Doing, Thriving by Connecting

At its core, this university champions a philosophy of "learning by doing." Think of yourself as the central element, with the institution serving as the vessel that guides your exploration. This Design-Based Education (DBE) model is meticulously crafted to nurture your development, both as an individual and as a budding professional.

Within a diverse array of university facilities, from cutting-edge Media Labs to the elegant four-star Notiz Hotel, you'll discover an educational experience that is both deeply fulfilling and intensely practical. The curriculum is firmly rooted in real-world applications, preparing you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The "learning by doing" ethos translates into tackling authentic assignments sourced directly from businesses and organizations. You'll collaborate in small, interdisciplinary teams, leveraging your unique strengths, diverse experiences, and varied cultural backgrounds to brainstorm and construct innovative solutions.

Real-World Impact, Tangible Results

Imagine studying media strategy and content creation, then launching a national TikTok campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of vaping. This is the kind of impactful project that becomes a reality within this dynamic learning environment.

Alternatively, pursue tourism management and find yourself developing a sustainable tourism plan for a UNESCO World Heritage Site, potentially even earning an award for your efforts. Such achievements are not only possible but actively encouraged.

These feats are made attainable by being surrounded by individuals who will challenge your perspectives constructively, without judgment. You'll learn that your unique viewpoint is not only valued but essential, even when it's met with thoughtful debate.

From Pizzeria Dreams to Business Reality

Giorgia Strazzulla, a Business Administration student hailing from Rome, found that the university's rich community was instrumental in propelling her entrepreneurial aspirations forward. Her dream? To open her own pizzeria.

“My very first business plan was exactly four pages, I remember,” Giorgia recalls. “Working with lecturers from the Centre for Entrepreneurship, I transformed it into a beautiful plan with specific steps.” This center, a hub run by and for entrepreneurial students, offers a focused 10-week program designed to help like-minded individuals refine and develop their business concepts.

After successfully piloting her venture in the campus canteen, Giorgia and her business partner now operate a thriving pizzeria within one of the student accommodation buildings. Their customer base extends beyond students, welcoming people from the surrounding neighborhood and local families.

“The first year was mad,” Giorgia admits. “I was combining studying in a new country with my own business. My study coach emailed me in the summer of 2024 to say she was proud of me because I’d passed all my exams.” This personal touch highlights the university's dedication to individual student success.

Every undergraduate student is assigned a dedicated personal study coach, a vital resource for navigating academic life and personal development. “I got loads of support from the CfE too,” Giorgia adds. “All the lovely people there feel like a second, Frisian, family.”

Beyond the Classroom: A Network That Endures

The true magic of this university lies in its ability to foster a robust community that empowers you to explore new avenues, embrace novel ideas, and venture into uncharted academic territories. This sense of belonging extends far beyond graduation, with your university network remaining a steadfast support system throughout your career.

The institution boasts an impressive statistic: 80% of its alumni secure employment within three months of completing their studies. This remarkable outcome is a direct result of the ample opportunities students have to cultivate global understanding and connect with people from all corners of the world.

Global Perspectives, Local Roots

You have the chance to embark on an exchange program to one of 150 partner universities worldwide, with destinations ranging from Chile and Japan to South Korea and Spain. This global immersion broadens your horizons and enriches your academic journey.

Furthermore, you can pursue a minor subject that lies outside your primary field of study, either on campus or abroad. This interdisciplinary approach encourages intellectual curiosity and the development of a well-rounded skill set.

For an even more immersive practical learning experience, consider participating in the Grand Tour. This program takes you to diverse locations like Thailand, South Africa, Indonesia, Italy, or Aruba, offering hands-on engagement with international academic environments.

Launching Careers, Building Futures

Gain a significant head start on your career by pursuing an internship, either within the Netherlands or internationally. Alternatively, like Giorgia, you can tap into the resources of the Centre for Entrepreneurship to receive the dedicated support needed to build your own business from the ground up.

Adam Žovinec, an International Business student, shared his experience interning at Jumeirah in Dubai. He found that his internship significantly enhanced his communication and interpersonal skills, which he had been diligently honing throughout his degree program.

“Internships can also teach you what you don’t like doing,” Adam wisely noted. “I now know I don’t want to work in the service industry, but I do know I want to work with people from different countries as they bring new perspectives and therefore amazing opportunities to learn.”

No matter where your path leads or what you choose to pursue, the spirit of this university's community remains with you for life. From your early days in the Netherlands to potential future endeavors in South Africa, you'll graduate with not only a degree but also a network of lifelong friends and invaluable career connections.

Those shared projects undertaken with classmates might very well blossom into future collaborations. Today's peers transform into tomorrow's global contacts, transcending geographical and professional boundaries. The learning experience here is truly about building a foundation for a lifetime of connection and opportunity.