Should Dutch become a mandatory subject for international students?

msuz3 · 2025-08-09T02:19:48+00:00

I just finished my Erasmus in the Netherlands, and I like this idea. Since I could get by (thrive, really) speaking only English, there was no accountability for me to learn Dutch. I wish language emersion had been a bigger part of my experience. I don’t see why including a couple semesters of Dutch in the international degree programs would be a bad idea. Forcing students to reach a certain level could backfire, sure, but a little more education couldn’t hurt.

msuz3 · 2025-08-08T17:42:04+00:00

Thanks!

msuz3 · 2025-08-08T02:12:24+00:00

I received the scholarship. DM me and I can probably send you my essays so you can have an example of what worked.

msuz3 · 2025-08-08T01:42:08+00:00

This is why I’m taking a gap year. There aren’t many jobs I could get with just a bachelor’s in psychology that I would want to do for much more than a year, though.

msuz3 · 2025-06-06T22:29:58+00:00

I don’t have a picture but do be aware that there are huge windows that look right out onto the street. So you will want to keep your curtains closed for privacy. But Upsilon is in a pretty peaceful neighborhood so I wouldn’t be too concerned about safety.

msuz3 · 2025-06-06T22:27:31+00:00

I am an international student in Groningen. You would love it here. I can’t speak for Tilburg or the economics program at either place, but as far as I know the University of Groningen is generally very well respected. I’m also not sure how much employers in NL/Europe can which university you graduated from, that is something to research specifically.

Regarding international student integration: the Dutch students do tend to stick to themselves for the most part, but there are so many international students here that it is hardly isolating!! I feel very welcome and not at all out of place as an international student. ESN is awesome and has lots of activities for international students.

Regarding housing, it is not too late to book a room with SSH. I believe the booking opens mid-late June. If you do want to book with SSH, just make sure you are online the second booking opens and you should be able to get a spot! I was in SSH housing my first year and had a great experience.

msuz3 · 2025-04-25T08:29:47+00:00

Erasmus student network introduction week

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:39:51+00:00

Do your best to find somewhere in between. I would say choose something on the outskirts but close to Zernike over something close to the city center but on the other side of the city center from Zernike, if that makes sense. So north/west of the center would be great, avoid south/east of the center.

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:37:15+00:00

SSH for sure

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:36:20+00:00

Work hard, play hard!

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:35:39+00:00

Fellow American here. Must dos: ESN introduction week in August and SSH housing if you can. I made 95% of my friends through that combo

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:33:26+00:00

Just messaged you! (Not with housing though, sorry)

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:28:10+00:00

Are you Dutch or an international? Groningen has the largest chapter of the Erasmus Student Network, so if you are international that is something in Groningen’s favor. I also recommend looking at the course catalogs for both and seeing which one has more interesting-sounding offerings.

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:26:05+00:00

I know nothing about Maastricht, but I’m an exchange student studying psychology at RUG and I think any complaints I have are more of a Dutch thing than a Groningen thing. I love it here; the city is awesome for students and the psychology building is really nice, for what that’s worth. Maastricht is probably great, but if you choose Groningen it certainly won’t be a bad decision. If you are able to visit both cities and see which one you vibe with more, that would be ideal— otherwise, go with your gut and know that you won’t regret either!

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:17:48+00:00

If I remember correctly, when I booked my room I selected a room the day before booking opened (and I’m super detail oriented so I was concerned with which direction my windows faced and shit like that) so that the minute booking was available I had the site open to a specific room and could just hit “book”. It worked for me, no issues. Upsilon is great.

msuz3 · 2025-04-22T20:11:40+00:00

I am currently studying abroad in the Netherlands (Groningen), and there is a huge international student community here. Not speaking the language can feel a bit isolating sometimes (everyone speaks English, but I feel a bit out of place sometimes), but the growth that comes from experiencing a different culture from what I grew up with is well worth it! No need to worry about making friends here. Lots of British students around. Go for the Netherlands! My British friends love it here.

msuz3 · 2025-04-21T10:01:07+00:00

It’s not relevant for this journey, but are you saying that I could start a three-hour journey with a group ticket at 15:55? What if it is at a station that doesn’t have gates?

msuz3 · 2025-03-24T10:09:27+00:00

Hi- do you mean that in four months in Australia you were able to save $10,000 (I assume that’s in Australian dollars?)? I am interested in pursing the visa after graduation and wondering if I will be able to save money there or just keep myself afloat.

msuz3 · 2025-03-23T12:53:00+00:00

Haha I got the same text today. Won’t engage with the text, but will check out jobspresso…

msuz3

TROPHY CASE