front page Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Stenden university is a dynamic, top-quality university with campuses within and outside the Netherlands. That, in a nutshell, is the profile of the Stenden university. The university currently has approximately 11,000 students from 60 different countries and 1000 staff members.
Stenden university provides innovative higher vocational education, relevant and valuable to students and society. Applied research and service, form an integral part of the educational concept.
From the perspective of its communal educational vision, Stenden university creates a challenging working environment, where the learning student is the central focus. Members of staff and students learn from and with each other, accept responsibility and adopt a critical approach to each other's attitude, quality and performance. Stenden university creates a climate in which members of staff and students project enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. It has fully technical equipped buildings with computer work stations, beamers, small, medium and bigger sized classrooms which are perfect conditions for an excellent learning environment.
Education processes at Stenden university exposes students, as much as possible, to their future professional work field. Gaining practical experience is an important element in the professional training. For this purpose the school offers unique practical training facilities. In addition, external guests and companies use these facilities, such as Stenden university hotel, the Stenden meetingU Conference & Events Office and the Institute Service Management (ISM). Some of the learning companies are linked to a Stenden institute. This university itself also acts as a learning company, whereby students can obtain relevant work experience in all departments.
More reasons to choose Stenden University
- Stenden university offers students a wide and diverse variety of international certificate, Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and specialisations.
- University programme structure includes both major and minor components. The major is main subject and the minor is the subject that student choose to specialise during the course of her/his studies.
- Problem based learning. Students are required,whilst working as a team, to solve a case by analyzing the problem and doing brainstorming sessions.
- The Stenden university stands out in the Dutch Higher Vocational Education sector for its well-developed, independent learning companies for students. Working with Learning companies is an exponent of Problem Based Learning in which a lot of importance is given to the approach of professional practice, which is as realistic as possible.
Student life
There are several different activities and organizations a student can take part of while studying abroad.
For example in Stenden University, student can join
- Hestia, the student lounge at Stenden university. This is a place for students of all walks of life to come and make use of. With a team of five students from different parts of the world, Hestia is a good place for Dutch and international students to get to know one another and share in each other’s cultures. It’s a place to party and organize parties, a place to hang out and play games and watch T.V. or even a place just to chill out and pass some time. It is also a place that has been used by many students in the past; for private as well as public events.
- Foreign Relations Committee provides a social programme especially for international students with weekend trips, parties, sport events, dinners, etc. The Foreign Relations Committee was set up to give the international students the opportunity to participate in Dutch student life.
- Sports and fitness. As a Stenden student, you will have the opportunity to practice sports with other students. Student can buy a sports card at a reduced, student rate, which will entitle to participate in a number of open activities. Some examples are soccer, yoga, street dance, fitness, aerobics, tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, and squash.
More information about student life you can read here
“The rest of the world is a big place”, say the Dutch, well aware of how small their country is. Although small in size, Holland has a rich cultural tradition.
The Netherlands is a kingdom. Its official name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, the Netherlands is also sometimes called ‘Holland’, a name that is derived from the names of the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland.
For centuries the country has had an attitude of openness towards the rest of the world. Its cultural diversity has made Holland a place where knowledge, ideas and cultures from all over the world come together.
Although Dutch is the national language, the majority of the population (about 87%) also speaks English and very often another foreign language, such as German or French.
Holland lies on a flat, low delta and a quarter of the land lies below sea level. Because of its precarious location, it has one of the best barrier dams in the world. Several Dutch companies are involved in water conservation and land reclamation projects throughout the world.
Holland has a dense railway network that offers frequent service and is the quickest way to travel between city centres. If you live in a city the bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. Most Dutch people, regardless of their profession or status, have a bicycle.
Once you have arrived in Holland, you will discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Berlin, Brussels and Paris are just a few hours away by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will take you to London, Madrid or Rome.
Holland is a ‘self-service country’. The Dutch try to manage most things themselves, which makes them very independent and organized. Another distinctive characteristic of the Dutch is their openness and direct manner of acting and speaking. You will notice that you can say exactly what is on your mind. The Dutch are not easily offended.
Education in the Netherlands
The Dutch system of higher education enjoys a worldwide reputation for high quality. Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch higher education institution perform very well in other parts of the world. In addition, the Netherlands was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English.
The Netherlands has two main types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of applied sciences are more practically oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers.
The Times Higher Education Supplement ranks 11 universities in Holland among the top 200 in the world. Holland has also received international acclaim for its groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning system. This system trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline.
The Netherlands systems of teaching and learning is based on “student-led learning”, with more practice and more career orientation. The Dutch education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in Holland means developing an open mind and increasing your international orientation.
The majority of the programmes which are offered involve: real work placement, team projects, guest lectures and cases from the work field. It is believed that experience is the best teacher.
Financing your studies in the Netherlands
Education in Holland is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable compared with other countries. The annual tuition fees for enrolment on a degree programme or course at a Dutch higher education institution start at approximately €1,600 for EU students. In general, tuition fees are higher for non-EU students.
Experience shows that to live and study in Holland, students need between €300 and €400 per month + accommodation which is around €300 per month.
Foreign students that would like to take paid work alongside their studies are allowed to do so.
Why study in the Netherlands?
1. More than 1,450 programmes in English. Holland is the first non-English speaking country which has been offering study programmes conducted in English and especially designed for foreign students who came to study in Holland.
2. Internationally recognized diplomas. The Netherlands has been recognized as the knowledge centre of long study traditions and well- known universities. Dutch international scientific research is placed in the very top ranks. Thanks to its high quality the Dutch education meets all standards and is acknowledged worldwide.
3. Multicultural environment. International students from all over the world come to study in Holland. The Netherlands is a unique non-English speaking country where 95% of the inhabitants speak English. This makes communication during your study in Holland comfortable and pleasant.
4. Low study costs. The tuition fees and other expenses for those who come to study in Holland from EU/EEA countries are relatively low compared to other European countries.
5. Holland — a gateway to Europe. Due to its central position, the Netherlands has been described as the Gateway to Europe. In reality, all famous European capitals are within easy reach: Paris and Berlin, Brussels and London are all situated within an hour flight from the Dutch capital – Amsterdam.
More information about studying in the Netherlands:
http://www.studyinholland.nl
Education € 1713
Books and stationary € 865
Accommodation per year € 4000
Medical insurance € 500
Shuttle bus from airport to Leeuwarden € 60
Personal expenses € 4000
Living expenses: experience shows that to live and study in Holland, students need between 300 and 400 € per month in addition to accommodation costs. The cheapest way to eat is to do your own cooking
Other expenses: leisure, travel and other expenses. Bus tickets cost around €1.60 for a single fare in the city. You can consider buying a discount card for train tickets, which gives you 40% reduction in off-peak times. Many other discounts are offered to students by bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas.
Additional information regarding studying in the Netherlands: http://www.ib-groep.nl
Scholarship
Unfortunately, Stenden University do not offer any grants or scholarhips for international students.
But information on how and where to apply for a scholarship, within the framework of cultural agreements between the Netherlands and your home country, or most other possible scholarships, is available from NUFFIC or the Netherlands Student Grantfinder, which provides information on a range of Dutch scholarships for foreign students.
In the Netherlands, students usually have their own room. Depending on the house where you are staying you may have to share the shower, lavatory, kitchen and living room with other students. It is common for men and women to live together in a shared house.
It is advisable to check what bills are included in the rent, as this may have a large impact on your budget. Some accommodations include gas, electricity, TV and internet in the rent, for others you are expected to pay them separately.
The website Studychoice.nl gives you information about average room rents in student cities. It also provides information about what quality to expect in which city.
Accommodation in Stenden University
Stenden University of Applied Sciences offers accommodation to international students. All non European students can apply for accommodation via the university. Non European students have priority when choosing accommodation.
European students can either find their own accommodation or, depending on availability, make use of the accommodation via Stenden university. The first option can be cheaper in many cases and you are more flexible in your wishes.
In general, finding a room in the Netherlands can be quite difficult, since many new students search for rooms during the same period, therefore the university will provide you with helpful tips to make it much easier!
There are different locations in town where the accommodation can be rented, such as in the more quiet areas just outside the city or in the city center. When applying, student can indicate their preferred location and price
class, as long as there is availability.
The rooms or apartments are furnished and the rental fees include costs for the use of gas, water and electricity.
The earlier the student will register and apply for a room, the bigger the chance at the preferred size and price!
More information about student rooms you can find here
As an international student in Holland, you might want to take a part-time job, just as Dutch students do. Besides helping to cover your costs, a job can also give you useful work experience, allow you to participate in Dutch society and make it easier for you to learn the language.
Citizens from EU/EEA member states, do not need a residence permit in order to be allowed to stay in the Netherlands, while doing their MSc. With the exception of Bulgaria and Romania and Non-EU/EFTA students, citizens from the rest of the EU-member states do not need a work permit to do a part-time job. Non-EU / EFTA should register with the IND once they have been in the Netherlands for more than 3 months. For more information consult the IND website, http://www.ind.nl. On this website you will find a “residence wizard” through which you can find out about the rules for residency in the Netherlands for yourself.
Even if not directly needed, a residence permit can come in handy: sometimes employers ask for it before they enter into a contract with you, banks also ask for it when you open a bank account and other official institutions ask for this document as well. You may find a part-time job, but you have to keep in mind that you would not neglect your studies. You should keep in mind to have at least 4 months’ money before arriving as it may be difficult
to find a student job.
How do I find a part-time job?
The easiest way to find a job is through an employment agency, or uitzendbureau. Some agencies specialize in jobs for students. The student affairs office at the Dutch institution where you are enrolled can provide addresses or may even have their own job agency. Of course you can also respond to advertisements or search for a job on the Internet.
The following websites may be helpful:
- www.undutchables.nl
- http://international.monsterboard.nl
- www.dutchisnotrequired.nl
Additional information about working in the Netherlands:
- http://www.werk.nl
- http://www.nuffic.nl
Opportunities in Stenden
In Stenden, there are several learning companies. A learning company is a Stenden-owned company where students can gain practical experience. This is a unique chance for students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice! This way, students get familiar with the work field in an active way.
The learning companies conduct commercial activities within the university for external parties. The students work under the supervision of practical instructors. The knowledge from networks, information sources and specialisations within Stenden university is being used within these learning companies. This will benefit the client and ensure a good price-quality balance.
More about the learning companies you can find by clicking here
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