Every year, student organizations ISO, LSVb, and the Erasmus Student Network commission a study into the well-being of international students in the Netherlands. This time, about 700 internationals completed the questionnaire by ResearchNed.

Overall, they are positive about the education they are receiving. More than eight out of ten are satisfied or very satisfied with their lecturers, who they say speak English well. In general, they feel well informed about their study program and the admission process.

Dissatisfied with DUO

However, internationals say that information about practical and administrative matters could be improved. It is not always available in English. They are particularly dissatisfied with student finance provider DUO; they often do not know whether they are eligible for a student grant and regularly face long waiting times and language barriers.

Earlier this month, it emerged that a company in Tilburg is exploiting this situation. For a substantial fee, the company “helps” international students apply for student finance.

Housing

Many international students also find it difficult to secure a room: almost one in three takes more than three months to find one. They frequently experience discrimination through advertisements containing phrases such as “no internationals.” In addition, more than half believe they pay more than Dutch students. In some cases, they are even scammed.

Some internationals believe that educational institutions should take more responsibility. Don’t admit students if you cannot house them, one of them says.

Excluded

Many international students are positive about their social lives, especially when it comes to contact with other internationals. Study associations are generally open to them, they note, but student associations much less so.

Contact with Dutch students is often more difficult. Internationals sometimes feel excluded when Dutch is spoken and when they notice that Dutch students prefer to work together among themselves.

Not feeling at home

On average, international students rate their mental well-being at 6.8 out of 10. That is comparable to Dutch students. They report experiencing friendship and happiness. But one-third do not feel at home in the Netherlands.

TStill, more than half of international students are considering staying in the Netherlands after graduation or returning here later. Among other things, they appreciate the good work–life balance in the Netherlands. A frequently mentioned reason for not staying is the Dutch weather.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.