NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Speciality : Communication
programme: Media and Communications Science

As a first-year Communication and Multimedia student from Hungary, I was astonished by the pedagogical approach here at NHL Stenden. The university has effectively discarded conventional teaching models, shifting the focus heavily to practical application.
But what does that really mean? It means we have only a few lectures weekly, with no mandatory attendance (although it is expected), and no theoretical examinations. Instead, what we do is set out to work on projects in smaller groups, such as coming up with a museum exhibit anchored around a Dutch historical event or persona, focusing on interactivity; or tackling misinformation within the age group of 40-plus in society. These challenges require us to cultivate crucial skills like critical thinking, planning, communication, and cooperation.
During the first year, the assessment structure is particularly unique: rather than fixating on perfectly polished end results, we are evaluated on how we faced our failures and how we learned and expanded from them.
Our teachers encourage us to harness our creativity and nurture our curiosity towards the world. They push us to ask questions every step of the way. They are our partners in this journey, rather than our superiors.
Adjusting to this new, international environment was no challenge at all. Being surrounded by such a kind, open-minded, and multicultural community naturally broadens one’s perspective on the world.
Furthermore, with extracurricular clubs, sport facilities, constant events that would be too numerous to list, and a bustling campus life, there is simply never a moment to be bored.