Studying at NHL Stenden has been an interesting experience so far, which can be interpreted positively and negatively. Finding a balance is crucial. But let’s start with my pros.

Pro – Internationality: At least within my study programme I can see the continuous effort to link the content to modern and new approaches, as well as the international aspect. I enjoy that this isn’t restricted to a bit of theory, but reflected in various aspects. International mobility options, a relatively high percentage of international students and teachers from all around the globe and the study content being linked to practical experience (working with companies from day 1 on).

Pro – Working environment: I believe this to be a Dutch thing in general, but I’m also sure that not every university offers this type of working environment. At NHL the hierarchies are rather flat, the tone of communication open and direct, creating an atmosphere where one can voice both negative and positive things in an instant. It took time for me to get used to it, but having experienced other communication styles linked to different working cultures, I can admit that I enjoy the rather easy going and direct communication I got to experience at NHL.

Pro – Personal development: This is one of the major plus points I value a lot, because I don’t take it for granted that a university looks at a student as an individual and not as a number in a crowd. An individual with plans, hopes, visions and dreams, that can use all the guidance and open approach to the world they can get. At NHL it’s common practice to have a study coach that accompanies one alongside the studies, with classes on different self-development topics. In International Business this is accompanied by intercultural management and critical thinking classes. I find it reassuring to know that the same person is looking over my development and plans for the entire duration of the studies, guiding me with their expertise and knowledge in the field. And while it takes time getting used to reflective practices, continuous thought out goal setting and other tasks, I really have learned to appreciate it and the value it adds to my life.

Pro – Support through various programmes and organisations: NHL offers a lot of extra curricular organisations that one can join as a student, to learn more, gain more experience, meet people, start and or nurture a business or to further your studies.

Con – Organisation: I consider myself to be a very structured and direct person, effective and efficient. And while I am very well aware of the fact that there are tons of universities out there where organisational matters are way, way worse than at NHL, I still want to comment on this aspect. I have had the continuous experience that certain matters, may it be related to the study or personal student things, aren’t always handled in the most organised or time effective manner. And especially when there are a few (rather obvious) solutions, quick fixes, well proven methods to help sort out some of the chaos that have been pitched to certain people of authority (pitched by me, student bodies, classes, groups of other people) – it doesn’t really seem to do anything. This isn’t a matter of perfectionism, it is an actual con that adds irritation and unnecessary stress to the lives of a few more students it seems. I find it disappointing that there are so many options to provide open feedback to various people and organisations within this university, and yet lots of ideas and solutions are simply pitched and swept under a rug.

Con – Unclear instructions: Unfortunately it has happened several times that assignments were formulated in such a vague way, that it was up to each teacher to interpret what they desired the end result to look like. That in combination with inconsistent communication of expectations and actions between the teachers has led to different classes having different levels of work to be completed- which is not only frustrating, but also just unfair. It adds more stress than is needed and leads to discussions between different classes, to try and clear what work actually is to be done.

All in all NHL Stenden is a university I can recommend to study at, though I would first consider if the Dutch working culture is one that you can see yourself functioning well in or not, as the cultural difference can impact people (a lot).