NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Speciality : International Business
programme: International Business

I really liked the courses I took, it was really exciting and it taught me a lot, the teachers were very professional, they helped me understand everything and know what’s going around me, the students were very hard working and working in group work was very fun and it was a nice experience.

Firstly, I would like to mention the overall experience in this university- the atmosphere and the environment is lovely! From the very first steps in this university I have always felt welcomed, heard, safe, able to express myself however I want to, given a place to grow and most importantly, happy. Personally, it feels like a huge community and I am happy to be part of it, most of the professors and all the professionals working here are incredible people, who are always willing to help you. International Business as a course, is very broad, which I believe is a positive experience, since it has helped a large group of students realise which niche they are attracted to, it allows them to see their strong or/and weak sides. In this course we also have PPD (personal

I like that my programme is very broad and I am able to gain a lot of knowledge from different fields during this study. The teachers are helpful, but sometimes they are too vague and mislead us unintentionally. The group projects are nice and they taught me a lot about teamwork, but at times, the grading is not fair, as not all teammates have the same input in the project. I also like that we have many opportunities to travel and study abroad within this programme and it connects us with people from all over the world.

NHL Stenden always stood out as a progressive University where you are always part of something evolving. Lots of room for debate and an excellent relationship between teacher and student make this a very nice University to study at. The diversity of programmes en nationalities makes it a great representation of the working world

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).

I’ve been studying International Business at NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden for one and a half years now and I couldn’t be happier with the choice of studying here.
My favorite thing about my studies is the internationality of it. Not only am I learning about doing business worldwide, but through my very international friend group and class mates, as well as all the possibilities to go abroad, I can experience first hand of what it’s like to work together with people from different cultures.
Through the practical projects we do according to each module we also learn how to apply our knowledge in real life cases, which is very helpful and gives us more purpose.
In addition to that the university itself is also very modern and Leeuwarden is a very beautiful city, especially in summer.

I’m a second-year International Business student at NHL Stenden, and I absolutely love it here! Without a doubt, what stands out the most for me is the multicultural environment, I’ve made friends from all over the world, and I’ve learned so much from their perspectives.

My course covers a variety of fields, which keeps things interesting and lets us explore what we might want to specialize in later. I have to say that sometimes the structure feels a bit unclear, but once you find your rhythm, it’s manageable; even with a part-time job.

Also, the teachers are super approachable and genuinely care about their students, something that I’ve never experienced in university back at home. Oh, and the facilities are incredible too. 🤩 It doesn’t feel like a typical university, more like a really modern, welcoming space.

There’s also a great sense of community, with plenty of student groups and events going on. Overall, studying here has been one of the best experiences, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an international and supportive place to study!

My experience at NHL Stenden has been positive overall. I really like the practical way of learning, because working on real cases helped me understand the subjects better. The lecturers are supportive and easy to approach, which made the classes feel more comfortable. The international environment is also a big plus, since you learn a lot from working with people from different backgrounds.
The only thing that could improve is the organisation, because sometimes communication or schedules are unclear. Still, I feel the programme has helped me grow and prepare for my future. I would recommend it to students who prefer hands on learning and an international atmosphere.

It is a great choice for those who are seeking to gain international experience, the programme is driven by group work, team projects, as a student, you are always exposed to various cultures, different work ethics and mindsets. It sometimes causes conflicts and challenges, but overall I believe that this programme grows students in various aspects. We cover a variety of courses, topics, so it helps you to understand your strengths, weaknesses and wants, so that in the future you can choose the right career path. The professors are all open and kind to assist, guide and support you in any given situations.
In addition to this, we have PPD (Professional

I started my Bachelor’s in International Business at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in September 2025 and the overall experience has been a positive one. I felt welcomed in the international community ever since the first few days spent on campus. It is easy to build friendships with people from all over the world and this connections make the university experience better not only socially, but also academically. People from different cultural backgrounds bring new perspectives to the table and that really helps during group projects and discussions.
There are some moments when the actual work load could seem too much or even too complicated, but you will eventually overcome them. Teachers are there to help you, but first you have to show interest in what they are teaching, which is completely fair. Nothing is easy to achieve unless you put in some effort. Looking back after finishing a complicated project you will be proud of yourself.
The university also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that add value to the experience. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and explore your interests. These activities help you grow personally and professionally, and they often teach you things you wouldn’t pick up in the classroom.
Another thing I appreciate is the relaxed schedule. It gives enough structure to stay focused while still allowing time for hobbies and relaxation.
My overall experience at NHL Stenden has been a good one.