NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
speciality: Management

I’m currently a first-year Leisure & Events Management student, and so far I’m really happy with my programme and university choice. Before this, I attended a university and studied a different programme in Belgium, but I quit after a year and a half because it didn’t match my interests, and also the education system was not suitable for me. So I have a lot to compare, and I can say that NHL Stenden, with its design-based education system, works 100% better for me. I really like that we’re able to learn theory but also immediately work on projects since the start, and also on assignments from real clients, which feels very new and a bit scary at the start, but the more you get into it, the easier it gets.

Leisure & Events Management is a smaller programme (the international stream taught in English which I am a part of), so the connection with my classmates is way better, but especially way more personal with coaches than I’m used to from before, which is great because they really care about you as a person and are there to help whenever you need it. Overall, I feel really welcome and comfortable within the programme and the university itself.

It took me a bit of time to actually get used to the education system here. I still feel like I’m not fully used to it yet. Especially since sometimes the instructions and criteria for assignments are not that clear and can feel confusing at times, which is something to be improved for sure. However, you can always ask your coaches or your classmates and help each other. What was really new for me as well was the mostly feedback-based evaluation of our work, and also the amount of reflection we have to do. I’m still getting used to it, but I can already feel it helping me with really taking control and being responsible for my own learning, which is really the goal of it.

In the first year of my programme, a certain number of Volunteering hours is necessary to complete. It continues to put me outside of my comfort zone, but it also allows me to figure out which specific field I’m passionate about and would like to work in in the future.

To sum up, I really feel like I made the right choice to study this programme here and that it will prepare me really well for my future as a leisure & event professional.

I chose the Master’s International Leisure, Tourism and Events Management and I don’t regret my decision at all. First of all, the campus is amazing and offers a variety of spaces to study or chill with your classmates. The teachers make the lecture really interactive which helps you absorb knowledge more efficiently. They are also really approachable and help you with any questions you have. Furthermore, NHL Stenden is really welcoming for international students. When it comes to students, there are a lot of internationals you can meet, which is really fun. When it comes to the campus, the student info always provides useful information for people who have more administrative issues. Overall, my experience at NHL Stenden has been really positive.

Moving abroad to study was a big step, and I chose NHL Stenden because of its variety of programs and the AMAZING Leeuwarden campus. On this campus, you have so many places where you can study, meet with friends, go to the library, or just grab a muffin and a coffee. I also love the international vibe here and the fact that StudentStay guaranteed housing for first-years. My apartment is great, even though maintenance can be slow when something breaks, so keep that in mind.
My program itself is interesting and very useful for my future career, but the new curriculum feels a bit disorganized, and sometimes even teachers seem unsure about how everything works. When I asked about the next years of the program, most teachers didn’t know, but the head of the program gave me clear answers. Despite this, I really like the teachers themselves. They’re open-minded, supportive, and always willing to help when you’re struggling.
Having a study coach is also a huge plus: you can book meetings whenever you need guidance, and they’ll connect you with tutors or other support if necessary. There are also counselors and financial advisors available, which is a huge support for international students. I like that my program includes personal development classes where technology is limited and you have to think for yourself. And honestly, one of the best things about NHL Stenden is the number of opportunities outside regular classes. You can join IBCO, become a student ambassador, get involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship, play for sports teams, and so much more. The environment overall feels cozy and full of chances to grow.
If you’re looking for an international university with lots of opportunities and a supportive atmosphere, NHL Stenden is definitely a strong choice, even if it has a few things to improve.

Studying IT at NHL Stenden in Emmen has been a decent experience overall. The campus is quite small, which has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it creates a friendly and tight-knit community where it’s easy to connect with others. On the other hand, it sometimes feels like there’s not much going on, especially compared to larger campuses.

One of the strong points of the program is the practical, hands-on approach to learning. It’s definitely more focused on doing rather than sitting through lectures, which can be great if you prefer learning by applying things directly. That said, I sometimes feel there’s a lack of theoretical depth. If you’re someone who values academic structure and detailed explanations, you might find this frustrating at times.

The organization of the program could also use improvement. Things aren’t always clearly communicated, and the structure can feel a bit messy. This can make it hard to plan ahead or fully understand what’s expected.

Despite the flaws, I don’t regret choosing this degree. It’s helped me develop useful skills and prepared me reasonably well for the working world. I’d recommend it to people who are looking for a practical approach and don’t mind a bit of flexibility and figuring things out on their own.

NHL Stenden is the place where I grew the most as an individual and a professional. This university offers us, the students, almost unlimited opportunities. It is therefore up to us to craft a college experience just as we like it and make it as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. Students can work, study, meet, train, have fun, and so on—everything on or around campus.

Guaranteed accommodation (as of now) is another strong point of this school, along with its location. Situated in Leeuwarden, the capital city of Friesland—a green town with countless bikes, abundant green spaces, and low pollution levels—NHL Stenden is an excellent choice.

Quite a few students have asked me what some negative points of this school are, and frankly, I could not tell them. It is not that I do not want to, but I simply do not find anything improper about this school. You get out what you put in, and there are people here to help and guide you along the way. There are plenty of clubs, associations, and initiatives that students can join to learn, have fun, and prepare for their future in a safe and encouraging environment.

There are plenty of activities students can do within Leeuwarden as well, including going to the cinema and theatre, clubbing, working out, and so on. We have cafés and bowling alleys, so there are few things you cannot do here.

And to the most important point—education is of the highest quality here, and professors are more than just incredibly well-prepared teachers; they are mentors, guiding us through our journeys of growth. So, NHL Stenden… a home away from home.

I’ve had a largely positive experience at NHL Stenden University, particularly due to its hands-on approach to various projects. We often have the opportunity to collaborate with real-life clients from the local area, which makes the learning process feel much more practical and relevant. That said, it’s important to enjoy working in groups, as many projects are team-based. However, sometimes it can feel like that the theoretical parts falls a bit behind.

One aspect I really value is the sense of community. Classes are generally small, which creates a more personal environment. I was surprised to find that in my year’s international stream, Dutch students were actually in the minority compared to internationals. But during your studies, you can sometimes be confronted with the fact that Dutch skills are really helpful. Sadly, not all international degrees offer free Dutch classes.

However, while the freedom we have with assignments is great, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. It’s fantastic that we can choose our own approach to many tasks, but without clear guidelines, it can sometimes feel a bit unclear. Luckily, most teachers and coaches are very supportive and approachable, so you’re never completely on your own.

Definitely consider checking out the university! 🙂

My experience at NHL was very important in shaping me to who I am now.
I‘m a German Leisure and Eventmanagement student and currently in my fourth year. Right now, I‘m in Berlin doing my internship at a TV and Radio company. But how did I get here?
Moving to the Netherlands after graduating from school was a big step and I was definitely nervous but NHL (the coaches, the people, and other students) made it really easy for me to feel comfortable. Soon, I realized that I can be whoever I want in this environment. That gave me the opportunity to develop new skills professionally but also on a personal level, I grew and learned a lot about myself.
The educational system being very practical combined with theory was the perfect system for me to learn the most.
I do have to say that sometimes the communication between the different people and facilities within NHL could be better because sometimes it was a bit chaotic but with enough self initiative it is all possible.
Bea

I’m already in my fourth year of studying International Business as an international student here, and it’s only now that I truly appreciate all the opportunities this university has given me. The Grand Tour program was transformative, allowing me to live in Thailand and travel across Asia, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and grow both personally and academically. The education here didn’t just focus on theories; it helped me to build a skill set that empowered me to confidently pursue careers in global companies through internships and adapt to life in any country. This place has expanded my horizons, developing a mindset to embrace endless possibilities. While NHL Stenden offers all these opportunities, it is sometimes an obstacle to plan ahead and buy plane tickets cheaply, long before the departures because the schedules and the exact exam dates are barely ever posted on time. It is something to improve on, so international students can plan a trip home for breaks without spending a fortune. But I would definitely recommend this university for students!

I am really satisfied with my Business Administration studies at NHL Stenden. Currently, I am finishing my second year at university and throughout this time I’ve gained so much practical knowledge regarding business processes and operations. In my opinion, what stands out in this course is the practical approach and detailed subjects related to business, it is not too general, but perfect whether you want to be an entrepreneur or work in any company in a business position. This study allows you to work with real business clients and solve their problems. I think this approach is really useful, especially for business professionals, which allows to actually learn and practice at the same time. The subjects taught in this program are really useful and connected within the duration of your studies, like Information Management, Strategic Management, Organisational Behavior, etc., covering almost all the business subjects needed for future job or entrepreneurial activities.

I like the diversity and the atmosphere. I also like how the professors teach and they’re easy going but effective methods! that’s the Dutch for you!. I dislike that it is all the way in the north where it is a little quiet in comparison to Randstad cities.