NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Speciality : Tourism & Hospitality
programme: Hospitality Management

I am an international student from Germany studying Hospitality Management at NHL Stenden in my first year. I chose this study because I wanted an English-taught programme with a more practical approach. What I enjoy most is the international atmosphere, the community and the practical way of learning. Through different “practices” the programme gives an insight into different hospitality fields, with an on-campus hotel and restaurant and multiple food and coffee outlets.
Adding on, the classes are very small and create a personal feeling with around 30 people in your main class. This creates a comfortable learning environment and usually the facilitators (teachers) know you by name. The teaching style is very much based on learning by doing, which can sometimes be a bit challenging and confusing at first. However, when you accomplish something by figuring it out yourself it is very rewarding. A downside is that there is a lot of group work for which you receive the same grade as your group, but it already gives a good insight into real work-life.
I really enjoy student life here because there are a lot of opportunities to meet new people, join an association and connect with students from other study programmes. The campus is very beautiful and offers many places to study and sit down and relax.
One thing that could definitely be improved is that Dutch courses are not included in the study for international students. You can book an extra course, but the costs for this are very high and not realistic for students.
Overall, I would definitely recommend NHL Stenden to students who are looking for a practical style of education, with a lot of freedom to form their own studies in an international environment.

Stenden is an amazing University. Having 5 campuses worldwide, namely in The Netherlands which is the main campus, Thailand, Bali and South Africa which is the campus i enrolled in. With an exchange program offered by the university we as students are exposed to the various cultures which is a stepping stone to gaining Cultural intelligence which is very beneficial for the Hospitality Industry.

We also have an operating 4 star Hotel where we gain real life experience in the industry thus allowing us to be more than ready to face the world once we graduate.

The campus life is very intimate as it’s not a very big university but this allows us to interact with one another. The professors are patient and well informed about the subjects they teach also the classes are well scheduled.

I would highly recommend NHL Stenden University with both hands. It offers a dynamic and engaging environment where boredom is never an option. There are countless extracurricular activities, from student associations to side jobs and volunteer work related to the university, ensuring an active and social student life. The university hosts numerous events, workshops, and activities throughout the year, making it easy to meet new people and expand your network.

I’m studying Hospitality Management, one of the university’s most distinctive programs, and I absolutely love it. The focus is heavily on practical education rather than theory. A standout feature is the practical training, where we work in real hospitality settings, dealing with real guests and challenges. While some might find this unnecessary or intimidating, it provides invaluable learning experiences beyond traditional lectures.

The education at NHL Stenden is outstanding, but I won’t lie — it can be overwhelming at first. The first weeks or even months might feel confusing, so don’t expect it to be easy. However, as time passes, those early uncertainties fade, and everything starts to fall into place. It only gets more exciting as you go along. The professors are passionate, supportive, and always ready to help. At times, the coursework can feel too easy. In such cases, it’s up to you to push yourself further and seek additional challenges—thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

As an international student, one challenge I faced was the large number of Dutch students in the Hospitality program. While classes are in English, Dutch students often converse in their native language ( sometimes even during the lectures ), which can sometimes feel isolating. It does become less of an issue since you learn to chose the people who have influence on you but it is definitely something you should take into consideration if being an international student. Over time, you learn to choose your social circles wisely and embrace the diversity around you.

Overall, the university fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere. Students are friendly and engaged, and I’m grateful for the friendships and experiences I’ve gained here. Despite its minor drawbacks, I would not even consider changing my choice even if I had the chance.