I decided to study abroad because I wanted an experience that would completely change my everyday life.
Moving to another country means starting again in a new environment, meeting people from around the world, and learning how to live independently. That opportunity to build an international life was what excited me most.
I discovered HZ University of Applied Sciences through Kastu. While comparing programmes, Vitality and Tourism Management immediately caught my attention because I could not find anything quite like it at other Dutch universities.
The programme offered much more than traditional tourism. It combined coastal tourism with healthy living, wellness, and both the physical and mental wellbeing of people.
During the programme, we explored areas such as spa treatments, massage, leisure, tourism development, and business-related subjects. This variety helped us understand how many different professional directions are available within the tourism and wellness industries.
One of the most interesting parts of the programme was coastal tourism. We examined how tourism develops in seaside destinations and how businesses and communities can create attractive experiences while responding to the needs of visitors.
The study system was organised into several periods throughout the academic year. At first, having more frequent assessment periods sounded difficult, but I found that it made the workload easier to manage because we were tested on smaller amounts of material at a time.
We also had major international excursions connected to our studies. During my first year, we spent a week in Berlin, while later study trips included destinations such as Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden.
These excursions allowed us to experience destinations and industries directly rather than only reading about them in textbooks.
The greatest difference from the education system I had previously known was the amount of teamwork and practical learning.
We regularly worked in groups and tried to apply what we learned to realistic situations. This approach made the subjects easier to understand and helped us develop communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
The subjects I enjoyed most included Leisure, Imagineering, and Coastal Tourism. Some courses, such as Biology, Statistics, and Finance, required more effort, but overall the programme felt challenging without being impossible.
English was not a major problem, although students need a sufficient level to follow lectures and complete assignments. The lecturers understood that English was not the first language of most international students and were supportive whenever something was unclear.
The programme also included demanding English classes, which helped us develop the academic and professional vocabulary required for our field.
My schedule usually included classes four days a week, often from morning until the afternoon. I studied in an international class and also made friends from many other programmes.
The Introduction Week was especially helpful. Through different activities, I met many international students during my very first week.
Arriving in another country felt much less frightening once I realised that so many other students were also looking for new friends and trying to find their place.
Student life in Vlissingen was active and closely connected to the sea. When the weather was good, we went to the beach to play volleyball or football, organise picnics, relax, and spend time together.
Student associations also arranged parties and other events, so there were plenty of opportunities to socialise outside the classroom.
Living in the Netherlands was more expensive than living in my home country, particularly because of accommodation. Everyday food costs could be manageable, but rent required careful budgeting.
Some students combined their studies with part-time work. This could provide additional income and professional experience, while working students might also qualify for financial support depending on the applicable requirements.
The programme included practical internships every year. During the final stage of the degree, students completed a longer internship connected to their graduation project.
This practical experience was important because it allowed us to enter a professional environment, understand how organisations operate, and begin preparing for life after university.
Looking back, studying and living in the Netherlands fully met my expectations.
I gained knowledge about tourism and wellness, improved my English, travelled through university activities, completed practical work, and created friendships with people from many different countries.
Studying abroad was not only an academic decision. It became one of the most valuable personal experiences I could have chosen.
My advice to future students is to speak with people who already study at the university and ask as many questions as possible. Current students understand the realities of the programme, the city, and everyday international student life.
Most importantly, do not allow uncertainty to prevent you from applying.
Studying abroad can give you professional knowledge, independence, international friendships, and memories that stay with you long after graduation.
