Every step we take, both online and off, is increasingly watched, recorded, and analyzed. From the ever-growing number of surveillance cameras in our streets to the silent, invisible tracking scripts behind every website we visit, privacy in the modern age is eroding at an alarming rate. But it doesn’t stop there. Online, the picture is…
According to a study by the American College Health Association, around 23% of international students reported experiencing anxiety, and 17% reported depression. Meditation has become an essential practice for enhancing mental well-being, especially among populations exposed to high levels of stress, such as international students. For Erasmus students, studying in a foreign country represents a…
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure for many international students, offering a chance to grow both personally and academically. But one of the toughest challenges they often face is dealing with language barriers. While some students may already be pretty comfortable with the language used in their classes, others might struggle to adapt, which can…
Walking alone at night should be an uneventful experience. Yet, for many women, it remains a constant balancing act between freedom and fear. Exchange students coming to the Netherlands, particularly to Zwolle, bring diverse perspectives on this issue—some finding the situation better than in their home countries, while others feel just as vulnerable. A recent…
Maria is a 22 year old exchange student from Spain that arrived in Zwolle a few months ago. When she arrived, she was excited but also overwhelmed. She didn’t know anyone, wasn’t used to managing a strict budget, and quickly realized that going out for dinner or traveling every weekend would drain her savings faster…
The housing shortage in the Netherlands is one of the major issues that the country has been facing for several years according to an article in the NL Times. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, has called on Dutch politicians to stop stirring up hatred towards foreigners by holding immigrants responsible for the…
In a European context marked by growing concerns about national identity and immigration management, several countries on the continent are adopting more restrictive policies towards foreigners. This trend is evident in the tightening of border controls and, notably, in changes to educational policies that prioritize national languages. The Netherlands, traditionally an open and multicultural nation,…
Zwolle — Thirty days ago, 166 international exchange students stepped into their never-before-seen experiences of a lifetime in the Netherlands. We met them as they marked their first month abroad to hear about their surprises, adaptation, and triumphs. From cultural shocks to academic discoveries, here is what they will say about their journey. First Impressions:…
