Study choice podcast: studying in NL from the Caribbean: what to expect!

Are you a student from the Caribbean considering studying in the Netherlands? You're not alone! Many students make the big move to pursue their academic dreams. In this episode Sjoerd and Shivani, both from St. Maarten, discuss their experiences with the transition into the Dutch study system. They do this with Marianne van Veldhuise, a study coach who specializes in making these students feel welcome in the Netherlands.

Note: This blog post is in English because the podcast episode it accompanies features a discussion in English about the experiences of Caribbean students in the Netherlands.

Listen to the podcast here or on Spotify

Podcast: studying in NL from the Caribbean: what to expect! (Spotify)

First impressions: culture shock

Moving to a new country always comes with surprises. For Shivani, the Dutch cold was a major shock, especially the need for very specific winter gear. He even had an accident due to slippery conditions! Sjoerd was mostly surprised by the Dutch habit of leaving curtains open. 

So why do Caribbean students choose the Netherlands? For Sjoerd and Shivani it was partly familiarity. Growing up in St. Maarten meant learning Dutch, and he felt a connection to the culture. Marianne sees this a lot with Carribean students who come here. They feel like they already know a lot about the culture, which makes the move a lot less scare.

Choosing the right study

The Netherlands has tons of study options, so how do you choose? Shivani used online resources and gives you the tip to reach out to Carribean communities around the Netherlands. Sjoerd chose a study that was completely in English to make the transition easier and he thought he would fit in well by choosing a Law degree.

Watch the Podcast here on YouTube

Podcast: studying in NL from the Caribbean: what to expect! (YouTube)

Tips for future students

Considering the big move? Here’s some advice:

• Be prepared for the cold! Get the right gear!   
• Do your research: Use online resources and talk to people who have made the move.   
• Embrace the culture: Be open to new experiences, even the surprising ones!   
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: There are resources available to help you adjust.