Students in EU

To study abroad is a very exciting experience, and as a Portuguese university student in the Netherlands, I have seen on a first hand the opportunities and challenges that come with moving to another country, The Netherlands is known for its high-quality education, and NHL Stenden University, where I study European Studies, has lived up to that reputation, where the international environment here encourages collaboration and broadens perspectives, which is essential in today's interconnected world.

A key factor in international education: finance support

One of the most important things that makes studying abroad so accessible is the financial support, and in Europe we have amazing initiatives such as the Erasmus+ program that plays a significant role by covering tuition fees, travel and living expenses, and enables students from diverse backgrounds to study in other European countries, making student life's easier, and these programs do not only make international education more affordable but also promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding among member states. 

Support systems in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, for example NHL Stenden also offers specific scholarships and benefits for international students, for instance, it provides scholarships mainly to non-EU/EEA students which helps to reduce the financial pressure of studying abroad. Also, Dutch universities often help students in having housing support and even part-time job opportunities, which makes the transition easier for students.

However, not all students are able to have access to such support systems which can create inequalities in who gets to have this experience of an international education. And, by seeing these inequalities I believe that every student should receive grants regardless of their background, I believe that if all universities could provide universal grants it would be more equal to everyone and it would encourage more young people to pursue education in other countries, for example, a EU-wide grant for international student could ease the application process and ensure that there wouldn't be much financial concerns by going to study in another country.

Why Universal grants are beneficial 

At NHL Stenden, I have met people from all over the world, and many of them rely on part-time jobs or personal savings to be able to support themselves, and while this builds resilience I also think that it can take focus from our studies and universal grants would allow students to dedicate more time to academic and personal growth.

I think studying abroad shouldn't be a privilege but a possibility for everyone, because by investing in the education of students we are investing in a future of shared knowledge and collaboration, benefiting everyone from the same possibilities.