Yassine’s student exchange experience in the Netherlands

Many of the courses in the School of Humanities and Social Science offer an opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the second year.

Depending on the subject you are studying you could spend time in Norway, Spain, Sweden, Greece, France or the Netherlands.

Politics and International Relations BA(Hons) student, Yassine Chahid, spent his time at  Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in the Netherlands.

We caught up with him to find out how it went.

Why I chose a study exchange

Ever since I was younger, I have always admired travelling, and exploring new cultures, environments and countries. Growing up in the European Union (EU), I heard many incredible stories of people going on their ‘Erasmus’ (EU study abroad programme). So, this is something I have always wanted to do; meet new people from all over the world, experience a new culture, a different way of learning and make lasting memories. Alongside this, it is something valuable to have on your CV!

Where I studied

My host university was the University of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. The university itself is a very respectable institution with many incredible professors and students. It had campuses spread throughout the city and some cool looking buildings. The teaching was very different to what we are used to in Brighton, but is an amazing alternative, nonetheless.

Where I lived

I lived in a student accommodation in Groningen that was only for exchange students, this meant that everybody in the building came from all over the world. In my flat alone, I shared with people from Switzerland, Italy, USA, China, Indonesia, Ukraine/Poland, Sweden/Finland!

The accommodation itself felt like a huge flat, as everyone would gather in one flat and hang out with each other, which allowed me to meet with an even greater amount of people from all over. It was a 15-minute cycle from the city centre of Groningen (yes, everyone really does cycle) but had bus links as well, and supermarkets nearby.

The university’s sports complex was nearby as well which had every sport you can imagine at your disposal.

It was different to studying at Brighton

In Politics and International Relations at Brighton, I rarely had exams. This was not the case in Groningen.

Most assessments had both exams and an assignment, usually with the exam counting for slightly more. The seminars and lectures prepared you well for the exams and students had leeway with second chances.

The seminars themselves would include many interactive sessions including Kahoot, team presentations and more. The lectures and seminars had a nice ‘study break’ system where we would have taught for 45 minutes, then a 15-minute break, and another 45-minute teaching session. Which makes a huge difference in paying attention, and made the sessions feel a lot shorter than they were.

What I studied

I picked modules that would suit my degree. The modules I took were: Dutch Contemporary History, International Institutions 1 and 2, American Frontiers, International Political Economy of Monetary Relations and International Political Economy of Trade. This may seem like a lot of modules compared to Brighton, but they are a lot shorter. Each was very interesting.

You also had a huge choice of module selections so there is something for everyone! I also took free classes to practice my Dutch.

A typical day

A typical day would include, having breakfast with friends, then cycling to the sports complex to play our respective sports; I played tennis.

Then, meet up with friends in city centre for lunch before heading to the library. Study for a little while, and then in the evening gather in a flat with friends and socialise.

My flatmates and friends made sure to make the most of our time, and plan weekend trips away! We explored much of the Netherlands, and some parts of Germany and Belgium. This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the Dutch culture.

The ‘Freshers’ week on your exchange is filled with social programmes, introducing you to many different people and key areas of the city, such as the sports complex, the best parts of town for a night out, and much more!

What I gained from the experience

I made some of the most amazing memories and friends. I was able to learn a lot about the Dutch culture and language, but also from all my friends, the endless conversations long into the night sharing experiences and stories from back home, allowed each of us to explore each other’s culture as well.

Now I am still in touch with many of my friends and we plan yearly reunions all over the world! As of now, we have met up in Athens, Rome, and next we are planning to visit our friends in the USA!

I also was able to gain knowledge about International Relations in a different outlook and was able to adapt to the Dutch curriculum and way of learning. The memories I made and continue to make from my exchange are truly invaluable.

My advice if you’re considering a study exchange

Do it! Don’t even think about it, just do it.

I was in your very shoes, afraid of going somewhere where I knew nobody – no friends, no family, nobody. But this was the case for most exchange students that I met. There are countless of opportunities that the university, the city and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) has to offer you.

My biggest tip would be to take part in ESN introduction week and activities. You will have an amazing time, with the most incredible people you will ever meet, and will look back very fondly on your exchange when you graduate from university.

• Learn more about study exchange programmes at the University of Brighton.
• Visit our course pages to see where your degree could take you!