According to recent survey findings, there’s a growing sentiment among international students that they are unwelcome in the Netherlands. This sentiment arose from the Netherlands’ plans to reduce student intake in Dutch universities and increase the number of Dutch-language degrees offered.
Recently, a survey was conducted that involved the responses of 358 students. The responses to the survey reveal that international students are no longer feeling a warm welcome in the country. Issues such as overcrowded lecture halls and inadequate accommodation were cited as key concerns. A significant portion of respondents expressed feeling less welcomed in the country, with many citing discomfort with political discourse and societal attitudes directed towards them.
Moreover, international students expressed frustration at being unfairly blamed for security issues and housing shortages in the country. Some noted a noticeable shift in the attitudes of domestic students and locals towards them. Despite these continued challenges, there remains a group of students who stand by their decision to study in the Netherlands.
However, many students expressed satisfaction with their educational experience in the Netherlands. The main reason behind their satisfaction, as they cited, is the quality of education and the availability of English-taught courses.
Further, statistics from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicate a notable increase in the percentage of international students choosing to stay in the Netherlands after completing their studies. International students remain a constant force in contributing to the country’s economy, reaching €1.5 billion in the academic year 2021–22.
Despite the challenges and the sense of being unwelcome, over half of the surveyed students expressed intentions to remain in the Netherlands for work and further education.
