Eight Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences are in Cork (17th May) Register here for Cork and Dublin (18th May) Register here for Dublin. A great chance to discover more about low-cost, high-quality employment-focused opportunities for studying in the Netherlands. Meet Irish students currently studying there, This is what they have to say:

Mind-blowing, Groningen is an experience beyond what i imagined……From a old house in the hills of Ireland, Groningen is a city of varied culture, incredible experiences, fast pace, freedom, independence and challenges.

Tina Geoghegan, Hanze UAS (Fine Art)

I would repeat my decision to move to the Netherlands a thousand times over, best choice I ever made. What I love about studying over here, is that conversations are about politics, current affairs, philosophy and so on. When I go back to Dublin, my friends have been doing the same thing everyday, and conversation can be dull and repetitive. I am not saying that Irish students are stupid, but when you go to a new European city you realise how big the world is and how competitive it is. You either smarten up, or risk been left behind
Danny Ryan, Hague UAS (European Studies)

People often ask me why is it that I decided to come abroad instead of doing my studies in Ireland. Well the answer is simple; the Netherlands offered an affordable, high-quality education which combined both theory and practice and handed me the opportunity to travel and learn throughout my studies. In addition to all that, while my time here so far has been challenging, that I cannot deny, overall it has been both an exciting and inspiring adventure which has opened many doors and one which I know for sure will open many more in the future.
Jason O’Dwyer, Rotterdam Business School (International Business)

Danny Ryan, Hague UAS European Studies

I wanted to learn more languages, and to live abroad whilst improving my business skills and IBL in HZ provided me with the perfect opportunity to fulfil these wishes. At the end of this course I hope to be able to speak five languages to a high level, plus lots of other languages I have started to learn from my international friends.
Rory Clarke, HZ UAS (Intl Business & Languages)

Living away from home I have learned to become so much more independent. Since the university is situated in a great area in Europe, you are open to many opportunities to travel. In addition, The Netherlands for me has worked out to be cheaper than studying back home in Ireland. I really enjoyed the opportunity to perform in a real physiotherapy clinic in first year as it confirmed my love for the profession. Over the past year I have thoroughly enjoyed student life in The Netherlands.
Ciara McKenna, Saxion UAS (Physiotherapy)

The surprise on the faces of people when I tell them I study in Holland is not unusual. More often than not I get asked the question “why study abroad and why Holland?”. Studying abroad is a very unusual concept in Ireland although I do believe the amount of young people leaving Ireland to study is increasing. My answer is “why not?”. The list of reasons why studying abroad is endless and is one of the greatest experiences of your life. I was sold on the idea of studying at Stenden University after attending the Higher Options in the RDS and listening to a presentation by EUNiCAS. I moved to the Netherlands, the following year, feeling both excited and nervous. Everything was so structured and put together so well that the transition was extremely easy. I had no problem with settling in as everyone was so nice, not only in the college but also the city itself. I was completely surprised with how much I have enjoyed student life in the Netherlands. It is a completely different experience form Ireland. For example, going out is not the same at all. In Ireland going out is a big event whereas here its very relaxed and very enjoyable.

The college itself is quite different from the average college or university in Ireland. Firstly, the college offers a lot of support to their students. As an international student they understand that it can be difficult to adjust to a new system and new surroundings so teachers are very helpful and approachable if you have a problem. The classes are much smaller. Their method of learning is known as PBL which stands for problem based learning. Its a great way to learn and focuses on real world experiences meaning you get a taste of what work would actually be like after your studies. What initially impressed me about Stenden University was that they didn't ask me how many points I had or was aiming for, they asked me what my motivation was, what I was passionate about and why I wanted to go to Stenden. Is this not what its all about?

Emily McGrath , Stenden UAS (Hotel Management)