Elizabeth Wredden

University: Breda University of Applied Sciences

Course: International Media and Entertainment Management

Which year you are in: 1^st year

Home Town in the UK: Sevenoaks, but went to school in Tunbridge Wells

1. Why did you choose to study abroad?

I decided that the UK just didn't have the course for me. Nothing really stood out as a "Yes I want to do that!". So when I really thought about what I wanted, I knew I wanted to go abroad, to be involved in another culture and environment that was not the other side of the world but not right outside my doorstep.

2. How would you rate the assistance of the university before you arrived (the application process, finding accommodation, sorting out financial matters)?

Some things were easy, for example getting a quick response for my email to the university, and the advice I received from asking a student was precise.

However, there were also difficulties, finding a place to stay being one. When you can't actually visit the place or have any idea about the best places to stay, it isn't easy to know how to go about choosing a house. The school was definitely my saviour with this one and got me a place to stay in the EasyStreet campus.

3. How would you rate the assistance of the university when you arrived (orientation etc)?

Brilliant. I attended the first day of school and was immediately shown around the school and its features. I was introduced to many lecturers and the whole class felt quite comfortable as we were encouraged to interact with one another and to make friends within our classes as soon as the school day began.

4. Did you feel prepared when you arrived and/or what surprised you?

Somewhat, I was unsure if we would have lessons on the first day so didn't know what to bring. However, I was told the exact place and time of the arrival days and given a timetable of events for the day. I knew how the day would be organised, just was not sure what would be in those events.

5. How would you rate the learning environment (teaching style, studying with other international students, non-native English speaking lecturers)?

The non-native english speaking lecturers are good at English. However, if they forget a word, they tend to speak in Dutch to other classmates and can also use the wrong English word for what they mean, which can make it difficult to understand but only a little bit.  Learning with the other international students gives a great insight into other opinions. The range of knowledge you learn from one another is definitely worth the trip to Breda University of Applied Science.

6. Would you recommend studying abroad to someone your age who might never have thought about it before?

Yes, absolutely! I knew I wanted to go to university, but wasn't sure where. Going abroad was the change I needed instead of just picking a random course I didn't really want to do in the UK

7. Is there anything you wish someone had told you at the time you applied?

• Bring ALL official documents (i.e. birth certificate)
• Get a phone plan in the country!
• At least try and learn some Dutch even if it's just politeness/ It's really not great when you find out you've been saying "thank you" in German instead of Dutch in the first month.

8. Would you recommend your course, university, city to British students?

For anyone that wants a bit of adventure and a course that invites opportunity from multiple work experience places, NHTV is a brilliant place to choose.