Hi,

I'm a Malaysian student in The Netherlands and am enjoying it! Are there others around as well?

Not many people are aware that many 'big' international companies such as Shell, Unilever, Philips, ING etc. are actually Dutch.

Education here is definitely hands-on and you not only learn theory, you also learn how to apply it. Holland is relatively new to Malaysians but it's really starting to get popular. Why not differentiate yourself from Australian/American/ UK graduates?

Benefits:

i) very practical, you learn a lot of soft skills
ii) get experience with companies
iii) great student body, very international yet close at my school
iv) open people, English is widely spoken
v) central location, cheap flights to cities like London (bought once for 20 euro,return! sometimes can get for 5 euro...), Prague, Rome etc.
vi) study grants provided by some schools
vii) can start after SPM for certain courses (4-year courses. No use taking certain diplomas/SAM/Pre-U etc as you may not get exemptions)
viii) safe, very low crime rate

and particularly attractive for some Malaysians:

as a graduate from a Dutch uni, you are allowed to stay an additional 1 year to look for a job after graduation.

Cons:

i) no 2+1, 3+1, 2+2 or whatever available yet.
ii) Limited availability of English programmes
iii) Not many Malaysians here (this could be a pro as well!)

If you're already studying in NL or are interested in studying in NL, do leave a message here/PM me:)

Information on scholarships and courses can be found here: Nuffic

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Mar 2 2011, 04:29 PM

is lowyat a showing off place?

Er.. if you post in the Apple Iphone section, are you showing off?

The Netherlands is not a popular place for Malaysians yet so if people are studying there, it's nice to know there are other Malaysians around. Likewise, if someone is not aware of The Netherlands, they can actually ask questions here.

As I said, price-wise, it's similiar to Australia, maybe even cheaper. All-in expenses (tuition, living costs, rent, books, entertainment etc.) is about 10 000 euro.

I still don't see how I'm showing off. I'm funding my education by MYSELF. My parents do not contribute a single sen towards my tertiary education (which I don't mind as they are old and it's my choice to study abroad).

so, which uni are u studying ? what course are u doing ? whats the medium of instruction ?

Hey Ultraman,

I'm a student at Arnhem Business School. It has a pretty good business programme. The IBMS (International Business Management Studies) is ranked at #1 for something like the 6th time already, but the others (Communication, Logistics, Finance & Accounting and Human Resources) are pretty good as well).

Medium of instruction is English.

Student population: +- 50% Dutch, 25% German, 10% Chinese, 15% everything else (I'm the only Malaysian at my school but another will be starting in September).

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 23 2010, 06:19 PM

are u scholared? compare to uk, is it expensive?

Yah, other European countries are good alternatives. However, one must be able to secure employment in Europe after graduation otherwise the investment is lost. Many of these European schools are good but they are hardly recognised outside of their respective countries/EU, so if you can't find a job and return to Malaysia or go elsewhere to work, you're pretty much screwed. This is particularly true if you're doing programs in business/commerce.

This post has been edited by feynman: Apr 23 2010, 06:35 PM

I believe TS is just here trying to offer some help. And at the same time promoting the education there.
Come'on. cut him some slack.
I think he has gone thru alot esp since he's funding his tertiary education in oversea himself.
If he's showing off like u said, then let him be. Besides, to be able to self-fund is not easy.

kasutdidi: Compared to UK, much cheaper. I think UK is about 15 000 pounds per year. Non-EU students at my school pay about 10 000 euro (this is for an average quality of life). Some students share a room and spend less.

feynman: It might be harder to get an interview in Malaysia as employers are not familiar with Dutch degrees (I think Dutch companies should be quite open to it, though!) but I'm pretty sure that once an interview is secured, a Dutch educated student will have no problems in getting the job (Dutch schools emphasize a lot on soft skills).

Once someone has worked in NL, there's a possibility of working in the UK/Belgium/other European countries without visa issues as well. After 5 years with a work permit (maybe less, not sure if years spent studying will be counted), a foreigner will receive PR for the entire EU. Can also apply for citizenship lah but have to give up your Malaysian passport lor.

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Added on April 23, 2010, 6:55 pmEver thought of the possibility that there is NO Malaysian society as Holland is not popular with the Malaysian market yet?

Look kiddo, I AM proud I am funding the study by myself. You have no right to make me feel bad about that.

Now, please go do something constructive with your time.

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 23 2010, 06:55 PM

how did you figure to study there? are you scholared?

how near is sweden and holland? and really in english ah? i tought all dutch conducted

Yeah, maybe but nothing is certain in the interview. We can't say because one is education in the low countries one will get a job. That's illogical. Not just Malaysia, if you go to any other country, you will encounter the same problems when applying for jobs. You might not even get called for an interview because you are from a relatively unknown university. That's why I said, it is very important that you find a job in Europe after graduation, otherwise it will be difficult to find a job that you want elsewhere. Once you break into Europe, then you are safe. As mid-career job hunts are way easier if you have the experience and have been working in Europe. You would have perfect mobility in Europe and can quite easily find jobs in HK or maybe North America. The crucial part is at the start of one's career.

Well, actually, it was because my boyfriend is Dutch. I am not an excellent student, just average. I do receive a small student grant. At my school, non-EU students can get a small tuition grant (ie. tuition for 2010 is 6500 euro but students only need to pay 4000 euro, if they receive the necessary amount of credits lah but it's not hard).

Yes, it's in English. Some courses are only available in Dutch la. It depends on which course you are interested in. My school recently started teaching Automotive Engineering in English but don't know about the standard. Life Sciences is partnered with Universiti Malaya if I'm not wrong.

Sweden and Holland are not faraway (About 2 hours flight, 40 euro with Ryanair) but considered different part of Europe lah. Holland is in Western Europe, Sweden is in Scandinavia. Policy-wise similiar though. Holland is also a country with mannnnyy socialist policies;) Holland's direct neighbours are Germany and Belgium. Capital of The Netherlands is Amsterdam.

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Added on April 23, 2010, 7:12 pmYup, agreed. I am going to do my internship in Europe and hopefully Dutch employers will want to hire me when I graduate.

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 23 2010, 07:12 PM

how did u get a place ? did u do a-level? your bf is a dutch? u mean since u in malaysia u already knew him?

i wish to go sweden. but still duno leh. no scholar. no money oh

Place is not hard to get. This is typical in European countries. Getting in is not hard as the policy is everyone deserves an education ,provided they have the necessary qualifications (in this case, means either an STPM or SPM cert lah).

The hard part is not quitting or getting kicked out. If you don't receive the necessary amount of credits, you WILL get kicked out (although someone I know hired a lawyer last semester and he managed to get in again...). My class of 33 lost 10 students in the first year. Out of about 270 students, only about 60 received all their credits within the first year. That sounds more difficult than it is but actually, it's nothing la. Malaysians shouldn't have a problem due to the different studying cultures.

Sweden's cool as well. My school exchanges with a few unis there (study abroad is required in the 3rd year. Lasts 4-6 months).

Yalah, money is always an issue. I worked as a maid (okla, not really maid but almost) for 2 years to help fund my studies

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 23 2010, 07:30 PM

Sweden used to be free but no longer. But still affordable.

hah? u mean a maid back in malaysia ah? man, that's cool u know. that's never a job anyone should jocking of. btw easy only, house chores only. but u really sure few months working as a maid enough to fund ur flight ticket?

yah i know getting a place not that hard compared to our ipta which is very much limited places. because few friends already got their places abroad. just that scholar still sangkut, they need to wait until they get money to fund theirselves kot. where do u best suggest i go find money ah? rob bank also in my list u know

credits as in the cgpa? that bad ah?

Haha crazy, maid in Malaysia.. No way! Don't think can save any money hahaha plus can you imagine the abuse I would get...

I worked as a nanny in The Netherlands (and I still do it part-time). It's enough for me to pay my tuition and most of my living expenses. It's not easy to get a high wage but luckily my employer liked me and increased my pay to 12 euro an hour (which is more than Dutch people get) just for 1 child and zero housework (in fact, they cook for me! Can I just add that there is veryyy little/no hierachy in The Netherlands?). Really wonderful people and I am very lucky to have met them.

Frankly, I don't know how you can manage to save money hmm. Perhaps PTPTN loan? If you have amazing results, a scholarship might be possible. If you really plan on funding yourself and will receive no help, you definitely need to work full-time for a year or 2...

Credits is a unit of a study la. For example, Economics = 4 credits etc. (all depends on your school etc.)

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 23 2010, 07:57 PM

come on...TS is just trying to share her experience in studying in Holland. What's wrong with you? >< Anyway, it is a cheaper destination as compared to countries like Aus/UK. When u meant 10k euro, is it per year?

I just find you annoying. You butthurt is it? People got chance to go overseas, you don't have so you go on a trolling rampage ah? You actually make the world a shittier place.

Cannot meh? I'm also overseas, earn more money than you, know more people than you. You are poor so know your role and do what poor people do best. In chinese, 做下人。别吵。


It's usually the case for all European countries barring the UK and Ireland. Fees range from 5k to 15k, depending on what you do and where you do it. The living cost however will be quite high. Most would ballpark 1k per month.

Hey there

Any idea about medicine/chem engineer courses?

Medicine is in Dutch and quite difficult to get in. It's one of the few programmes with a quota. Tuition fee is around 15 000 euro per year (the 10k I mentioned is for my course+ all living expenses). I also couldn't find a Chem Engineering bachelor in English. There are masters available in English though (2 years). Tuition is about 8800 euro a year. More scholarships are available for Masters programmes.

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Added on April 24, 2010, 6:10 amHi,

Yes, it's 10k euro per year, including living expenses. This is for my course (business). Some courses are more expensive.

You can control the cost, especially in the 3rd and 4th year.

Ie.

3rd year (1 year=2 semesters)

Semester 1
Study Abroad (to save costs, choose a cheaper country like Thailand/Eastern Europe/Taiwan etc. instead of Stockholm, London or Sydney)

Semester 2
Internship (can do anywhere you want, incl. Malaysia)

4th year

Semester 1
School

Semester 2
Graduation Assignment (consultancy research at a company. Again, you can choose to do it a country of your choice).

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 24 2010, 06:10 AM

yadda yadda yadda.......I like to look down on poor and smelly people like you. Cannot meh? How do you know that I will lose everything one day, 做戏啊？I like to kaypoh, cannot ah? You blow meh?

I am elite, I can say things like that. You don't have money don't talk so much. Keep skin and go back to your village and grow rice lah. 吵到死！没钱就别说那么多话。

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Added on April 24, 2010, 7:31 amThat's really cool. Thinking of doing an MSc in Europe. France is in my radar. The fact that there is so much exposure to industry in Europe make programs in managemenrt/commerce so attractive.

This post has been edited by feynman: Apr 24 2010, 07:31 AM

well, it still freel.. ppl starting Aug 2011 will have to pay fees. many Uni have yet to decide on how much to charge students outside EU.

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Added on April 24, 2010, 9:22 am


thats 6th where in Europe or Netherlands? can share the link to the publication?

at a quick glance..
there are 14 Research universities and more than 41 Universities of Applied Sciences. Kinda same with Sweden/Finland and other parts of Europe.
Some Joes here looked down on the Uni of Applied Sci as they are kinda like Polytechnic not TRUE BLUE University.
like most Uni in Europe, seem like only the Universities of Applied Sciences offer English taught programs.

a small list of these 40+ Uni
- Avans University of Applied Sciences
- INHOlland University of Applied Sciences
- HAN University / Arnhem Business School
- NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Hogeschool van Amsterdam
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- The Hague University of Appled Sciences
- Wittenborg Business School
- New Business School Amsterdam
- Tio University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- HZ University of Applied Sciences

This post has been edited by patryn33: Apr 24 2010, 10:16 AM

what courses did u take ts, and how much u think the cheapest for course comp engineering and piloting there?

if its just at EUR$10K thats way cheaper than OZ..
EUR$10K is ~ AUD$14K, most OZ Uni fees at already that high or higher with exception of UTAS.


TS: Can provide a list of Uni that offer Full English programs (a list of programs offered would be great). not many ppl are interesting in googling.

To digress. I wonder what's the average fees for popular courses at popular Australian universities. Say engineering and commerce at melbourne and Sydney. $30k?

hum well lets take MONASH University for example,according to their prospectus the annual tuition fee for Engineering courses is about 26,900 Aussie Dollars and their Business,Commerce and Economic Courses would cost around 24,160 Aussie Dollars annually.

University of New South Wales (UNSW) for example for a 4 years Chemical Engineering programme would cost a total 114,190 Aussie Dollars while their Bachelor of Commerce would cost about 87,720 Aussie Dollars for 3 years.

Those are just tuition fees haven't counted living expenses yet ^^"
It'l be cheaper in Adelaide,Perth,Canberra and especially Tasmania though but I think in the first three the tuition fees aren't much different just living cost would be lower.For example the annual tuition fees in ANU averages about 24,768 Aussie dollars across most of their programs including commerce and engineering.

Expensive and common. Don't know what's the value of a degree from there. Meh

lol, nothing about netherland man..fail

English programmes There you go. The Dutch govt is still subsidising part of the fees for non-EUs. Also the tuition fee is dependent upon the university and the programme. One uni I was considering before I chose ABS is Universiteit Utrecht (Utrecht University) but it's 8000 euro+ per year, just for tuition.

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Added on April 24, 2010, 5:53 pmYes, as you said, there are 2 kinds of universities. It all depends on what you want to do, what is available (in English), the fees (the research unis are more expensive) etc. Perform a cost-benefit analysis lah.

Technically, research universities programmes last 5 years (entrance requirement: STPM/A-Level's) and students graduate with a Master's. The new system is students can graduate with a Bachelor's but again, the same people who will look one kind at graduates from Universities of Applied Sciences will also look one-kind at the people who graduate from the research unis with a Bachelor's because they feel like the student didn't finish the course, so it would be best to graduate with a Master's ! The papers also published studies that prove HBO (Appled Sciences) graduates are more attractive than WO (research university) graduates. Obviously this all depends as there are so many programmes out there (I mean, if a company is more likely to hire a business grad for a MKT position over someone who graduated with a Women Studies degree). If someone wants to do Engineering though, I definitely recommend the research unis (ie. Delft University of Technology).

In my case, I was torn between Utrecht University (research) and ABS (Applied Sciences). However the higher tuition fee at UU plus the programme (Bachelor of Arts) wasn't practical (IMHO. It sounded really interesting but would I be employable with this degree....). ABS is surprisingly practical and seems to enjoy some kind of 'status' for business programmes (apparently IBM recruits here and so far some of the internships my coursemates have done seen quite interesting!). That all said and done, if you are considering doing your MBA in NL, choose Nyenrode. That is a private business school, is ranked in the Financial Times, bloody expensive (60k euro per year) but also reputable and you can build a really good network there.

P/S: BTW, it is possible for HBO graduates to enter the research unis to complete the last 2 years for a Master's degree. Another option is to do the first year at a HBO institute and continue at the WO uni.

P/P/S: The quality of Applied Sciences schools differ widely so do your research/ask me (or other students) to see which ones are considered 'good' by companies

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 24 2010, 06:19 PM

gosh wish I can go & study there! but too bad there's no recognized med school there in Malaysia (don't know if the list of recognized med school is already updated) but so far Netherlands is not included.

what's the popular course usually Malaysians take in Netherlands? Did you use your SPM result to study there?

Just checked and it looks like it is not recognized by MMC, which is interesting when many Dutch universities rank much better worldwide compared to some of the unis on the list. In any event, it is possible whoever who decides to enter a Dutch uni will have to request the uni to 'register' with JPA but yeah, can imagine why no one would want to take the risk;)

Not many Malaysians I know here. I'm the only one at my school (1 more joining in Sept. Found him at the FACON Education fair last year ^^). Heard of someone studying (business as well, if I'm not mistaken) in Friesland (rural area), 1 Malaysian girl doing her PhD (biomolecular stuff) in Rotterdam (this one is amazing, wish I could be that smart! bachelor and 1st masters at imperial, 2nd masters in Holland, now Dutch govt sponsoring her PhD studies) er... yep..that's all I know (who're still studying). Know a few more who studied here and are working here/EU also.

Most of my friends are Dutch, unfortunately. I like them, I really do but sometimes you just want some Malaysians to gripe and eat nasi lemak with:P

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 24 2010, 09:04 PM

I only saw this Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University in the global CAT
http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolranki...al-mba-rankings

Nyenrode only in EU CAT.
http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolranki...ss-universiteit
I did see the 60k in fees,
http://www.nyenrode.nl/Education/businessd...es/tuition.aspx


This post has been edited by patryn33: Apr 24 2010, 10:15 PM

Nyenrode has a very good rep in NL. It's considered an 'elite' school, Erasmus is considered a normal research uni. Don't ask me why, I don't know, this is just what I found out when I spoke to some Dutch people. I think Nyenrode also has a better 'network', more ex-students are in powerful places etc.

Mind you, ERASMUS isn't bad either, but it's just more like :

A: "I graduated from ERASMUS"
B: "Oh, good lah"

A: "I graduated from Nyenrode"
B: "Wahhh, Nyenrode!"

really, or its just the group of ppl U miggle with?
ERASMUS did enjoy good rep overseas.. even WSJ had it listed.
Nyenrode is founded by top executives and do enjoy great connections with renown Uni over the world. For those doing EMBA seem like Nyenrode do have better network.

its kinda like Insead is great in EU and Asia, USA.. ppl go huh? really as good as harvard? u sure???

Some of my friends are studying in Holland. But the dutch people are seriously huge, their average height for a male is about 180cm while Malaysian average height is 164cm. Do the math.

wow that girl is so smart! even got sponsored by the Dutch gov.?? how amazing is that!!

anyway, that means if I wanna study Medicine there, I gotta self-fund, & ask the uni to get recognition from JPA right. That's so risky! besides I won't have the money for self-fund..huhu..

Nvm, hopefully someday I can go there for a vacation xD

Thanks for your reply! I wish you all the best in your studies k

Well, I suppose it's people I mingle and come across. If you say you wanna do MBA, most people won't say "ERASMUS" (eventhough according to the FT, it is better), Dutchies will advise you to go to Nyenrode if you can afford it. I know a few MBA grads from Nyenrode and they all seem to be doing really well. All did the FT MBA though, they said it cost them 120k guilders (60 000 euro), incl. living costs. This was about 10 years ago. They said they basically ate, studied, did everything together because you had to. Most students lived on-campus because the courseload is so heavy that to live elsewhere is a waste of time lol. A lot of them married classmates.

I think in the end, it doesn't really matter. Want to work abroad, choose ERASMUS (but then, in this case, why not pick INSEAD or LBS). Want to work in NL (Nyenrode was started by some big Dutch corporations like Philips, Shell etc. so probably easier to masuk those big companies) and have the stereotypical European student life (Nyenrode has a castle on campus), then choose Nyenrode.

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Added on April 24, 2010, 11:05 pmHaha ya betul. Heard the average might've increased again to 1.84m or so. If you're over 2m, no one will look at you funny.

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 24 2010, 11:07 PM

Please, you're just being jealous, insecure and unhappy with your life. Do yourself a favor, go find a counselor to help you find a goal in your life so that you feel more secure about yourself and not feel jealous of other people's success.

Anyway to the thread starter, have you heard of the Tinbergen Institute? I'm quite interested in it. What is the living cost living in Amsterdam? Like for example, on average how much is per meal and how much is the housing rental etc etc?

And previously someone mentioned INSEAD, INSEAD is supposed to be as good as Wharton, at least that's what i read from rankings..

Hi Seiryu,

I have never heard about Tinbergen Institute but I'll ask around to see if it's well-regarded in NL.

Amsterdam is probably the most expensive Dutch city.

My estimate:

Room: 400 euro/month (unfurnished but inclusive utilities)
Groceries: 200 euro/month
Average student meal out: 20 euro
Chinese takeaway (the kind in those cardboard boxes like American movies): 5-6 euro
Beer: 2 euro
Student insurance: about 550 euro a year
Movie ticket: 10 euro
Dinner date: min. 50euro (cheap 3-course meal and a glass of wine each)
Transport: public transport can be quite expensive. Better buy an old bike for 50 euro, but don't forget to spend just as much or more for very good locks;)

Meiiseenei just would like to ask what is there like like bursaries/scholarships for int/ students in Netherlands for master's above?

Also what are the job ratings there for int. students based on your view? Say part-time while studying and after graduation. Have you yourself found ft work there after graduation or still studying?

Hi,

You can find scholarships/bursaries here: Grandfinder

Regarding working part-time, non-EU students can only work 10 hours a week (or FT during the holidays).

After graduation, it shouldn't be too hard to find a job (this obviously depends on the student and on the degree etc. It's very difficult to find a Journalism job). Many companies are international and utilize English at the workplace.

I'm still studying so I can't comment on the actual process but I know a few people who speak zero Dutch, working FT in big companies here (big companies are more likely to use only English).

Get a life mate, the fact that your obvious flaming intent isn't acted upon by any moderator makes me lose confidence in the integrity of lowyat.

im noob at this, is there any scholarships for SPM leavers offering to study in NL? been there last year and love it, great environment but just for several hours. i love chocolate. kebab too.

Please check the Grantfinder website. Not many scholarships are available at Bachelor level.

Some schools offer a grant (ie. my school gives a 2500 euro grant per year which means tuition is 4000 instead of 6500 euro per year).

I don't think much about Dutch food but I do enjoy the cookies/dessert/chocolates and omfg FRIES. Can eat everyday:P

do you mean: http://www.grantfinder.co.uk/index.php

i dont find any scholarships for international students

i want to study there and i know basic dutch, but i have no money.

Hi Azwan,

I was referring to post #52. Anyway, here's the link again, just for you;)

Grantfinder

As mentioned, it is very difficult to find a full scholarship at Bachelor's level. If you want to study here, have no money and cannot get a scholarship, all I can help with is: get a job, work and save like crazy (ie. no life for a year or 2) or get people (parents/family/bank/govt whatever) to sponsor/lend you money. Sorry, don't really know of other options!

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Added on April 27, 2010, 2:13 amUseful websites:

Nuffic

Wikipedia-The Netherlands

Dutch Immigration

Dutch Embassy in KL

Rooms for Students -in Dutch only

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Apr 27 2010, 02:13 AM

I budgetted about €1000 per month.

Yeah, that's a pretty good budget. Euro's quite low now (was about RM5 for 1 euro, now RM4) so even cheaper now;)

hell yeah, you guys better buy 50k euros from RM using currency rate now. its much cheaper before it rise again.

Haha if Spain falls as well, maybe RM3 to 1 euro, then how?

edited.. don't wanna sound creepy..

This post has been edited by lovelyduckling: May 8 2010, 10:24 PM

Haha I read already. That's OK. It's a small community. As mentioned earlier, not many Malaysians here;)

meiiseenei if im going for my 1st degree what are my options in term of scholarship? and what major can i study there?

Hey,

As mentioned, there are very few scholarships for bachelor (in other words, first degree lah)degrees available. Click http://www.grantfinder.nl to see your options.

Some schools offer a small grant (not scholarship and it only covers part of the tuition).

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: May 11 2010, 01:42 AM

What do you guys do during weekends in Netherlands?

And is learning Dutch a necessity while studying there?

I know a few basic words like Goed Morgen (pronounced Hoot Mor-ghen, LOL), Alvast Bedankt, Lekker (hehe...)

I actually miss Albert Heijn when I was back in Malaysia

Some memorable experience while I was there was visting coffee shops, the red light district, Amsterdam Canals, Van Gogh museum, anne frank house, windmills at Kinderdijk, tulips farm and driving at the right side of the road

Food wise, I miss Dutch fries with mayonnaise (god I love it!), bitterballen and frikandel, hehe. Some of the foods there are actually indonesian inspired, like Bami, Sate and Nasi goreng (I found it was selling at Albert Heijn microwavable food section). Good that they've some asian food.

Also, I remembered while walking down Kalverstraat in Amsterdam, every 10 shops down the road there is a H&M. My lord the amount of H&M stores there is quite insane. More than Zara, but I found no Topshop there. However, in Spain, everywhere is Zara and Mango (LOL of course coz it's a Spain brand). I was happy to shop at Diesel, but the price is pretty expensive, unless there's sales.

So many people ride bikes there. It's like their major transport after cars. I find their train station to be not that clear. As an advice for new comers, the numbering on the train, 1 means first class, 2 means second class. If you buy a second class ticket, don't board the number 1 cabin! Also, they have 2 types of trains, one will stop at every station, the other one is called "Intercity" which they don't stop at every station, only major stations, so it's quicker. Always keep your ticket on hand coz they'll do spotcheck from time to time. They've a difficult to read timetable, and you gotta get used to it. The first time when I used their train system it was quite confusing, but after some time I got used to it.

Some other nice places to visit are Utrecht and Den Haag, apart from Amsterdam. I heard Rotterdam was bomed during WWII and most of the buildings there are quite new. If you like Architectures, you could visit Rotterdam. Don't miss the cube houses.

Overall, I find Netherlands to be a safe city to live in, the crime rates are low.

Amsterdam is a very expensive city to live in, so Rotterdam could be a better choice. In Rotterdam there's Erasmus University as I remembered. Saw a few Asian students there, but most of them are Dutch.

Hey antaeusguy,

Looks like you had a good time there;)

Most students go out on Thursday evenings (yes, we DO have school on Fridays). It's fun, although I haven't done it for some time now;) Sudah tua... It's of course, also possible to party in the weekend. Alternatively, one can also visit other countries or other Dutch cities, go to the zoo, play football, shop or whatever. Mind you, shops are only open til 5pm on Saturday and close on Sundays (except for the 1st Sunday of the month).

Regarding the train, I totally agree with you. It is quite confusing initially. Most students live close to school so they only have to walk or cycle.

meiiseenei,how sure are you to land a job after you graduate?You do seem to enjoy your life there and I believe the Netherlands after the flocking of people towards certain countries such as Australia.

Hey,

Of course nothing is 100% but at least the environment is open to non-Dutch nationals. While it's probably easier to get a job in Australia (since everything is in English and in NL, you're limited to the mid-large companies due to the language), the competition from fellow foreigners MIGHT be less. Mind you, there are lots of foreigners here but ones which speak GOOD English, not so many lah;)

What's even better is once you get Dutch citizenship or PR, you can live and work anywhere within the EU as well.

Based on what I've read I'm interested to study in Netherlands. Can you tell me how to apply? What are the general requirements needed? TQ.

Hi vsn,

Requirements vary. It depends on the course you want to do, the kind of university you want to attend and so forth. As a guideline:

you need an SPM diploma for HBO (University of Applied Sciences) institutes (bachelor- 4 years)

or

STPM/A'Levels for entry to VO (research universities, bachelor's degree- 3 years)

As mentioned, results do not really matter (except for certain courses such as medicine) as Dutch/European policy dictate that everyone deserves a spot in a tertiary institute provided he/she passed high school. If you fail at uni, then you keluar lah.

thanks for the info.

just to bump this up! was busy with projects and exams the last few weeks. now: 2 months of freedom;)

hello there, do you guys have any info about learning dutch language at kuala lumpur? next year prolly im going to study at twente

Hey.

What about Diploma. Do they offer Diploma program?

Dutch language, try asking the embassy? If your course is in English, no need to waste money and learn la:D Whatever you learn won't be much and Dutch people can speak English.

No diploma programme. At most, you can take the first year at institutes of applied sciences. This is called the propadeutic year and it's like a foundation la.

There is nothing wrong to share one's experiences with others.

hey there, which institute would you recommend for Undergraduate Communication course?

What kind of communication are you interested in? More Corporate Com/PR or media stuff?

Media stuff appeals to me more =)

You have quite a few options for Media Communications.

Erasmus University is a research university and not too expensive (about 6500 euro a year, I think) : http://www.eur.nl/english/prospective/bach...nication_media/

Webster is also a research uni but it's 12500 euro per year. Lagipun, don't know why la (eventhough it IS a research uni) but it's somehow not very famous in NL. http://ispacsearch.nuffic.nl/viewarticle.a...5E77533FB&fid=6

Then you have Hogeschool Utrecht which frankly is like the NL's most embarassing excuse of a uni of applied sciences haha but it's cheaper la (4000 euro, I think). http://international.hu.nl/Study%20Program...nd%20Media.aspx

I should warn you that if you choose a uni of applied sciences (which honestly isn't bad for what studies like communication, business etc.), try to pick one with the province/ city's name because that means it's public (Hogeschool Utrecht for eg. is also a public one but that's the worst la. Rest are pretty good, esp Arnhem, Groningen (Hanze) and Den Haag. Don't pick INHOLLAND (this one is the most teruk, heard ada fraud etc. there) or all those semi-private ones like van Larenstein etc.

Hey, can you suggest a few institutions that are very good in engineering for postgraduate studies, other than Delft?
Best if they are very affordable or generous in funding international students like us.
Thanks in advance!

You have to understand that in NL, people don't really care about schools. They only care about level (at most). Most of the schools are around the same level. Regarding scholarships and stuff, usually this is given out by private grants and is not dependent on university. Best place to find out about grants and scholarships is Nuffic.

What kind of engineering are you interested in? Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Marine, Computer, Civil etc. which?

I am from Mechanical stream but am looking at a more interdisciplinary study of Computational Engineering.
So, in your opinion, any institution in the Netherlands would be excellent?

Besides TU Delft, you can also check out TU Eindhoven and Universiteit Twente. Actually, any research university pun boleh. Engineering is one of the degrees which you should get from a research university.

Check out the HSP Hujgens, UNESCO, UNDP, World Bank, StuNed scholarships. There should be a few more out there.

Better check the admissions requirements also. If you graduated with a bachelor in engineering from schools like Curtin/INTI/ Uni of Windsor etc., sometimes they will ask you to do a 'bridging' year before you can masuk the Master phase. I heard the authorities might be changing this though so that it's more standardized.

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Feb 27 2011, 09:55 PM

Yup, that's the three that I do see more often.
Will take some time to find them out, not graduating until July 2012.
I guess a Nottingham graduate could avoid the 'bridging' year.

is it recommended to study chem engineering in netherland?

Why not? They have pretty good unis here and a lot of big international companies have their headquarters in NL too. However, if you can, try to go for the full course (at research universities, the course ends with a Master so when someone graduates with a Bachelor, it's macam a bit halfway). To enter, you need A-Levels or equaivalent. You graduate with the title "Ir.".

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Feb 27 2011, 11:31 PM

oh. i cant enter straight with SPM?

Thanks for the informative post.Its very helpful =)
Now I know which university to avoid

Nope, not if you want to enter a research university. There is another possibility: do your first year (propadeutic) in a HBO (applied sciences U) and then go to a research uni. Don't know if they have an English engineering programme though.

No probs. When you're more sure about coming here, let me know. Can give you more advice;)

I was just reading about an article in the UK about teachers telling their students to pursue their tertiary education in Netherlands instead of back home due to the recent fee hikes.

Good job TS. seems like you are the testament to it.

Keep things updated will ya!

Btw Im just curious what is the qualification to get into a Netherlands Uni? A levels/ STPM / International Baccalaureate ?
Do they have any education representative in Malaysia?

Hi,

Thanks for your message!

I think the best thing about studying here is the lack of spoon feeding. You are given a task and you interprete and do it as you see fit. This makes me feel as if they are really preparing me for the real world. Yet, help is always available if you ask for it. For example, many lecturers actually provide their phone numbers or are reachable by email or can be asked a question in their office. It's also nice that teachers are generally very objective. The relationship is somewhat closer- students can have a night out or beers with lecturers but the lecturer won't leak an exam question (I notice this is sometimes a problem in Malaysia.. for eg. sometimes some teachers..when they like a student a lot, they'll say..arrr you better pay attention to chapter 6 ar) and will judge your paper objectively.

Also, it is relatively easy to make friends. The kind of friends is up to your personal preferences and in a way, perhaps depends on luck as well (depending on which dorm/apartment you are assigned to). I hang out with mostly Dutch students. The other Malaysian in school mostly hangs out with Asians (Indonesian or Chinese). It's not like anyone hates any group.

Whoops, totally went off topic there haha. Right..to answer your question about the entry requirements to a Dutch research uni, IB & A-Levels shouldn't be a problem. STPM should be OK as well but you'll have to do more legwork since most universities are not familiar with it. Alternatively, you can do sort of like a foundation (propadeutic year which is technically the first year of HBO) after SPM at a uni of applied sciences and then hop on to a research university. In addition, students need TOEFL/IELTS/equaivalent.

Don't think they have a proper education representative in Malaysia. You can try contacting Nuffic (I think they have an office in Indonesia). Actually, I know they have hired some agency (at least I THINK so) but... dunno lah..I don't believe in agencies and the guy I saw at an edufair was kinda weird. If you need information, just ask me lah.. I don't get paid for giving advice haha.

I agree with you, meiiseenei. I know friends from Uni Maastricht, Holland and they pay so less fees for english programmes. I studied in Germany and it is even NO FEES! Those who would like to study in Germany and need to know how, join this club and they provide free infos:
http://www.facebook.com/my.de.club#!/g...116471545034767

I think Germany is going to impose a 1000 euro per year tuition for non-EU students soon. I guess uni tuition in Germany is cheaper but don't forget that students have to learn German fluently (i.e. expensive courses) and from what I've heard from a Malaysian family who has a son in Germany and another in Holland, cost of living in Germany is also higher.

Nope...its the other way round.... Germany is going to work towards no tuition fees again and it is proved the whole North Rhine Westphalia is not going to charge fees anymore starting from this winter. I learnt german and its so good to speak the language. Cost of living in Germany depends on which city one lives. Soem student cities are so affordable. I am there and thats why I am very sure.

if i want to study science/engineering in netherlands,whicb uni u will suggest? cheap oso good not forgetting career prspects etc

TU Delft - top 50 in the latest TIMES World Reputation Ranking. TU Eindhoven also OK. Actually, universities in NL do not differ all that much (if you look at it from Dutch eyes).

How about finance and accounting TS? any specific uni in mind?

The one being taught in english of course!

Sorry, can't think of any in particular.

In general, accountants aren't paid that much here though...

would studying in netherlands enable one to work in other countries in europe?

It is of course, easier to arrange interviews and stuff. International students at my school often do their internships abroad.

If you can't find anything in a country of your choice and try this:

i) Find a good job in NL (min 30 000 euro per year or you can't stay)
ii) Stay for 1 year
iii) Apply for European Long-Term Residency (PR)
iv) Find job within the EU (no visa required. However the European PR is not valid in the UK and 2 other countries..possibly the Scandinavian ones.)

This post has been edited by meiiseenei: Mar 27 2011, 02:29 AM

Guess Holland is still not a popular country for education which is strange considering that a lot of the famous companies are actually Dutch!

Good thread. I will put this under the study abroad section in my list TS ^^

Anyone here from TU Eindhoven?

how to check if dutch courses are recognised

hi, is there any recommended design or art school in NL?

This one is quite famous in NL: http://www.artez.nl/