„Global Affairs in Action“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Zwolle, Netherlands

Preparation

I filled in the registration form for the BIP in Windesheim on Global Affairs as doing this programme gave me credits in my Master course in International Management at TH Rosenheim. I got the acceptance letter at around end of February and the programme itinerary later that week. I started my preparation by informing the International Office about my participation in the BIP along with my professor.

Filled out all the forms for the Erasmus+ grant and started booking the travel and accommodation.

Accommodation

My BIP lasted 5 days, so I booked an Airbnb room along with my 2 friends. It’s very
difficult to find a decent budget hotel in Zwolle, and that too near the university.
Transportation is easily available there, hence we booked our Airbnb 20 mins away from
the uni. There are lots of Airbnbs and Hotels in the city centre also but a bit expensive for students. It is recommended to book the accommodation as soon as possible for better deals.

Study at the Host University

The Blended Intensive Programmes at Windesheim UAS is a combination of online and offline collaboration with students and their partners abroad. The partner’s university students work alongside the students from Windesheim on a project. In this programme,
students collaborate both online and offline for a specific period over a week and it is
funded by Erasmus+.

Everyday Life and Leisure

In Zwolle, life moves at a slower pace, with a focus on community and relaxation. Dutch people prefer bicycle over cars, and so we were given a bicycle also to stroll in the city. With each pedal stroke, I saw lots of serene canals and bridges, sheep, horses lined with graceful windmills and of course, tulips farms.

After our classes, I usually went with my friends to the city centre and tried the famous stroopwaffles and pancakes. We got some souvenirs and enjoyed the eateries at a local café – The Flying Horse (recommended by the Windesheim Students). I also went to Amsterdam after our BIP ended. It’s a busy city with lots of tourists. There are attractions like museums and galleries, and oh the architecture is just worth seeing. I really loved the street-food there – the famous Mannekinpis Fries and churros, explored the iconic canals by boat and took lots of pictures.

Conclusion

I would recommend this programme to other students. It’s a perfect blend of learning and exploring. I enjoyed the Dutch culture of teaching with the innovative and dynamic nature of the activities, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning among international students. I liked the most that we started with sports activities and some team building exercises to build trust and facilitate a deeper understanding of one another.

Download Naisergika Negi’s field report

“Energy challenge: An interdisciplinary approach”- Summer School at the University of Groningen, Netherlands

 

Application process was easy, there were some forms on the website that needed to be filled out plus a short essay why I wanted to attend the summer school. The host university provided me with all the necessary information (Pre-Departure guide etc.).

There was a city walking tour and welcome drinks on our first day, so we really got to know each other and the program hosts. We had another introduction round on Monday morning. We had five lectures, played the WeEnergy Game, visited the company Gasunie, visited a hydrogen and renewable energy research center of the university.

The learning environment was supportive and fun. The size of about 15 people and the excitement of all the participants added to the good work atmosphere.

Groningen is a small city, I recommend staying in Amsterdam before or after the summer school for a couple of days. In Groningen you should see the Forum, go to the market and get a Stroopwafel, see the St. Martins tower, enjoy the vivid city and nightlife, walk or bike along the canal and do a city tour, Groningen has an interesting history!

In this summer school I learned a lot and met the most amazing people from nearly every continent in the world who are very passionate about the energy transition and helped me grow personally and academically.

 

GoAbroad Report Lisa Geitner