International Student Barometer results

In terms of overall satisfaction of international students, the Dutch universities live up to international standards. 88 % of students coming to the Netherlands are satisfied about their choice.

Yesterday the results of the survey for international students were announced.A presentation given by Nanette Ripmeester from I-Graduate gave a detailed evaluation of Tilburg University’s performance. Foreign students at TiU showed satisfaction level about opportunities to teach, internet access, safety and language support above international avarage. The efforts of the International Office were also appreciated- international students are increasingly pleased with the assistance upon their arrival and during their stay in Tilburg. Surprisingly, they are also more content about accommodation quality and cost- the number of satisfied students increased by 7%. Student satisfaction about English proficiency of lecturers also increased by 13 %. In general, TiU scored very well in all teaching and education quality aspects. The survey also shows that a good reputation of the university and its ranking are important factors in choosing the university.

Rimeester was positively surprised that TiU scored a 100% in one of the categories. All exchange students participating in the survey expressed their satisfaction with the campus environment.

Of course, there is also room for improvement.  It turns out that many students complain about job market opportunities in Tilburg. “25% of international student expect Tilburg University to find jobs for them, but it’s their own responsibility. The students have to be properly informed that they have to do it themselves,” says Ripmeester. She also thinks that students have unrealistic expectations about living and accommodation costs, therefore they have to be better informed about the reality.