Too little contact between Dutch and foreign students

Dutch students have little contact with their foreign peers. Programs to solve this problem have yielded little results, reports the National Union of Students (LSVb).

The LSVb has studied so-called buddy programs on the Dutch higher education. The results show that the policy for these programs is highly decentralized: it is often regulated at faculty level or by the local ESN. It is also difficult to find enough Dutch students who want to be a buddy. Based on the report, LSVb recommends to set up programs aimed at integration and not just to help with administrative matters. This makes it more attractive for people to get involved and helps to bridge the present gap.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education, Nuffic, universities, colleges, businesses and student organizations developed the program Make it in the Netherlands, containing the element ‘breaking the bubble. International students must get into contact with their Dutch fellow students more often, is the goal.