Three things that make Leiden University international

I am just about to graduate from my (longer than expected) Master’s degree in Humanities.

That chapter about to close has got me thinking as to how did I even come across the university. Being an international student, of course, I would be drawn to a more international environment. At the same time, I have many friends from around the Netherlands, who also seek an international environment, and that is how we make a great fit.

Often, you don’t know what to really expect from a new university, so here is a little something from me that might help you build an image about the University before you have set your foot on campus.

It is in the top five universities in the country, and among the best worldwide

(some say it is the oldest university in the country but let’s not get into that now!)

According to The Times World International Rankings, Leiden University ranks very high in the international rankings. That is based on a number of criteria which you can find online but the fact remains: it is a good place to be – and to study!

It has a lot of international students 

According to the same ranking (THE), Leiden university has about 11% of international students. And we come from, literally, around the globe. At the same time, there are also many local students, which makes it possible to learn about the world and your new home simultaneously, while also making new friends.

From my experience, this process is neither easy nor instant – don’t forget about all the studying you need to do! But it does happen, if you work for it!

It has international partnerships

Netherlands has been, and still is, a strong player in international relations and trade. The University does not make an exception: there is a number of exchange study and/or working programmes which are available to students.

I had the amazing chance to go for an internship in Japan for three months, some of my friends went to Belgium, China and even Africa. The possibilities are there – keep your eyes peeled for opportunities, and do a good research on what is provided by your particular faculty.

My Tokyo bike commute – as international as it gets! 

In the end, our life is as fulfilling and exciting as we make it – and it does require quite some input from each one of us – but here at Leiden University, the potential for that is certainly there.

I am sure it depends on personal perspective as well, yet, from my time at Leiden I can only say that if I could choose again – I’d still pick it.

What do you think?

About antoaneta@theleidener

I moved to Leiden back in 2014 to do my Master's in Asian Studies with Japanese, which is something I am still doing along with many other projects. I have been an international student ever since I started my Bachelor's degree in the UK, and have lived in a bunch of different places, and have met so many lovely and interesting people along the way. I hope in the future I can continue travelling and exploring new ideas and places.

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