Last year the HAN University annual student satisfaction survey was also completed by international students. These students appear to be generally satisfied, but they also have some specific international’ problems.
In particular, they think that help with integration into Dutch culture could be improved. ISA (International Student Association) students confirm this. They are satisfied with Arnhem Business School, but say that the school is not helpful enough.
During their studies they all have to go abroad, but HAN University does not have enough international connections for internships, exchange programs or graduation tasks. Also it’s not clear who is responsible when problems arise. In fact, they are passed from pillar to post.
Another problem is the Dutch language. For an internship in the Netherlands, even in an international atmosphere such as Campina, it’s good to know Dutch. Ravenska from Indonesia explains that there is not enough time in their busy schedule for Dutch courses. And for the Germans there’s another problem: Kira from Germany thinks that for them the level is too low.
International students are really happy with the basically-furnished rooms at reasonable prices in the student residence in Arnhem, although Kira thinks that living there should also be open to German students as a lot of them also come from far away. In general these students are as satisfied as Dutch students.
Spontaneously, though, they come up with remarks about the canteen: ‘Só expensive, it’s not worth the price.’ But not everywhere: the Indonesian students know that next door, at Ruitenberglaan 26, they even sell spring rolls. ‘And it’s a lot cheaper over there!’ The students want the management of HAN University to listen to students. ‘Invest in quality first, instead of only in quantity.’
