My journey to studying Tourism and Leisure Management in the Netherlands
During my Secondary school years, I was interested in two main fields: psychology and tourism. Psychology attracted me because I was always curious about the human mind and different life stories. However, my travels around Europe and other countries influenced my final decision to choose Tourism and Leisure Management.
I decided to study abroad instead of Lithuania because I wanted to combine my studies with an international experience. I wanted to meet students from different countries, discover new cultures, improve my English skills, and learn other foreign languages.
The Netherlands seemed like the perfect place to study tourism. I had often heard that the country offers high-quality education, has a welcoming attitude towards international students, and that Dutch people have a healthy and active lifestyle. I wanted to find out for myself whether these impressions were true.
The application process was not difficult. The only challenge was that I submitted my application during the summer admission period because I did not realise that applications for studying abroad started much earlier.
A few days after submitting my application, I received an email that one of my chosen Dutch universities was interested in my application. After passing the English test, I only had to wait for the final decision.
I still remember the moment when I received the official invitation to study my chosen programme. While many students were still waiting for their final exam results and wondering about their future, I already knew what I would do next. I read the acceptance letter again and again because a dream that once seemed so far away suddenly became reality.
That moment taught me an important lesson: never stop dreaming and never give up on something you truly want to achieve. Believe in yourself and your goals.
The first months in the Netherlands were not easy. A new environment, students from different backgrounds, a foreign language, and unpredictable weather created many new challenges.
I felt like I had started a completely new life. Everything was different from what I was used to before.
The study system was also different from Lithuania. Students are divided into small classes of around 11–16 people, and each class has its own study coach who supports students throughout their studies. The coach organises meetings and personal conversations to help students adapt to a new environment and feel supported.
Assignments and projects are usually completed in groups of four students, which teaches you how to communicate, cooperate, and find solutions together.
Another thing I quickly noticed was how important technology is in everyday studies. A student without a laptop is almost impossible to imagine. During my first months, I learned so much that I probably would not have discovered in a year of studying in Lithuania.
The relationship between students and teachers is also very different. Teachers do not keep a distance from students. They often share examples from their own experiences, encourage discussions, and are genuinely interested in students’ opinions.
For students who are thinking about studying abroad, my advice is to ask yourself why you want to do it. Do you want to study abroad because it is popular, or because you truly want to grow, experience something new, and become more independent?
Studying and living abroad is not always easy. It means leaving your family, friends, and familiar environment and learning to solve problems on your own.
However, it is also one of the best opportunities to discover yourself, test your determination, and understand what you are capable of achieving.
