I chose to study Engineering in the Netherlands for one main reason: the practical approach to learning.
I didn't want to spend years only studying theory and wondering whether the information would actually be useful in my future career. At Dutch universities, especially in engineering programmes, learning is closely connected with practice. You gain knowledge and immediately apply it to real situations and projects.
Another reason I chose the Netherlands was the way assessments are organised. In many traditional universities, students study for an entire semester and then take final exams covering months of material. At Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the study periods are divided into shorter modules. Instead of one long 15-week module, we usually work with shorter 7-week modules. This makes it easier to focus, understand the material, and quickly use what you have learned in practice.
The admission process was very smooth. I received my acceptance decision within one week, although waiting times can be different for each student.
My first months were challenging. I started my studies at the age of 23, and it had been several years since I had actively used the knowledge from high school. Compared to students who had just graduated, it took me some extra time to get back into a study routine.
However, I quickly adapted, especially because I genuinely enjoy what I study. Mechatronics is a fascinating field that combines engineering, technology, and problem-solving. The lecturers are friendly and supportive—they help not only with academic questions but also with everyday challenges when you are adjusting to life abroad.
Of course, every university has its challenges. For me, the biggest difficulty has been the amount of bureaucracy and the university's online systems. Sometimes information can be spread across many different platforms, which makes finding what you need more complicated than it should be.
Overall, students have different experiences—some absolutely love the university, while others find it more challenging. The most important thing you can do before applying is to research carefully: learn about the university, understand the programme structure, and make sure it matches your expectations.
For me, choosing to study Mechatronics at Fontys was the right decision. It has given me practical knowledge, new experiences, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
