Last August, I moved to Amsterdam to do a one-year master’s degree in New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam. I chose for The Netherlands because this country is home to one of the world’s oldest and most highly respected systems of higher education, with beautiful historical buildings, dating back to the 16th century. The University of Amsterdam is the third oldest university in The Netherlands, with a large selection of English-taught master’s and bachelor’s degrees.
By moving to Amsterdam, my study experience is completely different from my fellow students back in Poland. The cost of studying, the study programme and the tutors’ approach to students – they are as different as chalk and cheese.
Free education
First of all, full-time education at state institutions of higher education is free of charge in Poland for all Polish students. It is also free for foreigners who study in at one of the state’s higher education institutions. This way everyone has an equal chance to get a diploma, even if you would otherwise not have the money to study.
In The Netherlands, higher education is not free of charge. Although Dutch students can count on financial support from the government, foreign students have to for their studies by themselves. My master’s costed me the equivalent of approximately seven monthly salaries of an average Polish worker.
But before you pack your bags to study in Poland, you should realize that at most Polish universities, English is not widely spoken. Although there are some universities that offer a large variety of study programmes in English, it is nothing like that of Dutch universities. All my Dutch tutors speak perfect English, and so do members of staff. This level of English in Poland is still far away.
Me with fellow international students in Amsterdam
Your friend the teacher
Once I started my master’s in Amsterdam, I was astonished by the politeness and friendliness of the staff. A teacher is not only a teacher, but can also be your friend and career advisor. You can email him or her anytime, talk to them after class and even go for a beer (during epic uni ‘borrels’) and laugh about your thesis.
In Poland, well... tutors are usually older and more old-fashioned. They demand a lot of respect from students. Lecturers are perceived as strict and cruel people with no mercy and understanding for their pupils. Moreover, you are to address teachers by their honorary titles 'Pan' (Mr.) and 'Pani' (Mrs.). In The Netherlands, everyone uses their first names when starting a conversation. It provides a great relationship between students and teachers, as well as a friendly study environment with no forced formality.
Long days
Imagine Monday to Friday with 3 or 4 hours of lectures every day. That is the life of a Polish student. Yes, they study hard. Most of them, especially medicine students, are not even capable of working part-time because their courses take over their lives.
Compare that with my weeks in Amsterdam: I have lectures 2 times a week. I do a lot of reading and writing at home, but not being obligated to attend long sessions at uni is great. Even when you study hard, I still have time for a social life – it’s been great lately, even though I am writing my thesis at the moment.
Would I swap with a fellow student in Poland? Never!
By moving to Amsterdam, my study experience is completely different from my fellow students back in Poland. The cost of studying, the study programme and the tutors’ approach to students – they are as different as chalk and cheese.
Free education
First of all, full-time education at state institutions of higher education is free of charge in Poland for all Polish students. It is also free for foreigners who study in at one of the state’s higher education institutions. This way everyone has an equal chance to get a diploma, even if you would otherwise not have the money to study.
In The Netherlands, higher education is not free of charge. Although Dutch students can count on financial support from the government, foreign students have to for their studies by themselves. My master’s costed me the equivalent of approximately seven monthly salaries of an average Polish worker.
But before you pack your bags to study in Poland, you should realize that at most Polish universities, English is not widely spoken. Although there are some universities that offer a large variety of study programmes in English, it is nothing like that of Dutch universities. All my Dutch tutors speak perfect English, and so do members of staff. This level of English in Poland is still far away.
Me with fellow international students in Amsterdam
Your friend the teacher
Once I started my master’s in Amsterdam, I was astonished by the politeness and friendliness of the staff. A teacher is not only a teacher, but can also be your friend and career advisor. You can email him or her anytime, talk to them after class and even go for a beer (during epic uni ‘borrels’) and laugh about your thesis.
In Poland, well... tutors are usually older and more old-fashioned. They demand a lot of respect from students. Lecturers are perceived as strict and cruel people with no mercy and understanding for their pupils. Moreover, you are to address teachers by their honorary titles 'Pan' (Mr.) and 'Pani' (Mrs.). In The Netherlands, everyone uses their first names when starting a conversation. It provides a great relationship between students and teachers, as well as a friendly study environment with no forced formality.
Long days
Imagine Monday to Friday with 3 or 4 hours of lectures every day. That is the life of a Polish student. Yes, they study hard. Most of them, especially medicine students, are not even capable of working part-time because their courses take over their lives.
Compare that with my weeks in Amsterdam: I have lectures 2 times a week. I do a lot of reading and writing at home, but not being obligated to attend long sessions at uni is great. Even when you study hard, I still have time for a social life – it’s been great lately, even though I am writing my thesis at the moment.
Would I swap with a fellow student in Poland? Never!
