How do you ensure that international students really feel at home in the Netherlands? Not just in the lecture theatre, but outside it too? With that question in mind, Daphne Mesu and Monique de Jonge-van den Berg from HZ Community set to work on the new World Student project.
The initiative pairs international students with Dutch buddies and introduces them to sports and cultural clubs in the region. The result: new social connections, a stronger sense of belonging to the local community, and students who fall in love with a new hobby.
The first pilot of the World Student project has been running since October 2026. The set-up is simple but effective: for ten weeks, international students take part together in various sports and cultural activities in the region. Think volleyball, archery, an art workshop or a visit to the theatre. Dutch students act as buddies to the international students.
“Many international students don’t yet have a social network or a hobby outside HZ,” says Daphne. “They often live with other international students and aren’t really aware of what’s on offer in the local area. With the World Student project, we want to lower that barrier.”
"My experience with the project was very positive. I visited places I probably would never have gone to on my own and learnt a lot of new things. One of the best outcomes was that I received support in developing my passion for archery and was able to train at a club here in Vlissingen."
Kristína, International Business student at HZ and World Student Project participant
From introduction to participation
The project consists of several phases. During the first ten weeks, students are introduced together to all sorts of activities and societies in the region. In this initial phase, the activities are deliberately organised in groups. “That really helps to bring people together,” says Daphne. “The students really formed a close-knit group. They got to know each other quickly.”
After that, they choose an activity that appeals to them most. They then practise that activity independently for another ten weeks, to find out whether it really suits them. If it turns out to be a good match, students can receive an annual membership through the Sport & Culture Fund, enabling them to participate in a club on a regular basis.
More than just sports
The World Student project stems from an existing initiative for asylum seekers, Wereldmeiden/Wereldgozers. This initiative uses sport to help people integrate better into society. According to Daphne, international students share similarities with that target group: “International students also face language barriers, homesickness and sometimes a sense of isolation. We also noticed that they often have little knowledge of Dutch club life and therefore find it difficult to connect.”
Evaluations with the participating students also show that practical matters play a major role. Students indicated that costs, unfamiliarity with what is on offer and a lack of social contacts are significant barriers to joining a sports or cultural club. “For Dutch students, it seems quite natural to join a club in their neighbourhood,” says Daphne. “But for international students, it’s different. Studying abroad is expensive, and with the cost of living rising, a club membership fee can sometimes feel like yet another obstacle.”
"International students are just as welcome as domestic students. It is important that they feel at home not only at school, but also outside it. Especially when you are far from home, a warm welcome can make a big difference."
Annelore, Nursing student at HZ and student buddy in the World Student Project
New insights
The project also provided Daphne herself with valuable insights. It became clear once again just how culturally determined some habits are. “Dutch people find it perfectly normal to arrive five minutes before a training session or appointment,” she says. “But that isn’t normal for everyone. This project makes you look at your own norms and habits with fresh eyes.” According to Daphne, that insight makes the project particularly valuable. “International students get to know Dutch culture better, but we also learn from them.”
A valuable addition
Following the first pilot, Daphne is already looking ahead to the next edition of the project, which is set to begin in October 2026. She hopes to involve even more Dutch buddies and to tailor the range of activities even more closely to the participants’ interests. Dutch students can sign up as buddies via HZ Explore and will receive credits for doing so. The World Student project is open to all international HZ students.
The project is expected to grow further in the coming years. “At the start, we were still figuring out the right format,” says Daphne. “But now that we can see what the project delivers, we’re certain it’s a valuable addition.” For international students who want to feel more at home in Zeeland, the project certainly seems to be a hit.