From Exchange to Transformation: Three Students Reflect on Their Nyenrode Journey
Every semester, Nyenrode Business University welcomes exchange students from around the world to its historic Breukelen campus, a place where academic challenge, community spirit, and personal growth come together in a uniquely Dutch setting. This year, three students, Amelija from Lithuania, Sofiia from Germany, and Mafalda from Portugal, shared their reflections on what it means to live and learn at Nyenrode.
Their stories reveal a common thread: an exchange experience that becomes so much more than academics.
A First Impression They Will Never Forget
For many exchange students, the magic of Nyenrode begins the moment they pass through the castle gates.
Mafalda describes her first moments on campus as “passing through the castle doors and seeing the most surreal place I had ever seen before. The animals grazing, the building where the biggest events such as the gala or the jazz night would take place and the path that I have been doing so many times after a great night at the Kelder bar” What she hoped would be a memorable semester quickly turned into something truly special.
Amelija echoed this sentiment, expressing how living on the estate surrounded by “beautiful flora and unexpectedly rich fauna” made campus life feel unique and deeply immersive.
Images provided by the students
Learning in a Close-Knitted Academic Community
All three students noticed that Nyenrode’s academic environment stands apart from their home universities.
Mafalda experienced a dramatic shift from large lecture halls back home to small, practical classes of 15–20 students. “It’s a big change of pace,” she said. “You focus more during class and end up having more time for yourself afterwards.”
For Amelija, the balance between academics and social life was refreshing: “It feels less heavy compared to Frankfurt School, but not in a bad way. I have a better balance here and it’s nice.”
Meanwhile, Sofiia found the academic–social dynamic both exciting and rewarding: “Everything here is challenging in the best way possible. Balancing lectures, group projects, and the vibrant student life felt like living in a TV sitcom!”
Image provided by the student
Campus Life: Where Community Becomes Family
If there is one thing that unites every Nyenrode student exchange or not it is the Nyenrodian spirit.
For Amelija, the highlight of her semester was discovering the traditions that make this community truly one-of-a-kind. Events like Main Tables and Stuntweek left a lasting impression: “The whole campus becomes one big, energetic community.”
Sofiia recalls the unforgettable Halloween party at the Kelderbar as her personal highlight “Seeing so many people dressed creatively after the exam period gave the feeling of reward… reinforcing the phrase I heard so often: ‘Work hard, party hard.’”
Living on campus, sharing kitchens, crossing paths daily, and having friends just “a few doors away” created bonds that go far beyond classroom walls.
A Global Cultural Classroom
Even students who already lived internationally were surprised by the richness of cultural exchange at Nyenrode.
For Amelija, it meant discovering new worldviews, habits, and ways of thinking “Group work becomes more interesting when everyone brings a different perspective.”
Sofiia emphasised learning how people from different backgrounds communicate and organise their lives in shared spaces: “Sense of humour, greetings, goodbyes, these things differ more than we realise.”
And for Mafalda, cultural diversity was the heart of her exchange: “If I was curious about other cultures before, now I’m even more eager to explore them. I feel I have more empathy, understanding, and patience.”
Lessons They Will Carry Home
What students ultimately take from Nyenrode extends far beyond academic credits.
For Amelija, it’s the Dutch mindset openness, directness, and independence and the power of a strong, bonded community.
Sofiia leaves with a deeper understanding of balance:“Nyenrode taught me that there are always many things happening at once, and you must learn to keep life balanced.”
Mafalda returns home feeling more independent and grounded “Balancing academic and social life is a learning process. I learned responsibility, but also how to enjoy the moment without losing sight of my goals.”
And of course, she will never forget the Dutch weather: “The Fall here doesn’t compare to the winter from home it is so, so cold!”
A Semester That Becomes a Lifetime Memory
For these three students, Nyenrode was not just a study destination it became a place of discovery, friendship, and transformation.
Whether it was the castle doors, the vibrant community, the late-night walks after Kelderbar evenings, or the multicultural conversations that stretched late into the night, each of them found a piece of themselves here.
Their stories show why Nyenrode remains a truly special place for exchange students from around the world.
Inspired by their journeys?
Learn more about becoming an exchange student at Nyenrode Business University and start your own story.