The University

During my semester abroad, I studied at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Compared to my home university, PH Steiermark, Windesheim is much larger, which made it especially interesting to experience a different academic environment. Despite its size, the atmosphere was very personal. The relationship between students and lecturers was noticeably close and the teachers showed genuine interest in how we were doing – both academically and personally. It was important to them to get to know us as individuals, which created a very supportive learning environment.

The study program itself was well structured and strongly based on group work. There was a good balance between theoretical input and practical application, which helped me develop not only academically but also socially and professionally.

One of the most valuable parts of my semester abroad was the internship at a Dutch primary school. I was placed in groep 1, where children start school at the age of four. This age group is different from what I am used to teaching in Austria, which made the experience even more enriching. The school followed the Dalton education system and was an Early Bird School, meaning that children start learning English from first grade onwards. Observing and participating in this system gave me new insights into alternative educational approaches. A particularly important learning experience was being in a classroom where I did not understand everything because Dutch is not my first language. As a future DAZ (German as a second language) teacher, this perspective was extremely valuable. It helped me better understand how children feel when they are learning in a language that is not their mother tongue, which will positively influence my teaching practice in the future.

Accommodation

Before my journey, finding accommodation was by far the most stressful part of the entire experience. Student housing options were fully booked within seconds, which made the search very challenging. However, I was extremely lucky to find a room in a shared house with Dutch students from Zwolle.

Living with local students turned out to be a wonderful experience. My housemates were very welcoming and even though everyone had their own daily routines, we made sure to cook and eat together once a week. These shared moments allowed us to stay connected, exchange stories and learn more about each other’s lives and cultures.

The City of Zwolle

Zwolle is a charming and cozy city with a very welcoming atmosphere. The city center is full of cafés, small boutiques and places to go for walks, which gives Zwolle a very comfortable and familiar feeling. It often happened that I would run into someone I knew when walking through the city, which made it feel even more like home.

Another advantage of Zwolle is its location. It is very easy to travel to other major cities in the Netherlands, which made weekend trips and spontaneous travels possible.

Social and Cultural Life

Through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) it was very easy to meet new people. ESN organized many activities such as bar hopping, “get to know Zwolle” events, karaoke nights and seasonal activities like pumpkin carving for Halloween or Pietendag. There was never any pressure to attend but it was comforting to know that there were always opportunities to connect. Some friendships faded over time, while others became very strong. There are already plans to visit some of the friends I made this year. Even though I really liked Zwolle and the Netherlands, I would say that the Erasmus experience is more about the people than the place. Being surrounded by people who are in the same situation helps a lot especially when feeling homesick. You share memories, travel together and learn about different cultures, countries and food  which is one of the best parts of Erasmus.

Looking back, this semester abroad was much more than an academic experience. It was a time full of growth, reflection and unforgettable moments. Living in a different country, studying at a new university and stepping into a classroom where I was the one who did not understand everything changed my perspective. Not only as a future teacher but also as a person. What made this experience truly special were the people. The friendships, the shared meals, late-night conversations, spontaneous trips and moments of homesickness that turned into laughter are what I will remember most. Being surrounded by people who were all far away from home created a unique sense of connection. Together, we supported each other, learned from one another and created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

This semester abroad taught me to be more open, more patient and more appreciative of small moments. I came back home with a deeper understanding of myself, my future profession and the importance of human connections. The experiences I gained, the lessons I learned and the friendships I made will continue to influence me long after this semester has ended.

To anyone who is still unsure whether to take this step: trust yourself and go. Even if it feels scary at first, it will be worth it. You will return with countless photos, stories you will tell over and over again, friendships that cross borders and a version of yourself that has grown in ways you never expected.

Photos & Text: Julia Spielhofer