Spending a semester abroad has always been an important goal during my teacher education studies. From August 2025 until January 2026, I had the opportunity to complete my Erasmus+ semester in Zwolle, Netherlands, where I studied at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. This stay abroad was a very enriching experience for me, both academically and personally.

The University: Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Compared to my home university, the PH Steiermark, Windesheim is much larger and offers a wide range of different study programs within the institution. The campus is very modern, well equipped and student-friendly, with a gym, supermarket and different cafeterias and cafes.

The semester at Windesheim is split up into two “blocks”, each ending with a three-week exam period. As I was part of the exchange program, I did not have to take exams, which meant that I had free time during these weeks. This allowed me to take this time to travel and explore the Netherlands, while others chose this time to go back home.

The teacher education program consists of 30 ECTS and was divided into 4 mandatory courses focusing on general pedagogy and teaching strategies, as well as 2 elective courses. I chose “Dutch Society” and “Dutch Language” which gave me helpful input about the language and the culture of the Netherlands.

Overall, the university and the program were well organized and the communication with lecturers and coordinators was clear and smooth throughout the semester.

School Practice: Internship at a Primary School in Zwolle

One mandatory part of my Erasmus semester was an internship at a primary school in Zwolle. During this time, I attended full school days and was able to experience everyday school life in the Netherlands.

I worked with “Groep 6” students, who were around 10 years old. My tasks included observing lessons, assisting the teacher during class, supporting the students in small activities and helping during break times. I was also given the opportunity to teach an English lesson myself, which became one of the most meaningful moments of my Erasmus experience. It helped me better understand how students might feel when learning in a second language.

While many aspects of school life were similar to what I know from Austria, I also noticed small differences in classroom atmosphere, teaching methods and interactions.

Living in Zwolle and Kampen

Although I studied in Zwolle, I lived in Kampen, a smaller nearby city, where I could stay with family. Living with locals allowed me to experience Dutch everyday life in a very authentic way and helped me integrate more easily into the culture.

I learned from the other Erasmus students, that finding student accommodation in the Netherlands can be quite challenging. Student housing is limited, places are filled very quickly, and prices are generally high due to the housing shortage. Being aware of this situation made me especially grateful for my living arrangements in Kampen.

Zwolle is a beautiful and relatively small city with a charming historic center and typical Dutch architecture. Compared to my home town Graz, it is slightly smaller, but clearly structured and easy to navigate. Everything is within walking or biking distance, which makes everyday life very convenient.

Kampen is even smaller than Zwolle and is also known for its historic buildings. The surrounding nature of both Zwolle and Kampen is very beautiful, which helps with the balance between student life and relaxation.

Zwolle can be reached from Kampen within a ten-minute train ride, which made commuting very easy for me. Another advantage of Zwolle is its central location within the Netherlands. Thanks to the great public transport system, it is possible to reach every big city (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht…) in less than two hours.

Final thoughts

Through my stay abroad in the Netherlands, I gained learning experiences that I would not have been able to gain without an Erasmus semester. Teaching in a foreign country, learning about a new school system, and living in another culture strengthened my flexibility, communication skills and self-confidence.

Overall, this semester abroad was a very valuable experience in my studies so far. It challenged me, inspired me and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I would highly recommend an Erasmus stay to every student, especially to future teachers, as it offers new perspectives, meaningful experiences and lessons that go beyond academic learning.

Photos & Text: Ilva Oberthaler