International students happier with Erasmus University

The annual International Student Barometer (ISB) indicates that international students are generally much more satisfied with Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) than last year. The university was eighth among Dutch institutions of higher education last year, whereas it is in third place this year.

The standard of academic English is the most highly rated aspect of Erasmus University, in comparison to the other participating Dutch universities. International students are also very happy about the quality of student accommodation, but they consider it to be too expensive. Only 44 percent called the accommodation cost in Rotterdam favourable.

Money seems to be a real issue for international EUR-students. They were least satisfied about matters like financial support: the possibility of obtaining a grant and the possibility of working while studying. Regarding the aspect of working while studying, Dutch legislation makes it more difficult for non-EU students to work or complete work placements in the Netherlands.

Multiculturalism is highly appreciated amongst international students. Over 1,700 students participated in the ISB and almost all of them consider EUR to be a multicultural university. NB