Globe Our students

VU Amsterdam is home to 130 nationalities, making us a truly international and diverse university. Our students come from all around the globe to study at our campus. Curious to find out how they feel about our university, the Netherlands and the city of Amsterdam? On this page you can find several testimonials from students, who all took the leap and chose to follow a Bachelor’s programme at VU Amsterdam.

Jonathan Limm

United States of America

"One of the biggest reasons why I chose to study at VU Amsterdam was the fact that they pioneered the idea to teach mathematics in English. I was part of the second class to ever be taught in English and it has been a wonderful journey to see the mathematics department grow more diverse in students and teachers. The charm of Amsterdam is in its compactness, but also its variety. You can easily shape what kind of experience you want to have in a day as everything is reachable by bike or public transit."

Mathematics

Maria Caridad Mejia Ecuador

"Moving halfway across the world brought a lot of worries, from culture shock to even the weather. Now that I am in my second year at VU Amsterdam I can say that, although challenging, this has been a wonderful experience. Living and studying in a vibrant city like Amsterdam has given me the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their cultures, all while pursuing a course that has sparked my interest and continues to excite me about what's to come."

Psychology

Kornelija Jakštaitė Lithuania

"I have to admit, I was nervous about moving to a new city with barely any familiar faces. However, all of my doubts were dispelled when I realised how diverse, welcoming and inclusive the international environment of VU Amsterdam is, allowing me to gain insights from different perspectives and cultures. The study programme is excellently balanced as well, with a perfect ratio of theoretical and practical learning. I feel fulfilled by making the most out of the numerous opportunities available to students at VU Amsterdam, including extracurricular activities and networking events that have contributed to my personal and professional growth."

Artificial Intelligence

Giorgia Giannini

Italy

"Amsterdam was my first choice — I didn’t have a plan B, and looking back, I’m really glad about that. I have always been intrigued by the international atmosphere and open-mindedness of the city along with its beautiful landscapes. Living in this cosy European capital has many perks, there is always something to do and new places to explore are just around the corner. Museums of any kind, many restaurants from all over the world and high quality of living. What are you waiting for? Come enjoy this magic city!"

Communication and Information Studies

"Studying at VU Amsterdam has been an absolute delight. I love coding and computer science, and especially love the practical approach to studying that exists within my study programme. Our courses are engaging and fun to learn about. The university itself offers many extracurricular activities that I love being a part of, such as sports and social events, be it board game nights, weekly ‘borrels’ or outings to museums. The campus is also a very sustainable and beautiful environment. Additionally, there is the possibility of being a board member for associations, one of the multiple student councils at VU Amsterdam and even the honours programme. Living and studying in Amsterdam has proven to be a wonderful choice."

Computer Science