Having an undergraduate degree in biotechnology is becoming common these days compared to how it was when I chose to pursue the course five years ago.
The main reason why I came to the Netherlands was by chance, since I was also among the large number of students who had applied for a master’s in Germany. My sister, who is a medical doctor and had previously been to Leiden University in the Netherlands, urged me to apply there as well. I had most of the common documents ready and so it was not very difficult to send out a couple of more applications. I am now in the second year of my study at Radboud University Medical Centre, Netherlands.
The term ‘Research Masters’ is quite popular in the Netherlands. It just means that your course work will include more practical training than theory subjects. In the first year, I had four months of theory courses and then I did an internship for six months at the medical centre here. The concept of combining medical research with clinical practices is quite popular here and since my master’s programme involves studying about disease mechanisms, it is highly convenient.
We have lectures from doctors, diagnostic research technicians and professors who have more than 25 years of experience in a particular field of research. There is lot of potential for networking and recognition after finishing the degree. For my second year, I am required to do an internship abroad for seven months and my request for internship went through several top universities in the U.S. such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins only because they know someone from their academic network here in the Netherlands.
Studying in the Netherlands can be quite expensive. Some universities have an application fee but most of them do not. If you follow the university website and apply well ahead for scholarships, you are most likely to obtain one. My course also offers a scholarship for living costs just like many other universities here. Most people are not aware of this. Also, monthly expenses mostly depend on which part of the Netherlands you will be staying in.
Student exchange The country is small yet dynamic. The weather, however, is a bit unpredictable. It is unbelievable how everyone here is fluent in English unlike in other European countries. Language has never been a barrier for me in the past one year. Every city is small and beautiful and the ones with universities are full of social activities and events to entertain students.
Student exchange programmes within the EU are common, and, hence, you can find students from different countries here. I am in a class with 20 people from 10 different nationalities. The native students are welcoming and ready to help at all times.
The biking culture is something you will enjoy and find economical. It is common to see people with agenda books and you will eventually learn why it is such an advantage. Be outspoken and ready to make friends, and once you find the group you are comfortable with, set out and explore Europe. It is totally worth it.
The writer is doing her research masters (molecular mechanisms of disease) at Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
