'The year abroad turned out to be even more incredible than I had imagined'

After finishing her vwo degree, Annamaria decided to study International Business at Hanze because she was drawn to its practical approach. 'I liked that it wasn't just theory; there's a real balance between classroom learning and hands-on assignments. And the idea of living abroad for at least a year? That sealed the deal for me.'

'That year abroad turned out to be even more incredible than I had imagined. I spent a semester in Seoul, South Korea, and it genuinely changed me. The friends I made, the places I saw, the challenges I navigated, like figuring out a foreign train station in a language I didn't speak, all of it made me grow in ways I never expected. I came back a more confident and self-assured person. The experience is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.'

Finding an internship

'Not everything was easy, though. My biggest challenge was finding an internship. While I was in Seoul, applying for placements back in Europe was the last thing on my mind, and when I came home, the stress hit hard. My academic advisor helped me during that period. If I could give one piece of advice to future students: start your internship search early, and when you see a vacancy you like, apply straight away. Don't wait, you might miss the boat.'

Real-world connection

'As for the programme itself, it keeps things engaging. In a digital marketing course last semester, my group created a full campaign for the Belgian market, and a HEMA marketing employee even came in to share what working at such a big company actually looks like. That kind of real-world connection is what makes Hanze stand out.'

Reflection

'Hanze also pushed me to reflect on myself; my strengths, my weaknesses, and where I want to go. I now have a much clearer sense of direction, which feels invaluable. My tip for anyone considering this programme: be genuinely curious about other cultures. That openness will take you far.'