Your First 100 Days of Onboarding
Stepping foot into a new country, culture and educational system can be both exhilarating and daunting. We are here to help you with the programme "Your First 100 Days of Onboarding"! During this free programme, you will be prepared for studying at Saxion. You will be matched with a student coach who will guide you along the way. Let’s go!
Your First 100 Days of Onboarding
Join this programme and get matched with a student based on similar interests and study programme, and they will coach you during your first 100 days. After registration, you will fill in a questionnaire and based on these answers, you will receive a personalised plan for your first 100 days. This plan will include skills you can improve together with your coach. You will work on these skills through an online platform with information and assignments.
The programme "Your First 100 Days of Onboarding" is free and entirely adjusted to you. It's a great way to start your new adventure abroad!
Please note: this programme is only available for Bachelor students.
Start Your First 100 Days of Onboarding
Sign upStarting a new study in a foreign country, with other cultures, educational system and lifestyle can be rough. This programme will be personalised to your circumstances and can help you battle these hurdles. The programme is for free; especially for you and improving has never hurt anybody!
- Sign up as soon as you feel ready. You can start from April on, but you can choose when you like to start!
- You will receive a questionnaire and you have to fill this in.
- We will review your answers and write advise based on your results, wishes and needs.
- You will be matched with a student coach who will guide you during Your First 100 Days of Onboarding. This will be adjusted to your preferences.
- You will finish Your First 100 Days of Onboarding and review the progress you made with your coach!
- Getting to know Saxion
- Practical matters such as housing, visa, insurance etc
- English language skills
- Study skills: time management, summarising, reporting guidelines, setting goals etc
- Mathematics
- Communication and presenting skills
- Reflecting
- Student well-being
- Dutch culture and language
Meet the student coaches 👯
Student in Software Engineering
Yoo, I am Badr, 22 years old. I come from Morocco. I am a third year Software Engineering student at Saxion. I became a student buddy to help the new students during their first steps at Saxion because I also struggled in the beginning but I found some good people who helped me out. Besides my study, I do kickboxing 🥊 and football, but I always like to try new things. I am always open to questions, you need help? Just ask me :) I will do my best.
Student in International Business
Hey! I am Sal, 22 years old, originally from Iran. I am in my second year of International Business at Saxion. I became a student buddy because I know what it feels like to start fresh in a new country, new people, new systems, and a lot of unknowns. I went through it too, and having someone to ask simple things made a big difference.
Now I want to be that person for someone else. I am into gym, I love music, and enjoy running time to time, and I am always down to try something new or have a good conversation.
Need help or just someone to hang out with? Reach out, I am here to support you and make sure you never feel alone in this journey.
Student in International Finance and Accounting
Hi, I am Isabella. This fall, I will be a third-year IFA student. I am 22 years old and from the United States. Coming to Saxion was my second time moving countries and starting a new school alone, which is a very overwhelming process. So, I became a student buddy to help others through the same experience the best I can. Outside classes, I enjoy being active, going on walks or bike rides, to the gym, or playing football or badminton in the park with friends. I am also an avid Uno player.
As a student buddy, I hope that I can ease this transition for new students and give them the tips and tricks to life in Enschede that took me well past December of my first year to learn. My door is always open for any questions you have :).
Student International Business
Hello there!
I’m Majd, originally from Syria, and I study International Business at Saxion in Enschede. Helping students comes naturally to me, and I believe it’s incredibly important to support new international students, especially when I think back to my own first weeks at Saxion and how much help I needed. Luckily, Saxion was there for me.
As a member of the Course Degree Committee, I’ve gained deep insight into the curriculum and other academic matters, which allows me to answer your detailed questions about the program.
Outside of my studies, I’m a conductor for a choir in Enschede, which shows how much I love music!
As your student buddy, I’ll do my best to help you feel comfortable and at home. Every challenge has a solution.
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Student Tourism Management
"Hi, I’m Sofia! I’m a second-year Tourism Management student originally from Guatemala, a country known for its vibrant colors, rich culture, and warmth. Moving to the Netherlands on my own has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It meant building a new life from scratch, far from my family and language, and adapting to an entirely new culture.
That’s exactly why I wanted to become a student buddy, because I know how overwhelming it can feel to start all over in a foreign country. I want to be there for others the way I would have loved someone to be there for me: to answer your questions, guide you through the small (and big) things, and be someone you can talk to.
I’m passionate about helping people, and I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels seen and supported. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing board games and spending time with friends, as well as discovering cozy cafés. I am very passionate about human rights and love meaningful conversations.
As your student buddy, I’m here to help make your transition to Saxion and life in the Netherlands just a little bit easier and hopefully even a bit fun. My door is always open, and I truly can’t wait to meet you!"
Student International Human Resource Management
Hey! I’m Diana, I’m from Trinidad and Tobago and currently in my first year of International Human Resource Management at Saxion.
Starting fresh in a new country can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there. Everything felt unfamiliar, and I didn’t always know where to go or who to ask. That’s why inclusion matters so much to me. I want to help new students feel welcome, supported, and never alone.
I enjoy working out, spending time with people I love and being in the sun whenever I can.
Need someone to talk to, ask questions, or explore the city with? Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here for you!
Student International Human Resource Management
Hello, My name is Njinkonye Favour Chisom, but I go by Chi-Chi. I am currently 19 and a second-year IHRM student at Saxion. I became a student buddy because I wanted to help students- both current and new - because I know the feeling of coming to a new place, school, and for some people a new country, and not having anyone. My hobbies include going to the gym, reading, playing basketball and volleyball, and most recently traveling. I am always happy to help so if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
I became a student buddy to help make students feel less alone. You can see me as that friend who wants you to experience everything within your capability and your comfort zone of course. I'm excited to meet you, can you tell?🤭
FAQ
- This programme is dedicated to international students.
- International students who have been accepted (under condition) for an English-taught Bachelor programme.
- Exchange students and Master students are not eligible for this programme.
- We have a limit of 180 students who can follow the programme.
- Sign-ups are open from April.
The programme starts in April and lasts until December. From the moment you register, you will be matched with a buddy. It can be right from the start in April, but you can also start from June onwards. It’s up to you!
Yes, it is free.
You will review your progress by comparing your replies to two questionnaires (one taken at the beginning of the programme, the other one at the end). It will give you a clear overview of which topics you improved.