Saxion Wervingscampagne by StR - JPEG - Nguyen - 3364 (1).jpg

Get a strong start with Saxion's onboarding

New country, new school, new everything. It might be scary but we've got you! We created a onboarding programme special for international students. Once you have applied at Saxion, you will gain access to our online platform to help you with all the preparations for starting a new study. You can also register for free to get an international student buddy who guides you along the way.

Brightspace is your new environment

After you have applied to Saxion and activated your Saxion account, you will gain access to a digital environment called Brightspace. There you can find everything you need for a strong start to your studies. You will receive more information by email, so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox.

This onboarding programme is only available for Bachelor students.

Go to Brighspace

Get a student coach

Saxion works with its amazing international students as student coaches. They have been in your shoes, so they are the best people to guide you. The coaching programme can start before you move to the Netherlands, and follow you along your studies until December. You can also sign up for a student coach via Brightspace.

Get a student coach

Meet the student coaches 👯

Student in Applied Computer Science

Hi! My name is Abdihamid, and I’m from Ethiopia. From September, I will be in my third year of Applied Computer Science at Saxion. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing volleyball, going to the gym, and exploring nature through hiking. I’m keen on learning about different cultures and making the most of my student life. 

Moving to a new country and starting university is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with a lot of questions and uncertainty. I remember how much easier things became once I started asking around for advice, so I’d like to be that person for others. Whether you need help finding your way around campus, understanding how things work in the Netherlands, or just someone to talk to, I’m always happy to help :)

IMG-20260606-WA0229(2).jpg

Student in Tourism Management

Hey! I'm Ioana! I'm 21 years old, from Romania, and I'm a third-year Tourism Management student at Saxion.

Moving to the Netherlands at 18 was a huge step for me. Like many international students, I had to adapt to a new culture, a different education system, and life away from home. Later on, I also had the opportunity to have an internship in Asia, which taught me even more about embracing change and stepping outside my comfort zone. Those experiences helped shape who I am today and made me realize how valuable it is to have someone you can rely on when everything feels new.

That's why I decided to become a student coach. I know how much of a difference a friendly face or a simple conversation can make, especially during your first months here. Whether you have practical questions, need advice, or just want someone to talk to, I'm always happy to help.

I’m passionate about discovering new cultures and getting to know people from different backgrounds. I love learning about different traditions, ways of life, and perspectives, and I think every conversation is an opportunity to see the world from a new point of view. Outside of university, you'll usually find me reading, at the gym, or spending time outdoors whenever I can.

Starting a new chapter abroad isn't always easy, but you don't have to go through it by yourself. I've been where you are, and I know that sometimes all it takes is someone who understands. So don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here for you. I am excited to meet you!

Ioana coach.jpeg

Student International Business

Hey! I'm Demian, 23 years old, originally from Chișineu-Criș, Romania, and I'm studying International Business at Saxion. I became a student coach because I know exactly how it feels to start fresh in a new country, new city, new people, new everything. I went through all of it myself, and I still remember how much the small struggles added up when I had no one to ask. That's honestly what drives me. I want to help you skip the things I had to figure out the hard way and feel supported from day one. No question is ever too small, so please reach out whenever you need.

When I'm not studying, I'm usually into photography, filming little cinematic clips, and playing table tennis at Thibats, the student club at the University of Twente. I also enjoy a good game of tennis. On top of that I'm a brand and graphic designer, so I'm always up for a good conversation about creativity or student life in Enschede. For more information about me, feel free to visit my website demianmladin.com.

demian mladin.png

Student International Finance and Accounting

Hey! I'm Simona from Bulgaria, and I am in my second year of the International Finance and Accounting degree. I truly believe in the power of learning from one another and sharing experiences-which is exactly why I decided to become a Study Coach. I am here to support you using the knowledge I've gained from my own journey. Moving to a new country is a major step, but with the right support, advices, and friends, it becomes a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

I am an organized yet artistic person who loves connecting with people and seeing how beautiful and diverse the world around us is. I enjoy staying active through Yoga and Pilates, as well as walking and traveling.

Whether you need help with your studies, have questions, or simply need a friend—I am here for you!

Kind regards!

Simona

Simona 2.jpg

Student Software Engineering

I am Arshia Hosseini, a 21-year-old student from Iran. I am currently studying Software Engineering at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the beautiful city of Deventer.

As a student coach, I am here to support students who are looking for guidance, encouragement, and a friendly person to help them during their journey in this amazing country.

Besides my studies, I am also a musician. I enjoy going to the gym, boxing, exploring new places, and taking part in exciting activities.

I look forward to helping students succeed, enjoy their time at Saxion, and build meaningful friendships that can last for a long time.

Kind regards,
Arshia Hosseini

ArshiaImage (1).jpg

Student Software Development

Hi! My name is Roan, and I'm from Cameroon. From September, I'll be continuing my studies in Software Development at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. I'm passionate about technology and enjoy building software, learning new programming languages, and working on exciting development projects. Outside of my studies, I enjoy going to the gym, playing football, exploring new places, and meeting people from different cultures.

Moving to a new country to study can be both exciting and challenging. I remember what it was like to adjust to a new environment, understand how things work in the Netherlands, and find my way around university life. Having people willing to answer my questions and offer support made a big difference.

That's why I'd love to be that person for other international students. Whether you need help finding your way around campus, have questions about student life, want advice on settling into the Netherlands, or simply want someone to talk to, I'm always happy to help. I look forward to meeting new students and helping make your transition to Saxion as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Tchanou.jpeg

Student Mechanical Engineering

Hi! I’m Ali Arda. I’m 21 years old, originally from Istanbul, Türkiye, and a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede.

I’ve had the chance to live and study in different countries besides The Netherlands, including a year of exchange in high school in France and a semester in Denmark during university. These experiences taught me that adapting to a new place isn’t always easy, and I understand how it can feel to be away from home and figure things out on your own.

Having someone to turn to can make a big difference, especially when you’re far from home. That’s one of the reasons I became a student coach. I want to be someone you can feel comfortable reaching out to, whether you need advice, support, or simply someone who understands what you’re going through.

Outside university, I enjoy staying active. I’ve played competitive chess for many years, and I also enjoy basketball, volleyball, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, riding motorcycles, and exploring new places.

If you’re ever feeling lost, have a question, or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to listen and help whenever I can!

photo 2.jpeg

Student Tourism Management

Hey! I’m Sofia, 25 years old. I was born in Ukraine but grew up in Italy, and I’m currently a fourth-year Tourism Management student. I’ve moved quite a lot throughout my life, from Ukraine to Italy, then to Switzerland, the Netherlands, and I even spent five months in Belgium during my internship. So, I know firsthand what it’s like to start over in a new country, figure things out on your own, and build a new social circle from scratch.

That’s one of the main reasons I decided to become a student buddy. I know that moving to a new country can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. I want to help make your new start in the Netherlands easier, more enjoyable, and hopefully a lot more fun! Whether you have a question, need some advice, or simply want someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m a very social person and love meeting new people, so I’m really looking forward to getting to know you!

Outside of university, I love staying active through running, going to the gym, and trying new activities. I also enjoy learning languages, teaching Italian online, cooking, gardening, and, of course, travelling whenever I get the chance.

I’m excited to meet you and hopefully make your start in the Netherlands a little ea

nl.jpeg

Student from Creative Media and Game Technologies

Hiya there!
My name is Dheer Rai Dudley (Just call me Dheer or whatever we can come up with :D), and I'm from the Southern parts of India, in Bangalore. I am 21 years and now a 3rd year in Saxion as apart of Creative Media and Game Techonogies!

My main interests lie with Games! It could be board games, card games or video games, if you have a game you wanna try out, Ill be there ready and with snacks! I have recently been into Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons and a lot of Monopoly for board games, and have been enjoying CyberPunk 2077, Marvel Rivals and so much more in the video game space. I also cook a ton and have taken an interest into Art, and Stitching up my own accessories.

I am also a passionate programmer with a huge graphic design
background, so if you have any questions in that space, I can do my best to help you out :)

The Netherlands is a wonderful place to live in, and I got to learn it without anyone near me to help out, and with that experience I have seen the best parts of it, along with the uneasy and scary bits too.

I know that living on your own may be tough, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I can help to the best of my ability, or connect you with the right people to ensure that you don't struggle all on your own :)

I would love to get to know the new people that join Saxion and make sure that they don't have to go through this journey on their own!

No matter the person, or the problem, I would love to help out in any way I can to ensure that your transition to Saxion is smooth, simple and with many people around you to help!

Onboarding image.jpg

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. 

Do you need help?

We will try to answer your question immediately or bring you in contact with somebody at Saxion who will be able to help you out.