Returning to the same university for a second degree sends a clear message. It suggests it is a place that delivers, likely on all aspects that matter. This is the case for Serena Şteţcu from Romania, who is currently in the second year of the BA European Languages and Cultures programme, with a specialisation in English Linguistics, at the University of Groningen.
“I previously studied a BSc International Business at the University of Groningen, and what drew me to the university and the Netherlands was the ranking of the institution itself as well as the feeling of safety in the country,” she says.
Groningen itself is known as the “city of talent,” home to some of the country’s most illustrious figures, including the first female student in the Netherlands, Nobel Prize winners, and the first Dutch astronaut. Its reputation continues today, with the university holding a strong position in international rankings, including 73rd in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Şteţcu got to join the Faculty of Economics and Business’s annual Career Week each October, which ran workshops for interview preparation, among others. Source: University of Groningen
Learning here is defined by small, interactive classes. Students get to engage closely with professors and dive deeply into subjects. Tutorials encourage active participation, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving.
Pair that with the innovative spirit of the Netherlands — a country known for being forward thinking, from pioneering the first electric car to producing several Nobel laureates — and you get an education that pushes students to think bigger and bolder. It’s an environment that inspires creativity in every discipline. Abibat Tijani, from Germany, a second-year BA Communication and Information Studies student, sampled this approach during her Corporate Marketing elective.
“In this course, my group decided to focus on the AstroWorld Festival, an annual musical event hosted by American rapper Travis Scott,” she says. “After that fatal crowd crush incident in 2021, we looked at how the event was communicated before versus after the tragic passing of visitors. This gave us a hands-on view of the corporate marketing world while letting us propose creative improvements.”
In another project with Humanitas (a Dutch social support organisation) and the Gemeente Groningen (the city council), Tijani applied what she learned in her degree to help improve access to important local services. “This project allowed us to brainstorm as well as use our skills gathered to create communication plans and advice,” she says.
Groningen is a lively city where students can enjoy theatre, movies, music, and art events all year round. Source: University of Groningen
Alongside project work, there are many other opportunities for professional growth. For instance, the Faculty of Economics and Business runs a Career Week each October. “One of my favourite activities was always the Company Fair organised in the Duisenberg Plaza,” Şteţcu says. “Many companies and organisations were invited to attract students either for internships or for jobs. I found this to be an excellent networking exercise and very useful for future situations where you need to connect with people and stand out.”
The city of Groningen itself makes it easy to meet new people from all walks of life. Home to around 60,000 international students, where one in four residents here is a student, the city is youthful, energetic, and full of festivals and events, including the KEI Week and Erasmus Student Network introduction week, both designed specifically for students.
“From the Forum to the cafés and the parks, the city offers many options to hang out with friends,” Şteţcu says. “It is small and easy to get around, so nothing ever feels far away. I love the feeling of community whenever I am in a shared space with other students.”
Follow the University of Groningen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
