Testimonials

“I am not supposed to speak in clichés -- after all I am doing my MA in English Linguistics -- but I must say that studying at VU is the experience. And here is why:

First of all, I learnt, ok, am still learning, to think on my own. I’ll explain. Back in my home university – I hail from Russia – I was supposed to learn what I was lectured during semesters and then deliver the results at exams. Nothing is wrong with that, really. But as I think in retrospective now, as a student I was not given the freedom to develop my own ideas. In fact, I was afraid to think differently for the fear of making a mistake and being criticized by my professors. Needless to say, things changed when I started my (pre)master programme at VU. The most common question I hear at lectures and seminars are, ‘What do you think?’, and, ‘Do you have some ideas?’  Would make you start thinking, right?

Another important thing, among much else, is that VU is home for God-knows-how-many internationally recognized researchers and professors who are as approachable as, say, my neighbor. Which is good, because in Russia such thinkers are virtually unapproachable, let alone getting involved in an academic debate with them.

Lastly, it doesn’t hurt that VU is located in Amsterdam. Certainly, it doesn’t hurt a bit.
In other words, come over! You are most welcome!”

- Anna Sokha, English Linguistics Master student


‘Even before I came, the university got in touch with me and kept me informed about what was going on, what was coming up and helped me a lot with organizing my arrival and stay. Since I didn't speak the Dutch language very well, my teachers and class mates were very thoughtful and open-minded and had no problem with me speaking English in class. Studying at the VU Amsterdam gave me a great insight into Dutch culture and education. I learned a lot during my stay and my opinion about Amsterdam before I came here turned out to be right: a liberal, open-minded and cultural city’

- Carolin Poppenberg, exchange student