Checking my usually neglected mailbox, on top of a bunch of spam mail, sat a flyer stating that ISR was recruiting new members! Within two seconds of reading the flyer, I was urged into applying and knew without a doubt that I wanted to be part of the ISR community.
5 months later, my journey with ISR is about to begin, so here I am to hopefully spark an urge in you that might make you want to join ISR as a manager in a committee, a family member or simply come to one of our events!
Here are 5 reasons to join ISR:
#1 | The great family vibe
As soon as I entered the room in which an ISR get together was taking place, I felt like I belonged! The old members were so welcoming of the new members, I already felt like I was a part of the family even though it was my first time meeting everyone. If you ever feel a family shaped hole missing from your heart, ISR will definitely be the one to fill it!
#2| Social drinks + ISR events
Apart from meeting new friendly faces at social drinks with the help of beers or wine to sooth your nerves after a long day; ISR also has academic events such as I-BET where employers and international students get to network, as well as leisure activities including beer pong tournaments and more! With ISR you get the best of both worlds: work and play.
#3| Meeting people from all over Rotterdam
Unlike other student organizations, ISR enables you to meet people from various places in Rotterdam instead of just people from your university. This is so great as the possibility of meeting unique likeminded international and non-international students is endless.
ISR strives to welcome and accommodate all international students in a multitude of ways! With our student guide, you will never feel lost or foreign in Rotterdam as we prepare you for all that you could encounter. With an ISR membership there are student deals and discounts with Housing Anywhere, the Study Store and more. ISR also provides you with internship and job opportunities. If that doesn’t sound great, I don’t know what does!
#5| The ISR committee experience
Lastly, for those looking for extracurricular activities or would like to be a part of the daily running’s of an international student association; why not join an ISR committee!? Apart from an amazing experience including all four of the previously mentioned points, ISR also allows you to practice your skills and interests and experience a professional working experience all whilst having fun and gaining lifelong friends and colleagues! The ISR website has all the information you need if that interests you 😉
Here were 5 out of many reasons to join ISR! Are you a member of ISR? What were the 5 key reasons you joined? Let us know down below!
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Hey, it’s Anaelle and I’ll be one of the new bloggers for the next year! Hope you enjoyed this post and you stick around for more to come! 🙂
Do you ever find yourself in any of these situations? Do you find it difficult to identify yourself with certain experiences? Take me as an example. I was born and brought up on an island called Saint Martin, but my parents were born and brought up in India. What do I identify myself with? Saint Martin, no questions asked.
You’re most likely to be asked similar questions regarding your identity in your first year settling here in Rotterdam. If you’re a third culture kid or TCK (brought up in a culture other than your parents’ own), raise your glass, because you’re not alone!
You might have experienced some of the following:
1 – Explaining your “accent†in regards to your appearance
It’s natural for humans to categorize certain things with certain phenomena. Similarly, the human brain tends to associate certain accents with specific countries and traits. That first “Hi, my name is ..†is being analyzed tenfold by every new person you meet. It’s possible for people to get your accent right; however, for third culture kids, it goes deeper than just your voice box and skin. You may sound Italian, but you look Chinese. I’ve been told I have a slight American accent or a “neutral†accent (whatever that is, haha!), but I look Indian. Humans tend to get a bit confused when you don’t sound how you look. It may be draining to explain your heritage and solely be categorized based on your accent and physical qualities, but try not to get offended or feel uncomfortable when asked for “further explanation†of your accent. Everyone is just trying to get to know you, which will happen to you very often in your first few months here!
2 – Cultural traditions
Do you celebrate both traditions – where you were brought up and where your parents were brought up? Call yourself diverse! Growing up in a country naturally pushes you to celebrate its traditions and national, cultural events. With your family, you might celebrate their cultural celebrations.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]We TCKs are open to so many more experiences, values, and morals that mold our upbringing and perspectives on life into something truly unique. And who doesn’t like the extra food and social gatherings that come with being multicultural?
3 – Feeling of belonging to a community, but not really
I recently visited family in India, and I can confidently say that I went through this. I celebrate similar traditions and my ancestors come from this country, but I don’t think they will ever accept me as a full-fledged Indian nor will I ever consider myself one. The same goes for what I consider “home†(Saint Martin). It’s a constant struggle as we find ourselves hanging in the middle between all the countries we’ve been brought up in. It’s only natural for us to want to be part of a community, and having this experience can be a real setback for some people. But remember, there’s more food and celebrations involved when you’re a TCK, so who’s really losing here?
Hear me out. If you change your perspective on things, label yourself as unique. You’re international, you’re multicultural, and most importantly, you belong. Even if you’re not a TCK, you may have experienced some of these things. Carry your pride as a badge on your shoulder, because Rotterdam is one big international family. You would fit right in here.
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Yashita here! This blog is more personal to me, and I hope you can also relate to some of the experiences I’ve had. Cheers to being a TCK!
What were your first impressions in Rotterdam? Before I moved here, I heard several different opinions about this city, including “super modernâ€, “artsy in a weird wayâ€, “very busyâ€, and “ugly with all those buildingsâ€. We all perceive things differently, and seeing what others have to say about something might be surprising to others. Moving to a new city or country, for instance, comes with different experiences – good and bad. The beauty of it all is that we experience new (and sometimes even weird) things every day of our lives. You know what’s even better? Sharing your stories with others, that’s what!
Here’s what a few full-time students in Rotterdam had to say about their experiences* so far and my little two cents in italics:
Anonymous
Best experience: Sitting on a rooftop with friends, sipping a beer, watching fireworks, and listening to some music in the summer.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: One time I went out and, let’s just say, the night got out of hand. I woke up the next morning without keys and without my wallet. In desperation, I went back to the place I was at the night before and found my keys, wallet, and all contents of my wallet in the park across from the bar. I have never been so happy in my life. [Sounds like a great night to me, to be honest.]
Henry
Best experience: The Eurekaweek probably and a few chill nights in with the fellas.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: Once I was cleaning the house high out of my mind with my roommate whilst dancing to Grease.
Ron
Best experience: IBA Freshman Weekend.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: That would probably be when one of my friends from abroad saw a goose, freaked out, and took pictures of it like it was some sort of miracle.
Anonymous
Best experience: Stroopwaffels. [YES.]
Koen
Best experience: The Eurekaweek. [Introduction weeks seem to be a recurring best experience, hmm..]
Strangest/ weirdest experience: I believe that would be seeing 15 police officers on motorbikes escorting a car through the city by blocking off all intersections and roads along the way.
Best experience: The Christmas lights everywhere in the city in December plus the nice restaurants and cafes.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: Two boys came up to my friend and I in the evening/ at night and suddenly got angry when we didn’t want to talk to them.
Sarah
Best experience: Spending time with people from all over the world and learning from different countries and cultures while staying in my own country is probably the best. I don’t need to travel for international experiences.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: How the international deal with living in the Netherlands (e.g. trying Dutch dishes, cycling, etc.). [For the most part, I’m still not used to Dutch stairs, thank you very much.]
Anonymous
Best experience: Getting to share an apartment with my friends.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: Beer cantus, that stuff… is intense… and super Dutch. [I couldn’t agree more..]
Anonymous
Best experience: Once my friends and I went to Bartender to have a few rounds of shots. Then, we bar-hopped between 4 different bars across the Stadhuis depending on which one had better music every 30 minutes.
Strangest/ weirdest experience: The first bar I went to charged me separately for the alcohol and soda when I asked for a mixed drink. [This is why we pre-drink!]
Anonymous
Best experience: Eating Cinnabons. [Say no more. FYI, you can get some in the Alexandrium Mall. You’re welcome.]
Strangest/ weirdest experience: This one guy licked my face at a party.
Be sure to be on the lookout for the next edition of this blog series!
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Yashita here! I think I’m going to treat myself to a Cinnabon.. Cheers!
*Testimonials were edited for grammar, understandability, and clarity.
Have you ever wanted to discover new places in Rotterdam? Have you been curious about all those charming cafes, amazing tea and obliging service? Or just wanted to spend some quality time with your fam grabbing a beer or two? Rotterdam is full with quaint venues, cosy restaurants and covered places, waiting for you to get to know them. However, there is a small burden. The financial part.
Let’s face it. We’re students and after paying for rent, the university fee, the books, food and a few beers there is not much left for the pleasure of chilling by the cup of coffee, reading a book or just enjoying the chat with the friend.
There comes the Unitiator – the great application that enables you to discover the place, grab a coffee, tea or a beer and enjoy the atmosphere! Just for free. The concept is simple – the owners of the restaurants want to attract more people by distinguishing[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]themselves with the help of the application, draw more customers to the venues and create a cosy and lively atmosphere in the place bustling with pleased food-lovers. The only thing you have to do is to download the app, accept the offer, go to the venue and ask for it. Then, enjoy it, spread the message and discover another place.
Wait no more, download the Unitiator and explore Rotterdam!
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I am Weronika Naklicka, the blogger at the traveling blog https://polishglobetrotters.wordpress.com/, food-lover and your new guide through the student life in Rotterdam.
Welcome to Rotterdam, commonly referred to as “the New York of Nederlandâ€! Although your time here in Rotterdam is only just beginning, time will begin to fly by. Therefore, it’s important you see as much of Rotterdam and the Netherlands as possible, in ways friendly to exchange students.
Perhaps the first step you can take is learning how to speak Dutch. This can be done through a variety of companies, including CoBuild and the Language Institute. Knowing how to speak Dutch can allow you to participate in more events in the Netherlands, and get a better feel for the local culture. There are, however, many ways to experience Rotterdam without speaking Dutch.
First off, some practical matters. Find a local supermarket closest to your house. It will be one of the following: Albert Heijn, Lydl, Aldi, Jumbo, Spar, or Coop. Keep in mind, many (grocery) stores close early or close completely on Sundays. Additionally, locate the nearest emergency medical service center to your house. Lastly, make sure you purchase a bike. Bikes can be found for relatively cheap, and since Rotterdam is mostly completely flat, a fancy bike won’t be necessary. You can check out multiple Facebook groups, specifically Commodity Market Rotterdam, where many second-hand things can be bought.
There are numerous things you should do in Rotterdam in your time here. Take a picture of or from the Erasmusbrug at night. Visit the unique architecture, such as the Cube Houses at Blaak or Rotterdam Central Station, a spectacle in itself. Go to Booijmans van Beuningen museum, which has a variety of artworks of various artists, guaranteed to satisfy any artistic preferences. Snap a photo from the top of the Euromast, providing a breathtaking view over the bustling city of Rotterdam. Food shop at the world-renowned Markthal, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at the huge outdoor food market with low prices for high quality foods. If the opportunity ever presents itself, attend a Feyenoord football game in their home stadium, De Kuip. It is guaranteed to leave you with high energy, great memories, and a clear feeling for the heart and spirit of the proud locals of Rotterdam. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Once you’ve seen Rotterdam, it’s appealing to venture outside of the city. There is a lot to see in all of the Netherlands, and since the country is small, many things can be seen in a few day trips. Keep watch for any train ticket special prices from NS to save a little money on the day trips. Den Haag is close to Rotterdam. When it gets warmer, you can visit Scheveningen beach. Den Haag is the political hub of the Netherlands; there you can find embassies and historic buildings. Amsterdam, of course, is another favorite to visit; just watch out for bikers and pick-pocketers!
Most importantly, try to meet as many people as possible! A large part of the exchange experience is meeting people you typically wouldn’t. This includes locals, other exchange students, and other international students studying full-time in the Netherlands. To do this, you can join numerous student associations, particularly ISR.
The more things you participate in and see, the more you will get out of your exchange. And don’t wait, because, before you know it, it might be time to leave!
We wish you a wonderful time here in Rotterdam. If you have any questions about Rotterdam, information can be found in our Student Guide here on our website. Good luck!
Image Obtained From: Gingerbread Marketing
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Hi, Danique again! Wishing you a happy new year and the best of luck with your studies, experiences, and adventures in 2017!Â
It can be intimidating, moving (on your own or together with others) to a new country with a new culture and new language. Although most of the world has a proficiency in English, it can still be frustrating to not know the language of the country in which you are now residing. Put simply, Dutch is not an easy language, and it is understandable that it can be scary to take on the task of learning it. Thankfully, there are a few simple phrases that you might need in everyday life to help you grow more comfortable in Rotterdam. Even if your pronunciation is a little off, locals will know what you mean and will appreciate your effort to learn.
Hallo : Hello
Hoe gaat het? : How are you?
Goed : Good
Slecht : Bad
Dank je (wel) : Thank you (very much)
Alsjeblieft / Graag : Please
Sorry/Pardon : Sorry
Dag : Goodbye
Fijne dag nog : Have a good day
Gezellig : Cozy, social (i.e. “How was the party?†“It was gezellig.â€)
Je/U : informal/formal you
In the grocery store (supermarkt), for example, the cashier will greet you (Hallo), then proceed to scan your items. At the end of the scanning, they will tell you the total (which you can read on the screen next to them). If you want to pay with a bank card, you say, “Pinnen, graag†(swipe please). If you want to pay with cash, you can simply just hand them the cash. The cashier will proceed to ask you if you would like a receipt: “Wilt u de bon?†to which you can reply “Ja, graag†(yes, please) or “Nee, dankje†(no, thank you). [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
This exchange is applicable to any store, such as a clothing store, general store, or any place where you may make a transaction.
Perhaps the most important words, however, are for when you go out. That is, of course, one of the best aspects of your student time, and Rotterdam has many bars and clubs to offer.
Een biertje : One beer
Een wijntje : One wijn
And if you’re buying for your friends (or just more for yourself) twee (two) or drie (three) biertjes / wijntjes.
In general, some other words/phrases to know are:
Waar is de WC (pronounced “way-sayâ€) : Where is the bathroom?
Mijn naam is… : My name is…
Kan ik u helpen? : Can I help you?
And, of course, because you are international, one of the most important phrases:
Ik kom uit… : I am from…
Rotterdam is a very diverse city, and being able to say where you are from in a local language brings you that much closer to feeling more at home here.
This is a very rough overview of basic interactions you may experience every day, however if you would like to become more proficient in Dutch, it is highly recommended to participate in a Dutch course. These can help you with pronunciation, grammar, and fluidity. Check out:
Your local university
ROC and Volks Universiteit
Consider a private tutor
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My name is Danique van Winden, and I am a new blogger for this year. I hope to help you learn more about Rotterdam and grow more comfortable as an international in this wonderful city!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Ever wonder, while strolling around Rotterdam, the small red lights on the ground? The first image you notice is the shape of a flame. But if you look closer, you’ll notice the figure of a man with his hands in the air, yelling out of despair, a bomber plane roaring above and buildings below on fire. Having studied in Rotterdam for a year now, I never paid much attention to them and just took them as the average fixture in the city. When a friend told me the full story, it was then I realized that Rotterdam has small but meaningful reminders of its past scattered all over.
As most of you probably already know, Rotterdam’s city center was obliterated by bombs in World War II. Some buildings were reduced into ashes with others having only their external structures intact. The damage was undeniably, extensive. Because of this, the city center was demolished and subsequently reconstructed. The only buildings returned to its original glory are the Laurenskerk, the Beurs Trade Center, the Post Office and Stadhuis or Town Hall. This is how we see the Rotterdam city center today – an eclectic mix of the old and the new. The new structures built are responsible for Rotterdam’s image as a city known for its innovative architecture.  If you head over to the Rotterdam Tourist Info center in Beurs, there are pictures showing you the time lapse of what Rotterdam’s city center looked like before and after the bombing, as well as the rebuilding of city.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]In 2006, the government decided to memorialize the bombing. 128 lights with the aforementioned described images will be laid along the perimeter of the burned center. The lights span 12 kilometers and was completed in 2010. I guess it is easy sometimes, to forget that Rotterdam was once a city burned to the ground. The new monuments do an impressive job of filling the void of what was once lost. However, if we once in a while put aside how most of us see as an image and lifestyle of Rotterdam – the skyscrapers, the vibrant nightlife and the metropolitan aesthetics – we can look at this city at its core, which is a city of the past and the future. So now you know the meaning of these lights when you walk around town. They are 128 small treasures for us to find that remind us of the rich history of the city.
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Hey everyone! I’m Sabine and I’m gonna be one of the new bloggers of ISR! Looking forward to inform you more about the vibrant city that is Rotterdam as well as The Netherlands![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Welcome back to another year of early lectures (or late, if you’re lucky!), crashing people’s house parties, and most of all, the constant pressure of life weighing down on you. Maybe that sounded a bit daunting, but hell, that’s what student life is – a big part of which is food. If you’re not careful and smart about shopping for groceries, you just might end up spending a lot more than you should. Who wouldn’t like a few euros extra to spend on drinks, right? If you’re new to the city, I would like to introduce you to the Binnenrotte Markt, and if you’re not new, then I certainly hope that you’re familiar with it!
On Tuesdays and Saturdays between 8:30 and 17:30, over 400 stalls are at your disposal with a wide variety of products ranging from fresh seafood and vegetables to cheese and trinkets. Chances are high you will find what you are looking for at the Binnenrotte Market. With rows and rows set up in front of the reputable Markthal, the open market is definitely the right match for a student budget, and everyone else who wants to save money for that matter. I was utterly surprised to pick up a kilo of mushrooms for €1,00 when I visited the market for the first time. Most supermarkets charge you a little over €1,20 for 400 grams of mushrooms already. So, to emphasize the savings here: ONE EURO for a KILO. I also managed to snag three avocados for €1,00 and we all know how expensive one of those can be  in a supermarket! These are just few examples; you really don’t have to look far at the market to find a good deal.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Feel free to pick up a few small bites such as olieballen and gözleme (hint: if you find the Turkish stall on the edge of the market, you’re doing it right!) here and there while shopping to keep yourself satiated. Not only are there stalls with eateries, but also a range of household items, clothing, and plants, for instance. One last tip: if you’re around when it’s almost closing time, sellers give you crazy good deals for fruits, veggies, and flowers to prevent wastage and spoilage of fresh products.
The only downfall you may encounter is that after buying something at one stall you just might walk down the row and find the same for even cheaper. Yes, it happens to all of us, but as soon as you start going to the market regularly you will get the knack of where you can get the best buys. A little thing to note though (hear me out, we’re almost at the end): most vendors prefer cash. Very uncommon in the Netherlands but for all those coins you’ve been hoarding this is the perfect opportunity to put them to good use!
If you ever find yourself free on any of the two days between 8:30 and 17:30, head over to the market and find out what’s available. I guarantee that your wallet won’t be disappointed and your next meal will taste twice as good knowing that you saved so much.
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My name is Yashita Atmaram, and I will be one of your new bloggers for the year! I hope you will tune in with me ever so often to learn something new about this beautiful city and discover all of its nooks and crannies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]