Experience Day
Get the real student experience
Have you found a program and want to know if it’s really the right fit for you? Or are you still deciding between two options? Many of our programs offer the chance to join a trial study day or shadow a student. You’ll attend classes, meet lecturers and students, and get a real feel for the atmosphere. This way, you’ll know for sure which bachelor’s program truly suits you.
Experience Day
Experience what it’s like to study at Zuyd. Join an Experience Day favourite programme.
Online Session
Join an Online Session for one or more of our study programmes.
All programmes
Not sure what to study yet? Discover all our study programmes.
Try an Experience Day
Hotel Management
Hotel Management School Maastricht trains future hospitality leaders with a focus on entrepreneurship, gastronomy, global mindset and practical experience.
Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Help doctors detect and predict diseases early. Or accelerate the energy transition by developing intelligent systems that predict our energy needs. We dive into data and algorithms, but also look at the impact of AI on society.
Good to know: the Artificial Intelligence bachelor is taught entirely in English, preparing you right from the start for an international working environment.
International Business
You’ll learn to think creatively and critically, spot opportunities, and collaborate internationally. From day one, you’ll work in English on real-world projects.
European Studies
The English-taught bachelor’s programme European Studies teaches you to work together on solutions for societal challenges in Europe.
How does an Experience Day work?
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Find out if the programme really suits you
You only truly know if a programme suits you once you experience it yourself. During a trial study day, you’ll get a real impression of what the programme is all about. You’ll attend lectures, take part in assignments and experience what it’s like to study.
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Learn, experience and ask all your questions during an Experience Day
Together with other prospective students and our own students, you’ll dive into the course material and discover whether the way of studying appeals to you. Our lecturers are ready to help and happy to answer all your questions about the program, the study workload, or the career opportunities after graduation.
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Easily register for an Experience Day
All Experience Days are scheduled in advance, and signing up is easy. Feeling a bit nervous about coming alone? No worries! You’re welcome to bring a friend who’s also interested in the same programme.
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Find a time that works for you
Can’t find a date that works for you? Don’t worry, new Experience Days are added regularly. You can ask to be notified when new dates become available. And for some programmes, you can also join a student for a day to get a real feel for studying at Zuyd.
The personal atmosphere made the difference.
Chanaika studied at Zuyd and looks back on her student days with joy. “At Zuyd, I never felt like just a number,” she shares. “The close-knit atmosphere and the personal connection with fellow students and lecturers made me feel at home right away.”
During her studies, she worked on projects for real organizations. “It was inspiring to put into practice what I had learned in class straight away.” She also had the freedom to broaden and deepen her knowledge through minors and internships. “Those opportunities really expanded my perspective on the professional field.”
The sense of community at Zuyd has always stayed with her, through activities and encounters that created real connection. “The combination of learning, doing, and experiencing together gave me the confidence to apply my knowledge in the workplace.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trial study or shadowing day last?
A trial study day typically lasts between half a day and a full day, depending on the programme. A shadowing day generally takes up a full day of classes.
What do you do during a shadowing day?
You will attend lectures and group discussions alongside a current student from the programme. This will give you insight into the curriculum, teaching methods, and student collaboration. You will also have the chance to ask questions to your assigned student (‘buddy’) and lecturers. It’s a great opportunity to experience student life in the Netherlands up close.
What should you bring?
A notepad or laptop may be useful if you want to take notes, but it is not required. However, it can be helpful to prepare a list of questions in advance to make the most of your experience.
What is the difference between a Shadowing Day and an Experience day?
During an Experience Day you will attend one or more lessons alongside other prospective students in a session specifically designed for you. This will help you understand how the programme is taught and what it feels like to study at a university for applied sciences, giving you a clear insight into the curriculum.
On a Shadowing Day, you will be paired with a current student and follow their regular timetable for the day. You will attend lectures, take part in group discussions, and even have lunch together in the canteen. This experience not only gives you a realistic view of the programme but also allows you to see what daily student life is like.
What does an Experience Day or shadowing day involve?
An Experience day gives you the opportunity to explore the content of a programme by attending scheduled lectures or classes. A shadowing day allows you to experience a typical day as a student – attending lectures, participating in group work, and asking questions to both students and lecturers. Both options are great ways to determine whether a programme is the right fit for you.
When can I take part in a trial study or shadowing day?
Dates vary depending on the programme. Most programmes schedule multiple sessions in advance, and you can register for them via our website. Be sure to sign up early, as places are often limited. If you are visiting from abroad and have limited availability, you can also contact the programme directly to arrange a suitable date.