Andrea Klooster from Edmonton, Canada, did the Viaa Exchange Program in 2024. We asked her how she looks back at her time in Zwolle, the Netherlands.

“I chose the Exchange Program at Viaa because I always wanted to study abroad. I wanted to study in the Netherlands because of family relations. The Exchange program is aligned with my study program at home, that makes it easy. I followed courses in Transcultural and Interdisciplinary Care and Dutch language.“

“I love the atmosphere at Viaa. It’s small, with a strong sense of community, it’s Christian and feels very welcoming. The structure of the lessons is different than in Canada, and we have more self-study time. We also have a buddy, a Dutch student, who forms a bridge to the other Dutch students and shows what student life is like.”

“Living with a host family is what makes the experience unique. They take you to places you must see and take you with them in their lives and activities. Whether it’s cycling to Friesland on a race bike with my host mother or attending village festivals with my host brothers, every moment becomes a memorable part of the adventure.”

“I would definitely recommend studying abroad! It’s so cool to learn about another culture. I’ve definitely grown in confidence and did a lot of new things that I would have never tried in Canada. I’m proud of the accomplishments I made, like growing in my communication and independency. Once you are here, try everything, you don’t want to have regrets. Sometimes it can turn out to be one of you greatest experiences.”

Welcome to connect!

Would you like to sign up or do you have a question about the Exchange program at Viaa? You are welcome to connect with our International Office!

Marlinde Lieffijn (International Officer)
internationaloffice@viaa.nl