A semester abroad is a dream for many, for our student Marlon from the Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Sales it became a reality in Breda (Netherlands). That he ended up here in the end was partly by chance, but in hindsight, it could not have taken him to a better place. 

If you're thinking about studying abroad, you can get an insight here into what a semester in Breda might look like – with all its opportunities, surprises, and challenges. 

Why Breda? 

The Netherlands had been on my wish list for a long time: international, well-connected, open, and with exciting universities. Breda finally moved to the top for two reasons: 

• Erasmus-Funding 

• an incredibly vibrant, diverse student culture 

The location is a huge plus: from here you can quickly get to Belgium, France, Germany, and even England. Perfect for anyone who wants to see more of Europe on the weekend. 

First impressions: big city, but somehow not really 

As someone who comes from the countryside, Breda initially seemed surprisingly large to me, yet pleasantly manageable. I was particularly thrilled that everything can be easily reached by bike, which makes life incredibly convenient. For a city that is not among the largest in the country, it is surprisingly international and full of students from all over the world. This is evident especiall in the lively nightlife, which made it much easier for me to meet new people than back home in Austria. 

Culture shock? A bit, yes. 

What I definitely had to get used to was the Dutch food culture. It is different, often more expensive, and less fresh than in Austria. Sandwiches and fried snacks are everywhere. A generally open attitude is part of a very festive student culture, which definitely shapes Breda. 

And yet: The international friendships I have made here are priceless. Today, my contacts extend from Brazil to South Africa, and I am incredibly grateful for that. 

Studying at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) 

Breda University of Applied Sciences ( BUAS ) is not a university that overwhelms you with exams and multiple-choice tests. Instead, you work practically, project-based, and autonomously. The program is very different from what many people from Austria or Germany are used to. Instead of memorization and written exams, practical work is the focus here. Our work goes into an extensive portfolio that documents our learning progress, projects, and personal development. The goal: to prepare you for the real world of work. 

The study structure is based on three interlinked learning formats: 

• Auditorium Sessions – Theory firsthand
  The lectures take place in a large auditorium and are led by experienced industry experts. They not only provide us with theoretical knowledge but also share current insights from their daily work in the media and digital economy. 

• Workshops – Learning like in a real company
  In the next step, the workshops focus on putting what has been learned into practice. We work in project teams, but not in the traditional group work format that is often familiar. Instead, each person takes on a specific role – for example, as a Project Manager, Content Manager, Marketing Manager, or Product Manager. Just like in real companies, everyone contributes their part to the success of the project. 

• Media Lab – Space for projects, creativity, and responsibility
  The third area is the Media Lab. There, we can freely decide which tasks to work on, although the focus is, of course, on ongoing projects. We have professional techniques and coaches available from all relevant fields: marketing, design, media technology, advertising, and business management. Many of them come from the USA and Canada and bring extensive industry experience. Nothing here is simulated theoretically. We work independently and learn to carry out projects the way they are expected to be handled in a job. 

I took three core courses that shaped my semester: 

• Entertainment Project 
  Here, it's all about content that not only appeals, but is actually watched, clicked, and shared. We develop media formats for different target audiences and learn how to combine entertainment with strategy. 

• Professional Growth Pathway 
  My Personal Career Compass: In this course, we reflect on our strengths, define professional goals, and plan concrete next steps. Instead of theory, there is honest self-management, including documentation of our development. 

• Social Impact Project 
  The course that changed me the most. We don't just work on campaigns, but ask the crucial questions: What problem are we really solving? For whom? And what societal difference do we want to make?
  Marketing wird hier nicht nur gemessen, sondern sinnstiftend gedacht. 

In short: These courses have shown me that marketing can be much more than clicks and conversion rates; it can be a tool to drive real change. 

Student Life: Much More Than University 

Breda is a city full of young people, and you can feel it. Whether it's ESN events, campus parties, or clubs at BUAS: you rarely stay alone. 

In everyday life, it looks like this: 

• Café 'Sowieso': my favorite place to study and relax 

• Café 'Kamu': perfect for longer evenings 

• City park & recreational area: about 15 minutes by bike 

• Saturday markets: at Polski Square and at Grote Markt (fresh, authentic, affordable) 

And for everyone who loves to party: Breda is a bar city. Whether it's an Irish pub, a techno bar, or a cozy pub – you'll find your place. 

Living in Breda 

I live right in Breda, about a 15-minute bike ride from the city center, in a small student house with three international roommates. I was very lucky to find my room through 'Kamernet.' Housing in Breda is scarce, so the search is anything but easy. 

My tip for anyone who wants to study here: Start looking for an apartment as early as possible and really use all platforms and contacts. The housing market is highly competitive. Those who are late in this will need strong nerves and even more patience. 

My conclusion: Breda changes you – if you let it 

A semester abroad is more than just a few months in a new country. For me, it was: 

• personal growth 

• a new perspective on marketing & sales studies 

• international friendships 

• Courage to think more creatively and openly 

If you're thinking about going abroad: go for it.