Yumin Park (21)

University: Seoul National University, South Korea
Degree programme: Bachelor's in English Literature

‘Leiden’s beautiful. I think it’s prettier than Venice! I arrived a week ago. Up to now, I have mainly got to know lots of new people, like at the weekly drinks for international students in ‘Einstein’ on Wednesday evening. I think everyone is really nice here. People smile a lot when you talk to them. And I’ve noticed that they speak such good English. I haven’t had any problems with being understood in the Netherlands’.

Bryan (27)

University: Georgetown University, Washington D.C., United States 
Degree programme: European and International Law 

‘My first impression of Leiden? I think it’s really pretty and am looking forward to beginning my studies. The people are really kind and generous. Why I chose Leiden? I heard from lots of people that Leiden had a good Faculty of Law, and I wanted to see something of the world. It isn’t my first time in Europe but it is my first time in the Netherlands. Do I speak any Dutch yet? Only goedemorgen I’m afraid, nothing else. I’m only here for one semester so the most important thing I’m going to learn is the words you get on menus. That’s really important if you want to eat a good meal.'

Femke (29)

University: Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand 
Degree programme: Literary Studies

‘My first impression of Leiden? I think it’s beautiful here and there’s a really nice atmosphere. I arrived two weeks ago, but I originally come from the Netherlands: I was born here. I moved to New Zealand twenty-five years ago with my parents. Now I’m back to discover my Dutch roots. I’m really looking forward to classes beginning. What do I want to learn before I return to New Zealand? Sail! I actually bought this bike because it says ‘Old Dutch’ on it. I found that very fitting.’

Raul (29)

University: University of Fribourg, Switzerland 
Degree programme: Master’s in Law

‘I arrived forty hours ago and am really enjoying myself so far. The first thing I noticed? That it’s so flat here in the Netherlands. And all those canals. There’s water everywhere! The people are pleasant and reserved – in a good way. I am really looking forward to classes beginning. The University truly is the core business in Leiden. They do everything to make sure we’re happy, which is great. I chose Leiden because Leiden has such a good reputation for Law. I come from Switzerland. The Netherlands is really a kind of Switzerland 2.0: our countries aren’t that different. What do I want to learn before I return to Switzerland? To speak Dutch. And to do all sorts of things – like texting, eating and phoning – while on my bike.’