Overseas university spotlight: Tilburg University (Netherlands)
In one word, Tilburg University is green.
Surrounded by beautiful woods and forest, Tilburg has a modern, compact campus that includes the sustainably renovated Cobbenhagen Building, dating from 1962, a designated National Monument.
It's also set in the heart of the fastest growing economic region in the Netherlands, the Brainport, which is considered the Silicon Valley of Europe.
But despite the fact that there are more than 5,000 tech-focused companies in the area, Tilburg is a social sciences university, focused on global issues.
Here are some of the highlights from my visit!
Campus and academics
Tilburg University is one of the Dutch research universities.
But unlike some of the others, Tilburg's buildings -- including its honors college, University College Tilburg -- are all conveniently located on one site.
Founded in 1927, Tilburg started as a business school.
It now has 20,000 students with 25 percent international students.
The highest population of international students comes from Germany (14 percent of the student body), and Americans make up one percent.
I didn't get a chance to see the city of Tilburg, but it's very much a student city, with 1 in 7 residents being a student.
Because it's a student city, even though it's the seventh largest city in the Netherlands, it tends to be more affordable than some of the others.
And its location is super convenient, just one hour from both the Amsterdam and Eindhoven airports.
Tilburg's motto is 'Understanding Society,' and it offers small-scaled programs.
That is, most classes have fewer than 100 students.
In terms of academics, Tilburg is highly ranked in law, psychology, business and finance.
Psychology is a Numerus Fixus program, which is highly competitive and requires an admissions test as part of the application.
Its BSc in Economics is one of the top programs in the Netherlands, and students should be prepared to have a high level of maths.
Other unique courses include a BSc in International Sociology, where students study themes such as migration, cultural differences, poverty and inequality -- and connect them to politics and policy.
The BSc Entrepreneurship is focused on helping students become self-employed and create their own startups.
In most programs, students take five classes per semester and have the option for an exchange program or internship in Year 3.
And as for admissions, Tilburg requires a minimum of four Advanced Placement exams with a minimum score of 3.
Summary: Tilburg University
Tilburg is a great choice for someone wanting a true campus experience in the Netherlands, but not too far away from a city.
The campus is really peaceful, surrounded by trees and full of green space.
Inside its buildings, students will find modern and beautiful facilities.
I will definitely be back in future to check out Tilburg city!
