Not just for Dutchies: why study associations matter for internationals

What’s the real deal with study associations in the Netherlands? Do you really need to join them, or can you ignore this aspect of Dutch student culture?

In this episode of MAG Going Dutch, hosts Daria and Natasha dive into one of the most misunderstood pillars of Dutch student life: those mysterious ‘semi-social, semi-career’ groups that internationals hear about, but rarely understand, until they’re knee-deep in their degree: study associations.

To set the record straight, they’re joined by Catarina and Jace, board members of the International Business School Union (IBS-U) at Hanze UAS in Groningen. Together, they break down what study associations are (spoiler: not the same as student associations), what they actually do, and why joining one might be the best thing you do as an international student.

Catarina, originally from Portugal, shares how getting involved with IBS-U helped her meet people, understand Dutch culture, and build professional skills, all while juggling classes. As Internal Relations Coordinator, she manages member onboarding, organises committee competitions, and acts as the human glue holding the association together. Her advice? ‘It’s manageable and 100% worth it.’

Jace, meanwhile, tackles the career side. As External Coordinator, she’s the one chasing down company visits, speaker events, and sponsorships. Think IBM workshops, networking at Heineken, and career events that actually lead to jobs. ‘Some of our alumni now work at ING, B&S and in Asia. Being part of a study association can really open doors, especially in business.’

But let’s not pretend it’s all LinkedIn and name tags. Social life is still a huge part of the experience. Between ski trips, day trips to Germany, themed borrels, and even committee date challenges, there’s no shortage of fun. And no, you don’t have to drink to join, events range from ice skating to charity balls. As Catarina puts it: ‘There’s something for everyone, and the best part is you decide your level of involvement.’

Both guests agree that joining a study association is one of the easiest ways to make friends, find community, and gain real-world skills while studying abroad. And with structures that include regular members, active committee members, and a student-run board, there’s plenty of room to grow at your own pace. Whether you want to dip a toe into student life or take a dive off the deep end into event planning and HR-level coordination, there’s a place for you.

Jace sums it up best: ‘If you mess something up, that’s okay. You’re a student. But if you never try, you’ll never know what you’re missing.’

So whether you’re a business student looking to boost your career prospects, or just an international trying to make Groningen feel a little more like home, IBS-U and other study associations might be your secret weapon.