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An in-depth editorial guide about culture shock, housing, bureaucracy, mental health and academic life for Romanian students who move to the Netherlands.
Read full articleA 4-part Instagram series explaining Dutch directness, the student housing crisis, healthcare frustrations and EU rights for Romanian students.
View post conceptsTwo scripted Reels highlighting institutional bias against Romanian volunteers and the frustrations around Dutch healthcare for international students.
View Reel scriptsA detailed narrative on how comments, DMs, polls, moderation and micro-ambassadors turned a campaign into an active support community.
Read case studyA visual strategy built around flat illustrations, emotional contrast and strong headlines to tell the story of Romanian students in the Netherlands.
Read design overviewStudying in the Netherlands sounds amazing on paper. Top universities, friendly cities, bikes, canals, and a tolerant culture. But day-to-day reality—especially in the first few months—can be a real shock for many Romanian students. From cultural and administrative differences to social and financial challenges, the beginning can feel overwhelming. Here is an honest, practical guide on how to adapt as a Romanian student in the Netherlands.
1. Understand Dutch Culture – Direct, Not Unfriendly
One of the first things that surprises Romanian students is the Dutch communication style: direct, straightforward, without unnecessary politeness. Most Dutch people don’t say “could you please...?”—they say “do this.” It doesn’t mean they are rude; that’s simply how their communication works.
What you can do: • Don’t take it personally. If a professor or colleague gives you harsh feedback, the intention is usually to help, not offend. • Learn to be more direct as well. In emails, applications, or requests—say clearly what you want. The Dutch appreciate efficiency.
2. Finding Housing – A Major Challenge
In many Dutch university cities (Groningen, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden), the student housing crisis is very real. Every year, hundreds of Romanian students arrive in the Netherlands and end up living in hostels, tents, or on friends’ couches until they find something stable.
Recommendations: • Apply early—three to four months before moving, if possible. • Search on platforms such as Kamernet, Pararius, SSH Student Housing, or Facebook groups (with great caution). • Avoid paying in advance without a contract. In case of fraud, recovering your money is extremely difficult.
3. Monthly Budget – Realistic and Tight
The cost of living in the Netherlands is significantly higher than in Romania. In cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, rent alone can easily exceed 600–700 EUR per month for a modest room. Add food, health insurance (mandatory), transport, and other expenses—and you quickly reach over 1000 EUR per month.
Solutions: • Apply for zorgtoeslag (monthly compensation for health insurance). • Look for a part-time job (max. 16h/week) and ensure you meet the conditions for DUO if you want financial support. • Check student discount sites (UNiDAYS, Studentbeans, etc.).
4. Dutch Bureaucracy – It Starts on Day One
It may sound surprising, but the Netherlands is highly organized...and very dependent on forms. The first weeks will feel like a marathon of registrations: • City Hall (for your BSN – citizen service number) • University (final enrollment) • Bank (IBAN account) • Insurance company • Belastingdienst (if you work or want toeslagen / allowances)
Tip: Make a checklist. Check your university’s website and ask older Romanian students for advice. Always keep copies of your passport, rental contract, and bank statements—you will be asked for them often.
5. Social Integration – Between International Friends and the “Dutch Circle”
The Dutch can seem hard to get close to at first. They often have well-defined social circles from high school and may not be the most spontaneous when it comes to meeting new people, especially foreigners. However, international student communities are very open, and in large campuses you’ll quickly meet students from Spain, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Poland, and many others.
What helps: • Attend events organized by ESN (Erasmus Student Network). • Join a study association (there is one for almost every university program). • Don’t isolate yourself only among Romanians—keep the connection, but also expand your global network.
6. Mental Health – Don’t Ignore It
Adjusting to a new education system and a different culture can lead to anxiety, isolation, or even burnout. In the Netherlands, asking for help isn’t taboo—it's encouraged. Universities offer counselors, some have support groups, and youth NGOs sometimes organize free sessions.
What you can do: • Exercise (many universities have gyms with special student prices). • Look for interest groups: photography, theatre, gaming, etc. • If things feel overwhelming—talk to someone. Even a colleague.
7. The Academic System – More Open, but More Demanding
In the Netherlands, you won’t “memorize lessons” for exams, but you will have many essays, presentations, and group projects. Active participation matters and is graded. Flexibility comes with responsibility: professors won’t chase after you, but they expect you to deliver on time.
Tips: • Read all emails and check all deadlines on Brightspace, Canvas, or Blackboard. • Register for elective courses—some of them can earn you extra ECTS credits. • Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification—professors are open, but they expect you to be proactive.
8. Connecting with the Romanian Diaspora – Support and Friendship
Even if your goal is integration, it is very important to stay close to people who understand exactly what you’re going through. The Romanian community in the Netherlands is large, active, and diverse. NGOs such as GCRS, the Romanian Students’ League Abroad – Netherlands Branch, informal groups, and cultural initiatives can greatly support your adaptation. Get involved in volunteer projects, attend cultural events, or even start your own student club. You will discover not only practical support, but also long-lasting friendships.
Conclusion The first months in the Netherlands can feel intense. But remember: every step—no matter how small—is part of a journey that will transform you. Early challenges are not failures, but a normal adaptation process. Be patient with yourself, ask for help, engage in the community, and don’t lose your curiosity. The Netherlands is not just a place to study. It is an experience that will shape you. And your adaptation—step by step—is the beginning of a story bigger than you think.
Title (for the image): “CULTURE SHOCK: Why Do the Dutch Seem Rude?”
Post text (under 2200 characters): When you arrive in the Netherlands as a Romanian student, the first shock isn’t the cold or the rain...it’s the way people talk to you. The Dutch are direct. No detours. No “please, if you don’t mind.” They say what they think and what they want. For many Romanians, this feels disrespectful. In reality, it’s just... a different culture.
Example: – Romanian: “Could you please send me the presentation?” – Dutch person: “Send me the presentation.” It’s not an insult. It’s efficiency. It’s strange at first, but after a few months, you’ll learn to be clearer, more direct, and more confident.
Tips: • Don’t take it personally. • Ask for clear feedback – the Dutch love clarity. • Adopt their style: simple, concise, respectful, but direct. Want to learn about more things that might surprise you in the Netherlands? Next episode: “The Student Housing Crisis.”
Title (for the image): “HOUSING CRISIS: 800€ for a Room in Leiden?”
Post text (under 2200 characters): The biggest shock after moving to the Netherlands? It’s not the university system. It’s the rent. Romanian students arrive with normal expectations – 300–400€ per month. Reality: 700€, 800€, sometimes even 1000€ for a small room with no private bathroom. Did you sleep on a couch for 3 weeks? Dragged your suitcase around the city? You’re normal.
Why is it so hard? • Very few student dorms → huge demand • Agencies that refuse international students • Illegal subletting • Websites with hidden fees or scams
GCRS has started documenting these cases to request support from Dutch and Romanian authorities. Useful tips: • Don’t send money before signing a contract. • Always ask for proof of property registration. • Join local student groups (Facebook, Discord, etc.). • Keep written records – you may need them for complaints. Next episode: “The Dutch Healthcare System – ‘Drink Water and Wait’?”
Title (for the image): “Healthcare in the Netherlands: ‘Drink Water and Wait’?”
Post text (under 2200 characters): Got a cold, fever, pain, or fell off your scooter? In Romania, you’d go straight to the ER or your family doctor. In the Netherlands... the answer is often: “Drink water. Wait a few days. If it doesn’t get better, come back.” For Romanian students, the Dutch medical system can seem indifferent. In reality, it’s just a different approach: the “wait and see” principle, meant to avoid unnecessary treatments. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to proper care!
The problem is that many students: • Don’t know where to go (huisarts vs emergency room) • Are not registered with a family doctor (huisarts) • Are afraid a consultation will cost too much
Useful tips: • Register with a huisarts as soon as you arrive. • Have insurance? Check exactly what it covers. • Don’t go straight to the hospital unless it’s a real emergency – they can send you home. GCRS has started an information campaign on healthcare access for international students, with clear examples and helpful advice. Next episode: “Part-Time Work in the Netherlands – Between Dream and Nightmare.”
Title (for the image): “YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR SAYS: Drink Water and Wait?”
.Post text (under 2200 characters): One of the biggest frustrations Romanian students face in the Netherlands is the healthcare system. Headache, stomach pain, fever, or an infected wound? In most cases, you’ll hear something like: “Take paracetamol. Drink water. Wait a few days.” And... that’s pretty much it. For someone used to quick referrals, tests, or antibiotics in Romania, the Dutch medical system seems like it “does nothing.” But it’s simply a different medical philosophy.
How it works in the Netherlands: • Access to specialists goes through the huisarts (family doctor). • Antibiotics and quick treatments are avoided. • Prevention and waiting are the foundation. • Insurance is mandatory but does NOT cover everything. GCRS is collecting stories from students who encountered problems with the Dutch system, in order to propose improvements and clearer guidelines for international students.
Useful tips: • Register with a huisarts immediately after you move. • Don’t go straight to the hospital—call your family doctor first. • Make sure you know exactly what your insurance covers. • Look for English-speaking doctors in your area (sometimes even Romanian-speaking). Next episode: “Your Rights as a Romanian Student in the EU – What You Can Ask For, and From Whom.”
Theme: Institutional bias against Romanian students Duration: 55 seconds Format: Vertical, subtitles, on-screen title, voiceover
Filming script: [0:00–0:05] Shot: Romanian student (actor) at a laptop, smiling, filling in an online form VO: “I came to the Netherlands with scholarships, hope... and the desire to volunteer.” On-screen text: “ROMANIAN STUDENT – excited”
[0:06–0:15] Shot: Same student proudly showing a charity project poster VO: “I helped children in Romania, wrote articles, organized campaigns.” Text on screen: “Activities: education, humanitarian work, journalism”
[0:16–0:25] Shot: Receiving an official letter – shocked reaction VO: “Until... I got this.” Animated text on screen: “Your funding has been suspended. Reason: suspicion of fraud.” Sound: tension effect
[0:26–0:35] Shot: Inserts of blurred official documents, titles popping up On-screen text: • “Romanians volunteer too much.” • “We cannot verify the real purpose.” VO: “Because in the Netherlands, if you’re Romanian and you work without being paid... you’re suspicious.”
[0:36–0:45] Shot: Student looking directly into the camera, serious VO: “It didn’t matter that the NGO was real. It didn’t matter that I was helping. Only that I was Romanian.” On-screen text: “Hidden discrimination. Not okay.”
[0:46–0:55] Shot: Student posting on social media, GCRS logo appears VO: “This is why we fight. So future students won’t be punished for helping others.” On-screen text: “#GCRS #StudentRights #StopDiscrimination”
Theme: Dutch healthcare system and student frustration Duration: ~50 seconds Format: Vertical, voiceover, large on-screen titles, subtitles
Filming script: [0:00–0:06] Shot: Romanian student coughing in bed, with fever (thermometer, tissues) VO: “I had 39°C fever. Sore throat, chills. I went to the doctor.” On-screen text: “STUDENT IN THE NETHERLANDS – sick and panicked”
[0:07–0:12] Shot: Student on a video call with the GP VO: “I called. I told him the symptoms.” GP voice (calm, cold): “Drink water. Wait 2–3 days.” On-screen text: “WATER AND WAIT?!”
[0:13–0:22] Shot: Student calling again, getting the same response twice VO: “I called again. Same answer.” GP voice: “Only if you’re dying, go to the hospital.” Sound: frustrating/comical alert tone
[0:23–0:33] Shot: Student searching “private hospital Netherlands” + “consultation 100€” VO: “The only option? Private. 100 euros per consultation. Out of pocket.” On-screen text: “Basic insurance doesn’t always save you.”
[0:34–0:44] Shot: Student telling others about the experience, GCRS logo appears VO: “I’m not the only one. We have dozens of complaints from Romanian students.” On-screen text: “GCRS – documenting system failures”
[0:45–0:50] Shot: Student smiling, receiving a message from GCRS: “Your case has been forwarded to authorities.” VO: “Now we’re fighting for change.” On-screen text: “#StudentInTheNetherlands #GCRS #HealthForAll #YouAreNotAlone”
Community Management – How We Built an Active Community Around GCRS In the context of our media campaign about the experiences of Romanian students in the Netherlands, we saw community management not as a technical step, but as an essential mission: transforming the audience from a passive “spectator” into an active, supportive, and engaged voice.
Our objectives: 1. To provide quick and empathetic responses to those who went through similar experiences. 2. To encourage discussions between students who do not know each other but share the same challenges. 3. To monitor perceptions related to GCRS activity and adjust our messaging based on feedback. 4. To create interactive content that generates engagement—not just passive views.
Community management strategies applied 1. A conversational, yet well-informed tone We abandoned the formal style. We used expressions that match student language: “Has this happened to you too?”, “We slept on couches as well...”, “It’s okay not to get it right from the start.” Still, every response included—whenever necessary—factual, verifiable information: links to rental guides, articles about Dutch GPs, or students’ rights in cases of agency refusals.
2. Personalized replies to comments and messages Every relevant comment received a reply. We avoided copy-paste templates and treated each user as a real case.
Examples: • “Hi, Andreea! Your housing situation is similar to that of 30 other students – may we include it (anonymously) in our file submitted to the authorities?” • “Thank you, Radu, for sharing your experience with the GP. If you agree, we can turn it into a recorded episode.” This approach increased trust and generated private conversations with high storytelling potential.
3. Engagement through polls and Q&A in Instagram Stories We frequently used Instagram’s interactive features: • Polls: “Did you have problems finding a room in the Netherlands?” (87% YES out of 342 votes) • Q&A: “What do you wish you had known before moving here?” → We received 52 questions, 15 of which became subjects for new posts. This turned social media into a dialogue space, not just a broadcasting channel.
4. Firm but transparent moderation We set clear rules: no offensive language, no discrimination, no fake news, and no mocking those who ask for help. When a user commented, “If you don’t speak Dutch, of course nobody will rent to you,” we intervened: “We understand your point, but it’s important not to generalize. Under EU law, EU citizens cannot be discriminated against based on nationality. GCRS has documented 12 cases where students with C1-level Dutch were still refused because they ‘weren’t locals.’” This approach preserved the authority of GCRS without shutting down discussion.
5. Building a network of ‘micro-ambassadors’ We contacted eight Romanian students active in local communities in Leiden, Utrecht, and Groningen. We proposed an informal partnership: • Share GCRS posts in local groups • Send us messages/experiences from the field • Provide feedback before publishing sensitive materials This network was essential for reaching closed groups (e.g., “Leiden Housing for Students”, “Romanian Erasmus Utrecht”).
6. Using real testimonials We encouraged students to send written or audio testimonies about what they experienced in their first months. Some were dramatic, others funny—but all authentic. We used quotes in carousels, stories, and Reels: “I slept one night in the train station because I had nowhere to stay. The agency told me they don’t accept Romanian students.” – Denisa, student in The Hague These quotes triggered emotional reactions, organic shares, and comments like: “I went through the exact same thing! What can I do?”
Community Impact (Measurable and Non-Measurable)
Engagement data (period: 4 weeks): • Instagram posts: +6.3k interactions (likes, comments, shares) • Direct messages received: 204 • Moderated comments: 381 • Responses provided: 100% of comments + 87% of DMs • New followers: +1140 • Estimated total organic reach: ~32,000
Non-measurable impact: • Four students who received direct advice from GCRS avoided financial losses (over €400 per person). • One case was submitted to authorities with our support, after receiving public backing from the community. • Increased GCRS visibility within Erasmus communities (other student pages in Belgium and Germany started quoting and sharing our content).
What we learned: 1. Communities are built over time, with empathy and quick responses—not just attractive content. 2. Negative feedback (e.g., regarding the lack of response from Romanian authorities) must be listened to, not deleted—otherwise you lose trust. 3. Humor helps tremendously during tense periods: self-ironic posts or memes about the Dutch GP reduced frustration and restored positive energy.
Conclusion Community management was not an appendix to our campaign—it was the backbone that supported real interaction between GCRS and the students affected by the issues we highlighted. Through honest replies, fast actions, transparency, and a human tone, we turned a series of social media posts into a space for support, activism, and shared learning.
And the most important result? Not only were we heard—we helped others find their voice too.
Graphic Design – Visuals That Speak Before You Even Read In a campaign where the messages are emotionally charged—sometimes tense, other times educational—visual design is not just about aesthetics. It becomes the tool that starts the conversation. The image needs to stop your scroll, tell a story in three seconds, and create a mood that supports the text. This was the core principle behind the visual design for GCRS in the campaign about the lives of Romanian students in the Netherlands.
Central concept: “Flat style meets real pain” We chose a flat illustration aesthetic—clean, recognizable, and accessible to younger audiences, yet capable of subtly integrating the dramatic nature of the topic. At first glance, the scene often looks “cute,” but the visual details (huge prices, facial expressions, symbols like “No Students” or a GP raising his hands helplessly) quickly introduce tension between apparent humor and harsh reality. This visual contradiction was exactly the goal: attract first, then hit.
Key elements in the compositions 1. Central characters – Romanian students in difficult situations Each post includes a recognizable student: • exaggerated facial expressions (surprise, frustration, exhaustion) • subtle identity symbols (luggage, Romanian flag, books, laptop) • position always on the left—creating a narrative flow from “problem” to “solution” (on the right)
2. The environment – stylized Dutch spaces We integrated: • extremely small dorm rooms with visible high prices (e.g., “800€” written on the wall or on a hanging tag) • GP clinics with a “Drink water and rest” poster • app or map interfaces (stylized Google Maps showing “NO GP AVAILABLE”) • empty hallways, symbolically closed doors (refusals, bureaucracy) The background is always simplified but meaningful.
3. Contextual text integrated into the image Every visual includes large, clear headlines, similar to press titles: • “800€ for a room?” – housing shock • “GP? Only water and patience” – bitter irony about the medical system • “Romanian student? NOT in my apartment” – housing discrimination The chosen font is readable, modern, and mobile-friendly—given that 93% of our audience views content on their phones.
4. Color and emotional coding We created a palette combining: • dark blue – trust and seriousness (backgrounds) • bright red – alarm signal, used in titles or danger symbols • mustard yellow – accent for relevant objects (tags, doors, price labels) • soft green – hope/solution, used where GCRS provides help The contrast is balanced for scroll-stopping impact without visual fatigue.
Graphic objectives 1. Clarity – the image must convey the topic even without reading the caption. 2. Consistency – all posts form a coherent, recognizable visual series. 3. Emotion – each scene should evoke a human feeling: frustration, exhaustion, hope. 4. Memorability – characters and scenes are designed to stick in memory.
Adaptation to social formats
For each visual, we ensured: • 1:1 ratio for Instagram feed • free space at the top for titles and at the bottom for story/caption adaptation • subtle but always-present GCRS logo in a corner • versions generated for Stories, Reels cover, and Facebook (quick reformatting)
Generated visual example
1. Post #2 – Housing Crisis • Background: a tiny room with the large red price “800€” displayed like a warning • Left side: Romanian student with suitcase, shocked expression • Right side: real estate agency with a “NO STUDENTS” sign • Overall tone: absurd yet real
2. Post #3 – GP and the “drink water” response • Background: GP waiting room with closed doors • Symbolic GP illustration without a mouth – representing lack of communication • Student with a fever, lying on a bench, holding a glass of water • Text: “‘Drink water and wait’ – the standard diagnosis”
3. Post #4 – Nationality-based refusals • Stylized map of the Netherlands, with red dots marking major cities • Students symbolically pushed away from closed doors (doors marked with the Dutch flag) • Text: “Refusals because you are Romanian”
Creation flow 1. Clear brief for each post (theme, dominant emotion, character, symbol) 2. Vector sketch (flat design, using proportions optimized for mobile) 3. Internal feedback (including from Romanian students) 4. Finalization and export in multiple formats (PNG, Story, Cover, text-free version for video) 5. Archiving in the GCRS library for future reuse
Strategic role of graphic design
Design is not just form; it is: • An emotional filter – it attracts attention before the text is read. • A brand identifier – the GCRS graphic style became recognizable and replicable. • An impact multiplier – posts with visual design generated, on average, 240% more shares than text-only or video-only posts.
What we learned 1. Good graphics simplify complex messages—especially in an international context, where not all followers speak perfect Romanian. 2. The flat style, seemingly “childlike,” is ideal for contrasting harsh realities—and that contrast sparks conversation. 3. It is essential to include community feedback in the design process—because they know what the real situations look like; we merely illustrate them.
Conclusion For this campaign, graphic design was far more than aesthetics—it was the bridge connecting emotion with data, shock with empathy, and reality with solidarity. Every image was created as a doorway into a story—and once opened, users found inside the voice of GCRS and of hundreds of other students. If at first the visuals spoke about “them,” we can now confidently say: This is our community. And design makes it visible.
