Abroad Futures is a media project developed within the CampusTV channel, focused on presenting international career opportunities, professional development paths and lifestyle perspectives for students and early professionals.
The project explores job markets, internship programs, study options and professional environments across different countries, offering accessible and relevant information for those considering an international career path.
Content is distributed through social platforms, editorial articles, visual materials and interactive formats designed to encourage informed decision-making and broaden professional horizons.
Abroad Futures also emphasizes community interaction, responding to inquiries and creating a space where followers can explore real-world career scenarios, cultural differences and professional development strategies.
A first-person style narrative about the emotional and bureaucratic shock of the first months in the Netherlands, from DigiD and DUO to loneliness and finding support in the Romanian student community.
Read full articleA clear, student-oriented explainer on what freelancing legally means in the Netherlands, how to register with KvK, what rights you have and how misunderstandings with DUO and other authorities can appear.
Read full articleA structured guide covering documents, DUO, accommodation, budgeting and adaptation tips for Romanian students preparing to move to the Netherlands for their studies.
Read full articleConcept description for an educational infographic that explains in simple sections what DUO is, what support it offers and what conditions Romanian students must meet.
View descriptionVisual concept for a motivational poster dedicated to Romanian students in the diaspora, combining symbolic imagery with an encouraging message and diaspora-themed hashtags.
View descriptionNewsletter-style email with DUO updates for freelancers, last-minute scholarships, a free webinar and tools recommended for Romanian students in the Netherlands.
Read email contentFormal press release announcing the launch of UniSeek, a platform created by Romanian students to support the diaspora with educational, legal and civic resources.
Read press releaseA performance report summarising reach, engagement and recommendations for Instagram, TikTok and newsletter content aimed at Romanian students in the diaspora.
Read full reportIntroduction
You received your acceptance letter. The joy was huge, your family packed your bags, and you left for the Netherlands full of enthusiasm and big plans. But the reality of the diaspora is more complex than Instagram pictures. This article is not about numbers and statistics, but about the authentic feelings a Romanian student experiences while trying to adapt to a completely new world.
1. First contact: Between confusion and freedom
When you first arrive in a Dutch city, whether it is Groningen, Eindhoven, or The Hague, a strange silence hits you. Everything is organized and calm, but you don’t really know what to do. You watch people, bicycles, and trains and feel like you don’t belong. This is the first challenge of adaptation: you feel free, but lost.
Your first thought? “How do I get to the accommodation and where do I pick up the key?” It’s not like home, where you have relatives or friends waiting for you. Here, everything fits into a QR code and some dry instructions sent by email.
2. DigiD, BSN, DUO and other words you dream about at night
Dutch bureaucracy is not difficult, but it is very digital and cold. You need to make an appointment at the city hall, obtain a BSN (your identification number), create a DigiD account, and, if you want funding, apply for DUO.
The problem is not the process itself, but the lack of a person who tells you exactly what comes next. You find yourself sending emails asking IF you did something right. A small PDF guide made by older students can become pure gold.
3. Language is not a barrier. It is a maze.
Everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. But when you receive letters from the Belastingdienst or from the university in Dutch, Google Translate becomes your best friend. The problem is that automatic translation does not give you cultural context.
I learned the hard way that “huurtoeslag” is not a vulgar word, but rent assistance. In the first months, I read every official message with my heart pounding.
4. Drowning between classes and working hours
Another shock is related to money. Rent is high, and DUO support does not cover everything. Many students end up working 16–20 hours per week just to afford living.
This makes you live on fast forward: classes, work, homework, sleep. Friends? Only if you manage to. And this leads to loneliness and anxiety. You are not the only one. But you only realize that after you speak honestly with other Romanian students.
5. The first identity crisis
This is where a hard but essential stage appears: you start asking yourself if you made the right choice. You think about the friends you left behind, your mother’s food, the universities in Romania where maybe life was simpler.
But this is exactly where character is built. The diaspora teaches you to become an adult: to organize yourself, to ask for help, to face stress on your own. It is not easy. But it is valuable.
6. Refuge in the community
Thank goodness for Romanian student associations. When you attend a DACIA or GCRS event, you feel like you are no longer alone. A few jokes, a portion of stuffed cabbage rolls, or a discussion about DUO reconnect you with your identity.
The community is not only a source of logistical support, but also emotional. In the diaspora, students become family.
7. The lesson called adaptation
After 3–6 months, it means you have survived your first Dutch winter. You no longer get lost in Albert Heijn. Issues with DUO become rarer. And you have learned to manage your time, money, and emotions.
It is not an Instagram story. But it is reality.
Conclusion
Being a Romanian student in a country like the Netherlands is a mix of organized chaos, meaningful exhaustion, and accelerated maturity. There is no manual for it. But there are our stories.
“Share this with your classmates! Or, better yet, write us your experience. It may become the next article.”
Introduction
Freelancing seems like an ideal solution for many Romanian students who come to the Netherlands. You can organize your time, collaborate with student associations, do something useful for the community, and sometimes receive compensation. But what does it actually mean to be a “legal” freelancer in the Netherlands? How do you register? What risks do you face if you don’t do it correctly? And most importantly: what confusions arise when authorities do not know the difference between volunteering, freelancing, and undeclared work?
1. What does freelancing mean in the Netherlands?
Freelancers are self-employed workers. In the Netherlands, they are registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and have a tax number (BTW-nummer). This means they are responsible for their own income, taxes, and administration. They do not have an employer, do not receive a fixed salary, and do not benefit from the protection offered by standard employment contracts.
For the authorities, a freelancer is someone who: has multiple clients; issues invoices; sets their own rates; is not constantly supervised by a client; does not have a fixed schedule imposed by someone else.
2. How do you register?
The main steps are:
Make an appointment at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK);
Fill in a form describing your activity (e.g. “Content writing”, “Web design”, “Cultural events”);
Receive a registration number and, if applicable, a VAT code (BTW);
Every year, declare your income and pay the corresponding taxes.
For students, there are exceptions. If the income is low, you are not automatically required to pay VAT. But if you do not register and you receive money, authorities may consider that you are doing “illegal work”.
3. Why is it confusing?
Many student organizations collaborate with young people through projects, scholarships, or partnerships. Sometimes the payment is symbolic. Other times, there is no payment at all. The problem appears when: Dutch authorities (DUO, Belastingdienst) do not recognize the type of collaboration; the organization is not a company, but an NGO; the student is not a “worker”, but a beneficiary or a volunteer.
In these situations, the risk is high: DUO grants can be withdrawn, repayments can be requested, or investigations can be initiated.
4. What rights do you have as a freelancer?
Even though you are not an employee, you still have important rights: you can refuse collaborations that do not respect you; you can ask for a written contract or a clear assignment; you have the right to be paid on time; you can ask for help from associations such as FNV Zelfstandigen or from student unions.
5. What risks exist?
The most common problems are: misunderstanding by authorities: if you do not clearly explain what you do, you risk being accused of “earning money illegally”; issues with DUO: if you have a grant and authorities believe you work full-time, you may lose the money; fines: if you receive money and do not declare it, you can receive penalties; lack of insurance: freelancers must take out private insurance, especially if they have constant income.
6. What can you do to protect yourself?
Register with KvK if you have regular income; Make clear contracts with the associations or clients you work with; Keep all invoices, emails, and proof of work; Inform yourself: ask student councils, legal advisors, or even DUO.
7. A real case (anonymized):
Ana, a Romanian student in Groningen, collaborated with a Romanian NGO that ran projects for pupils. She wrote articles, translated materials, and promoted events. She was paid a total of EUR 300 in one year. She did not register as a freelancer because she did not know she had to. One year later, DUO asked her to repay EUR 6,000, saying that she had “worked”. Ana appealed and proved that she was an occasional collaborator, not an employee. After 6 months, she won the case.
Conclusion
Freelancing in the Netherlands is an opportunity, but also a challenge. If you want to work legally, be informed. Not all collaborations mean “work” in the classic sense. However, without documents and clear explanations, authorities can misinterpret your situation. Most importantly: talk to other students, ask for help, and do not leave things to chance.
CTA: Have you had a similar experience? Write us your story and share the article with classmates who might need it!
Moving to another country to study is one of the bravest and most exciting decisions you can make as a student. But it also comes with many question marks. If you chose the Netherlands, you made an excellent choice – a modern education system, many opportunities, and a vibrant international community. However, daily reality is not exactly like in brochures.
In this article, we offer you an essential guide: from the documents you need, to the mistakes to avoid, and how to start student life without panicking.
1. Documents and basic steps for moving
BSN (Burgerservicenummer) – the equivalent of a personal identification number. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, work legally, or receive funding from DUO.
How to get it:
Go to the City Hall (Gemeente) of the city you live in.
You need: passport/ID card, rental contract, proof of university enrollment.
Make an appointment early. Some cities have waiting lists of 3–4 weeks.
DigiD – your digital account for everything related to the Dutch state: DUO, taxes, healthcare, etc.
Create it here: https://digid.nl
You need an official address and a BSN. You will receive a letter with an activation code – make sure you are at home!
Dutch bank account
Essential for:
Paying rent (many landlords do not accept foreign accounts);
Salaries if you work part-time;
DUO (they do not transfer money to Romanian accounts).
Most popular options: ING, Bunq, Rabobank, ABN AMRO.
2. Accommodation – an extreme sport if you are not prepared
The Netherlands has a severe housing crisis. Rents are high and demand far exceeds supply, especially in student cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen).
Solutions:
Apply to student housing (SSH, Xior, The Student Hotel);
Search early on kamernet.nl, pararius.com, or Facebook groups (e.g. Romanians in the Netherlands);
Beware of scams! Never pay in advance without a contract and proof of the landlord’s identity.
Average rents:
Room in a shared house: EUR 450–700 / month
Studio apartment: EUR 850–1,200
Central studio in Amsterdam? Let’s just say a full-time job helps.
3. DUO and other sources of funding
DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) offers financial support for EU students, including Romanians, if they work at least 56 hours per month or have freelance activity.
What you can receive:
Basic grant (approx. EUR 440/month);
Tuition fee loan;
Additional loan.
ATTENTION: If you do not meet the conditions, the money must be repaid in full. Check the conditions very carefully and save all proof (contract, hours worked, invoices, etc.).
4. Budget: how to survive without living only on pasta
Expense – Monthly estimate
Rent: EUR 500–900
Food: EUR 150–250
Transport: EUR 40–80
Internet/phone: EUR 30
Other expenses: EUR 100–150
Tips:
Cook at home, use apps like Too Good To Go;
Get a transport discount card (student OV-chipkaart);
Buy second-hand (Marktplaats, Kringloopwinkel).
5. Community and adaptation
Life in the diaspora can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning. The important thing is not to isolate yourself.
How to adapt more easily:
Join Facebook groups (Romanians in the Netherlands, Erasmus groups);
Attend student events;
Talk openly with classmates – everyone is going through the same challenges.
Advice from students:
“Don’t try to do everything perfectly. It’s better to make mistakes fast and learn.” – Andreea, Rotterdam
“It helped me a lot to start online therapy, even in English.” – Vlad, Utrecht
6. Apps that make your life easier
9292.nl – public transport
Marktplaats – second-hand shopping
Too Good To Go – discounted food packages
DigiD – access to public services
Tikkie – quick payments between friends
7. What NOT to do (from others’ mistakes)
Do not ignore letters you receive at home (they may be fines, tax notifications, important documents);
Do not assume everything is solved online – sometimes you have to physically go to institutions;
Do not leave documents to the last minute – everything takes longer than you think.
Conclusion: You will be fine, but be prepared!
Moving to the Netherlands is not only an academic step, but a complete transformation. If you are informed and careful, you will adapt quickly and make the most of this experience.
Have you already been through this? Share with your classmates or write us your experience!
Title displayed at the top (bold & large):
“What is DUO and how can it help you as a Romanian student in the Netherlands?”
Infographic structure (5 clear sections, “info box” style):
Who is DUO?
DUO = Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs
The Dutch agency that provides financial support for studies
What kind of support can you receive?
Monthly grant (up to approx. EUR 440/month)
Tuition fee loan
Additional living cost loan
Bonus: if you finish your studies within 10 years, part of it is written off
Conditions for Romanian students
EU citizenship
Enrollment at an accredited university in the Netherlands
Minimum economic activity (e.g. 56 hours/month of legal work)
What documents do you need?
Proof of work (employment contract or freelance invoices)
BSN + Dutch bank account
University acceptance letter
Proof of address (rental contract, official letter)
ATTENTION!
If you do not meet the conditions, you may lose your right to the grant
Keep your evidence (payslips, hours worked, etc.)
Stay informed: www.duo.nl
Footer with CTA:
“Share this infographic with your classmates who still don’t understand what DUO is!”
Suggested background image:
A bicycle parked next to a Dutch building, in light rain
Or: a student with a backpack climbing a long staircase (symbolizing a hard journey)
Main text (large, centered):
“Don’t give up. We all started from the bottom in the diaspora.”
Secondary text (smaller, at the bottom):
The first months are the hardest: between BSN, DigiD, rent, and courses in English, everything feels overwhelming. But every step you take is a victory. Keep going. Be brave. You have the community with you.
Hashtags/CTA at the bottom:
#StudentInTheNetherlands #StrongDiaspora #GCRS
“Share this further. Someone really needs this encouragement today.
Email content (body text):
Hi!
The UniSeek team has gathered a few updates for you that you really don’t want to miss this month, especially if you are studying in the Netherlands.
IMPORTANT: Change in the DUO process for freelancers
Starting this month, students who work as freelancers must attach a monthly invoice issued in the Netherlands in order to receive financial support.
Pro tip: Create an account on Moneybird or InvoiceSimple to quickly generate compliant invoices.
See an invoice template here → [PDF]
Last-minute scholarships – you can still apply until July 31!
It’s not too late! We found two interesting scholarships:
Holland Scholarship – EUR 5,000 (for students outside the Netherlands)
Erasmus+ Internship Grant – for those doing internships in the EU
Find the links and steps in a quick mini-guide here → [Scholarships Guide 2025 – PDF]
FREE WEBINAR: “How to optimize your DUO application”
When? Thursday, July 25, at 6:00 PM
Guest: a former DUO evaluator + two Romanian students who went through the process
Reserve your free spot here: [Zoom link]
Tool of the month: DigiD app
Do you have DigiD but still receive letters at home?
Install the DigiD app and enable notifications – you’ll receive updates quickly, directly on your phone.
Video installation guide → [YouTube link]
Bonus: Meme of the month
“When you find out you were paid for 57 hours and forgot to inform DUO”
Insert meme with panicked SpongeBob + “The Netherlands is calling!”
(click to download meme)
Spread the word!
Share this email with your classmates! If you are not sure whether you have checked off all DUO requirements, write to us and we’ll help you!
Contact us
Follow us on Instagram: @UniSeekNL
Sent with love by Romanian students for Romanian students. Stay informed and connected!
Title:
Romanians for Romanians in the diaspora: Students launch the UniSeek platform for educational, legal, and civic support
Date:
July 23, 2025
Location:
The Hague / Bucharest / Malmö
[The Hague] – Dozens of Romanian students living in the diaspora officially launched UniSeek today, an online platform dedicated to supporting young people studying abroad. The project responds to bureaucratic difficulties, lack of information, and the feeling of isolation faced by many Romanian students in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, or Sweden.
“UniSeek is not just a website. It is a community built by students, for students. We aim to be that ‘friend who knows everything’ about scholarships, documents, DUO, DigiD, and all the administrative complexities of the diaspora,” said Laura D., one of the platform’s founders and a master’s student in The Hague.
What UniSeek offers:
Step-by-step guides: for scholarships, freelancing, and university applications
Legal and civic support: appeal templates and explanations of student rights
Active community: a space for dialogue between students, professionals, and mentors
Newsletters and alerts: with the latest information about DUO, jobs, and grants
The platform was developed by a multidisciplinary team of volunteers, at the initiative of the organization Global Confederation of Romanian Students (GCRS), with the support of over 15 universities across Europe.
“We no longer want to feel invisible or treated as ‘administrative problems.’ Through UniSeek, we want to reclaim our voice and help others avoid going through what we went through alone,” added Dragoș H., project coordinator.
Call to action:
The platform is free and can be accessed at: www.uniseek.org
Romanian students in the diaspora can also contribute as volunteers, mentors, or content creators. More details are available on the website.
“In a Europe of mobility, it is unacceptable for Eastern European students to be discriminated against or abandoned in a bureaucratic maze. UniSeek is a step toward normality and solidarity.”
— excerpt from the support message sent by Romanian Members of the European Parliament from the Renew Europe group
Performance Report – Student Communication Project in the Diaspora
Analysis period: July 1–21, 2024
Channels analyzed: Instagram (posts & stories), TikTok, Newsletter
Table: performance indicators
| Channel | Content type | Title / Topic | Reach | Likes | Shares | Saves | Clicks | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carousel post | “3 scholarship mistakes” | 3,400 | 290 | 61 | 47 | – | Most shared content | |
| Static post | “5 free apps” | 2,800 | 310 | 48 | 69 | – | Most saved content | |
| Story sequence | “What is DUO?” (quiz + poll) | 5,100 | N/A | – | N/A | 82 swipe-ups | Highest total engagement | |
| TikTok | Educational video | “What to do if you receive a letter in Dutch” | 4,900 | 740 | 103 | 28 | 33 | Organic viral reach, especially in groups |
| Newsletter | Mailchimp blast | “Student Digest: July 2025” | 2,300* | – | – | – | 194 (CTR 8%) | Good click & reply rate |
*Newsletter reach = number of subscribers + estimated opens from Mailchimp
Analysis:
Instagram Stories generated the highest total reach (5,100) and the strongest active engagement (through polls and quizzes). Recommendation: Continue this format with interactive content at least once a week.
Carousel posts had the highest share rate, especially for “how-to” content (applications, mistakes, tips). Recommendation: Educational carousels with clear titles work very well – at least one per week.
TikTok had the strongest emotional and viral impact, especially with relatable topics. Recommendation: Replicate these formats and possibly add RO/NL subtitles for accessibility.
The newsletter achieved an above-average click rate (8%) and meaningful replies (8 direct responses). Recommendation: Maintain a short but valuable monthly format, including links to guides.
Conclusions & final recommendations:
Interactive educational formats (quiz / poll / guides) have the greatest impact among students. The topics that perform best: “What does X mean?”, common mistakes, simple steps, RO–NL differences. A balance is needed between visual content (IG, TikTok) and in-depth information (newsletter, PDFs). Weekly: 1 carousel + 1 interactive story. Monthly: 1 newsletter + 1 explanatory TikTok. CTAs that encourage sharing among peers generate the most engagement.
