# Learning experiences from summer school of Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands - Savonia AMK > We visited the Hanze University of Applied Sciences 5. - 9.6.2023. Hanze University is an international Health Care School in the Netherlands. ## Introduction We visited the Hanze University of Applied Sciences from June 5th to June 9th, 2023. Hanze University is an international Health Care School in the Netherlands. At the summer school in 2023, Hanze offered three intensive studying weeks with the main theme of worldwide challenges in healthcare. We participated in the second week. In addition to our Finnish students, Canadian and American students also studied at the Hanze Summer school. From Savonia, there were four students and one teacher participating. The visit was part of the Savonia course: “Working and Studying in an international environment,” which is part of the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation. We were able to apply for funding from the Erasmus program for studying abroad, which was a great benefit for an adult student. ## Groningen and the Netherlands The Netherlands is part of Western Europe, with Belgium to the south and Germany to the east. The North Sea is the border in the west and north. Nearly 26% of the land area is below sea level, and the population is 17.8 million. Groningen is the capital city of the Groningen province. With about 235,000 inhabitants, it is the sixth-largest city in the Netherlands and the economic and cultural center of the northern part of the country. Established more than 950 years ago, it is a lively city where one in four people is a student. Hanze UAS has approximately 28,000 students and 3,200 employees, with about 8.1% of students being international. ## Studying in an International Environment Studying in an international environment was interesting but challenging, especially at first, due to the language barrier. However, the other students were inclusive and patient. Study days included lectures, group work, and field trips. The teaching method used was debate; after field trips, students had to present and defend development ideas for the operation of the study visit object. The week focused on the "Health of the Future." The Dutch healthcare system faces challenges similar to Finland: a shortage of workers and high costs. We were tasked with solving a future challenge: how to provide people with five more healthy years of life while reducing health disparities by 30 percent. ## Field Trips ### Jimmy’s Jimmy’s is a community youth center for 12–27-year-olds. It aims to prevent loneliness, provide peer support, and help young people learn new skills. It offers a "low threshold" environment where youth can discuss topics confidentially and receive mentorship. These principles align with social rehabilitation, which aims to improve functioning and prevent marginalization by supporting social relationships and community inclusion. ### ECEZG (Expertise Center for Primary Care Groningen) ECEZG is a center where therapy (physiotherapy, manual therapy, and arthrokinesiology), scientific research, and education converge. Their mission is to provide high-quality care and conduct practice-oriented scientific research. They emphasize Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), ensuring that clinical decisions are based on the latest and best-researched information. ## Cycling Culture A memorable aspect of the trip was the prevalence of cycling. The Netherlands has 23 million bicycles for a population of 17.8 million. Cycling is a primary mode of transport for all ages, which contributes to cardiorespiratory fitness. Given that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, establishing healthy lifestyle habits like cycling at a young age is vital for increasing healthy life years. ## Conclusion Although the study days were intense, we had time to explore Groningen, which is a beautiful, walkable city with a rich culture. While studying in English was challenging, the experience was highly rewarding. We recommend participating in such courses, as stepping into the "discomfort zone" is essential for professional and personal growth. **Writers:** * Eini Tikkanen, Masters Student of Savonia University of Applied Sciences * Harri Ruotsalainen, Masters Student of Savonia University of Applied Sciences ## References * Fernström Maria, Fernberg Ulrika, Hurtig-Wennlöf Anita. The importance of cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep duration in early CVD prevention: BMI, resting heart rate and questions about sleep patterns are suggested in risk assessment of young adults, 18-25 years : The cross-sectional lifestyle, biomarkers and atherosclerosis (LBA) study. BMC Public Health. 2020 Nov 16;20(1):1715. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09801-3. PMID: 33198684; PMCID: PMC7667815. Referenced 11.6.2023. * Hanze University 2023. Hanze Summer School Flyer 2023. Received by e-mail. Flyer. Referenced 26.7.2023. * Hopkins Medicine 2023. Evidence-based practice. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/nursing/center-nursing-inquiry/nursing-inquiry/evidence-based-practice.html. Referenced 1.7.2023. * Jimmy´s publication date unknown. Community youth center in Groningen. https://jimmys050.nl/. Referenced 11.6.2023. * Nieminen, Ari. 2018. Sosiaalisen kuntoutuksen määritelmä, kentät ja mahdollisuudet. Teoksessa Kostilainen Harri, Nieminen Ari, & Böckerman Heidi (toim.) Sosiaalisen kuntoutuksen näkökulmia ja mahdollisuuksia. Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu, 13-20. * Tennant, Callum. 2022. The World´s cycling nation: How the Netherlands redesigned itself as a country fit for bikes. Euronews website. Published 17.9.2022. https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/09/17/the-worlds-cycling-nation-how-the-netherlands-redesigned-itself-as-a-country-fit-for-bikes. Referenced 11.6.2023. * Toiviainen, Sanna. 2019. Suhteisia elämänpolkuja – yksilöiden elämänhallintaa: Koulutuksen ja työn marginaalissa olevien nuorten toimijuus ja ohjaus. Helsinki: Nuorisotutkimusseura Nuorisotutkimusverkosto, 11-12. * Wikipedia 2023a. Netherlands. Updated 10.6.2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands. Referenced 11.6.2023. * Wikipedia 2023b. Groningen. Updated 10.6.2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groningen. Referenced 11.6.2023. * Wikipedia 2023c. Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Updated 30.5.2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanze_University_of_Applied_Sciences. Referenced 11.6.2023.