This year’s International Student Barometer has revealed that Erasmus University Rotterdam is currently doing quite well in providing a high-quality international student experience. Compared to previous years, we have received high scores in a range of domains. Orientation events such as Eurekaweek, our student wellbeing facilities, and the services provided by the International Office are some of the services that are highly appreciated by our international student community.
About the ISB
Erasmus University Rotterdam is committed to offering our international students the best possible experience. To know whether we are indeed on track, the International Office launched the International Student Barometer (ISB) in November 2023. The ISB, a comprehensive global survey for international students in higher education, addresses topics such as study programmes, support services, campus facilities, wellbeing support, and overall student life. The survey provides a valuable tool to gain insights into our international students' experiences.
Response rate
With a total of 1.720 responses Erasmus University achieved a 20% response rate from its international student population, aligning with the global average response rate. Globally, the ISB received feedback from 122.975 international students across 155 universities in 25 countries, allowing for valuable comparisons among institutions both nationally and internationally.
Highlights
- Net Promoter Score: University Rotterdam proudly achieved a Net Promoter Score of 17 (on a scale from -100 to 100), indicating a strong likelihood of students recommending our university to family or friends, surpassing the Netherlands' average score of 9. This is a result to be proud of.
- Arrival Experience: Feedback indicates high satisfaction with introduction activities and services, with the Eurekaweek receiving particular praise for fostering a welcoming environment and facilitating new connections. “I was scared before the arrival but I’m glad I came for the Eurekaweek it was totally worth it. I made so many new friends and felt very welcomed by the school as well”.
- Mental Health Support: Erasmus University's attention to mental health and well-being is well-received, which is reflected in the high satisfaction rate of 91% among students, surpassing the Dutch benchmark of 87%.
- Services Provided by the International Office: The service offered by the International Office are evidently satisfying, with an impressive 3.5% improvement over the Netherlands ISB benchmark.
Room for improvement
- Living: It comes as no surprise that students still mention the availability and costs of accommodation as important areas of improvement. It is therefore crucial to be transparent and to manage expectations for incoming international students.
- Learning and Employability: Employability is key for our international students when it comes to their study choice. Despite positive feedback on the career guidance that is currently offered, only a limited number of international students currently utilize these services. It is good to note that E&S is expanding the career support team and will provide dedicated services for international students.
What’s next?
The International Office of Erasmus University Rotterdam will further analyze the available data, provide specific feedback to all faculties, and use the valuable feedback gathered from the ISB survey to further enhance the services for international students at Erasmus University, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- More information
For questions or further information, please contact the International Office at internationaloffice@eur.nl