_{When you think of studying in the Netherlands, cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Groningen might come to mind first. However, there is a hidden gem in the north that offers a unique and fulfilling student experience. It is not a city in itself, but a unique area of the Netherlands that goes off the less beaten paths: Friesland (or Fryslân)! Whether you are Dutch or international, if you are a curious person and interested in the diversity of our world, Friesland has something special to offer: its own language, calm and endless landscapes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a fantastic place to live and study.}

So, what is Fryslân?

Friesland, or Fryslân, as spelled in the local language, is a province in the north of the Netherlands, known for its open spaces, historic towns, and deep cultural heritage. Unlike other Dutch provinces, Friesland has its own official language and not a dialect, Frisian, spoken alongside Dutch. This gives the region a distinct identity, making it one of the least expected but most fascinating places to study in the country if you are not a fan of the hustle and bustle of the cities, skyrocketing prices, and usually beaten paths.

Ode to the landscape

If you come from a place that is not the Netherlands, mentioning the landscape as a must-see in the low countries might sound like a stretch. What is there to see in a country that is mainly water, mud, and grass, where the tallest mound is only 870 metres? While this holds somewhat true, it is equally true that a space like this creates sceneries that cannot be seen anywhere else.

First on the list is the sky view. Because there are so few tall obstacles on the horizon, the sky in Friesland stretches endlessly, a vast expanse of blue that seems to wrap the province in a soft duvet. It meets the green of the grass in one direction and the darker blue of the sea in another, creating a quiet, almost meditative harmony between land and sky. When the land is so flat, two-thirds of your view is sky, and taking the time to notice this can be unexpectedly breathtaking.

Second on the list are the canals, threading through the landscape like liquid veins. Much of Friesland was once underwater, and the water management system that saved it still shapes the province today. These channels are mostly navigable, whether you rent a small boat or bring your own. You can also paddle a canoe and let the silence of the countryside wash over you. In a country as crowded as the Netherlands, the calm you find while drifting along these waters is extraordinary, a rare moment of peace that feels almost timeless.

Third are the Wadden Islands. Islands always have their own character, and these northern European islands are no exception. They are officially part of Friesland and can be explored via the harbours along the Frisian coast. Do not expect tropical palms or coral reef fish. Instead, you will find a quiet, contemplative beauty, a sense of life moving at its own pace, detached from the mainland, with rhythms that need no explanation. For the adventurous, it is even possible to go mud walking in the Wadden Sea between the Frisian coast and the islands, an experience that this author has yet to try but would eagerly add to the list of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. How many people around the globe can say they have walked on mud between land and island, guided only by the tides?

Frisian: A language, not a dialect

Yes, you read that right. Friesland has its own language, Frisian (or Frysk, as locals call it), which is the closest living relative to English. You might not need to learn it to get by as everyone here speaks Dutch, and some English depending on where you go, but hearing Frisian is a reminder that you are in a truly unique part of the Netherlands. You will not get this experience elsewhere.

The province is proud of its language and culture, and you will even see Frisian on street signs, public transport, and in local media. The language became recognized as official in 1956, and since 2014 it has had the status of an official language with its own law regulating its usage.

Want to impress locals? Try these Frisian phrases:
"Goeie!" (Hello)
"Hoe giet it?" (How are you)
"Oant sjen!" (See you later)

Do not expect an overly enthusiastic reaction in return. Frisians are quite sober in their reactions, which does not mean that they do not appreciate the attempt, but that they do not feel the need to express that with an exaggerated comeback.