Sometimes people choose a city. Sometimes the city chooses them. That is how Brigitta’s story with Leeuwarden began. Originally from Indonesia, she came to the Netherlands after a path that already crossed different worlds: first studying Agro-industrial Engineering, then working as a Business Analyst in the banking sector, and later deciding to return to university for a master’s degree in Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

I asked her some questions about her experience so far, both as a student at Campus Fryslân, but also as an international in Leeuwarden, and here are some of her answers.

Why Sustainable Entrepreneurship?

For Brigitta, the choice of programme started with travelling, observing, and asking questions.

“I really love to travel, whether it be inside or outside the country. But when you travel abroad, you can't help but compare your country to the others.”

Those comparisons were often found in small everyday things: public transport, clean public spaces, paper packaging, systems that seemed to work better.

“During these moments I saw how other countries try to be more sustainable from simple and small things such as public transport infrastructure, public places unlittered, paper packaging usage, etc.”

And with those observations came thoughts many international students probably also relate to:

“Then you think 'Why isn’t Indonesia doing that?', 'Indonesia could also do it', 'if only it was like this in Indonesia'.”

She already knew some sustainability concepts and frameworks before coming, but felt there was much more to understand and much more potential to unlock.

“So when I saw this masters program, I thought that this is such an interesting topic I would like to study about.”

A Different Pace of Life

Moving to Leeuwarden meant adjusting to a new tempo of everyday life.

“I have lived in the capital city all my life, so moving to Leeuwarden allowed me to experience a more relaxed and slow paced everyday life.”

It was not a shock, she says, but it was an interesting shift. And one of the biggest changes happened in the kitchen.

“I didn't cook that much in the past, but due to the limited options of restaurants, type of cuisines available, as well as the expensive prices if you were to eat outside, I now cook a lot of food myself, even experimenting with other cuisines.”

She even started baking. Sometimes student life abroad teaches you through lectures. Sometimes it teaches you through a pan, a grocery list, and a recipe you hope works.

Small Campus, Big Connection

When Brigitta describes the social atmosphere at Campus Fryslân, her answer is simple and warm: "it’s nice!” She explains that because the campus is small, and the master’s programmes even smaller, it becomes easy to recognise people and feel connected.

“So it's very likely that you know everyone, or just at least have seen them somewhere on campus.”

That familiarity creates a different kind of university experience. You are not just one face in a crowd, but rather you become part of a community where people do notice each other.

“There are also lots of student events: it is very lively. There is always something to do.”

Study Life and Real Life

How demanding is the programme?

“It’s manageable.”

Brigitta points out that she studies full time and does not currently combine it with a part time job, which gives her more space outside academics. Still, she believes balance comes down to how you organise your time and who you work with. Outside classes, group assignments take time, but she speaks highly of her classmates.

“I am very grateful to all my friends in my class because everybody helps each other out and finishes their assignments or part properly.”

That reliability matters more than people sometimes realise. Good teamwork reduces stress, saves time, and makes studying far more enjoyable. She also likes that study and life do not always need to be separate boxes.

“You can also integrate study and life. As you are also doing group assignments with friends, at some point if you also just feel like hanging out with your friends and we also like to just continue with dinner together afterwards.”

And sometimes friendship turns into new initiatives.

“I even actually formed a new student committee with two of my friends”

Learning Beyond Theory

When Brigitta explains the Sustainable Entrepreneurship master’s to family or future employers, she highlights its practicality.

“The Sustainable Entrepreneurship masters program integrates theoretical knowledge and practical experience.”

She describes learning through real examples and current challenges, where students are constantly asked to analyse situations from different angles.

“Real life examples and challenges are served to you daily, asking you to analyze and observe it from a different lens.”

She also appreciates that the programme title does not limit graduates to one path.

“Despite the program title to have entrepreneurship, this program does not limit you to be a business owner.”

For her, entrepreneurship here is about spotting opportunities, thinking differently, and creating value while keeping economic, social, and environmental dimensions in mind.

Favourite Projects That Stayed With Her

Some assignments end with a submission, while others stay in conversation perhaps even after the semester finishes. Brigitta mentions two that stood out.

The first was a group project where students had to create a new product and business using flax as the main material.

“That was very interesting because you can be as creative as you want and imagination is your only limit.”

The ideas made such an impression that students still remember one another’s concepts today.

“Until now, everyone in class still remembers each other’s product, and that it still comes up now and then.”

The second project focused on the Frisian sustainable ecosystem. Students interviewed real stakeholders and mapped how different actors interact and support each other.

“It was fun because we could actually see how each stakeholder interlinked with each other, and just a very nice way to meet and talk with people with actual practical experiences.”

Looking Ahead

Like many students, Brigitta does not pretend to have every detail of the future mapped out.

“I am not sure yet to be honest.”

Still, some things are clear. She wants to keep travelling. She wants work that feels meaningful. She wants an international environment, collaboration across borders, and something that allows freedom of movement.

“One thing for sure, I see myself still traveling and doing something that allows me to travel.”

She also values the network and exposure she has already gained through the programme, especially through external partnerships connected to her thesis and internship experience.

Her Advice to Future Students

For anyone considering the programme, Brigitta does not hesitate.

“I would say go for it!”

And for those unsure because the programme is in Leeuwarden rather than Groningen:

“I would dismiss that thought because I actually now am very happy I am in Leeuwarden instead.”

She points to the city’s charm, the historic campus building, the close community, and the fact that Groningen is only a short trip away if you miss bigger city energy.

“The program itself brings you to a broad range of possibilities you could use to your advantage, and its only a one year program!”

Not a bad package after all.