The Journey
Timeline
Five days. Two countries. Follow the full journey from Belgium to Leeuwarden and back.
The JourneyNorth
Monday, 9 March 2026
Belgium to Leeuwarden
Our journey began on Monday 9 March. We travelled by train from Belgium all the way to Leeuwarden, a city in the very north of the Netherlands. None of us had ever been there before, which made the trip feel even more exciting. The journey was long, we switched trains multiple times and spent hours watching the scenery change outside the windows. By the time we arrived, it was already late afternoon. After checking in, we headed out to explore the city for the first time.
- Long train journey with multiple connections
- First arrival in Leeuwarden
- Evening city exploration
- First taste of Dutch cuisine and culture
- Check-in and preparation for the week ahead
01NHL StendenAwaits
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
NHL Stenden University, Leeuwarden
The next morning marked our first official day of the International Project at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. We were welcomed with an introduction to the programme, followed by remarkable guest lectures from Justid on digital passports and ING on banking security. The campus was larger than expected, with modern infrastructure and an open atmosphere that immediately made the experience feel international.
- Welcome session and programme introduction
- Guest lecture: Digital Passports by Justid
- Guest lecture: ING Banking and Cybersecurity
- Campus tour and lab introduction
- NHL Stenden Security Officer lecture
02AI, Cultureand the City
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
NHL Stenden and Leeuwarden City Centre
A day packed with inspiration, from the AI Experience Center to an intercultural workshop with international students, and a guided city tour through Leeuwarden's historic streets. Although the weather was rainy, it did not stop us from enjoying the experience. We learned about M.C. Escher, the Dutch Royal Family, and the unique character of this northern Dutch city.
- AI Experience Center visit
- Intercultural workshop with international students
- Guided city tour of Leeuwarden
- Discovered M.C. Escher's connection to the city
- Dutch Royal Family history and city heritage
03Cyber andCollaboration
Thursday, 12 March 2026
NHL Stenden and Online (Berlin)
Our most technically intensive day. A hands-on cybersafety workshop with realistic security scenarios, followed by an online collaboration session with students from Berlin. Together we built a presentation on how technology can reduce the impact of natural disasters, exploring how digital solutions and communication systems can minimize damage and improve response efforts.
- Cybersafety workshop with realistic scenarios
- Critical thinking and problem-solving challenges
- Online collaboration with students from Berlin
- Joint presentation on disaster response technology
- Cross-border teamwork and international exchange
04ReturningHome
Friday, 13 March 2026
Leeuwarden to Belgium
The final day arrived sooner than expected. After several intense but memorable days in Leeuwarden, it was time to return to Belgium. The same train stations, the same bags, but something was fundamentally different. What started as a trip to an unfamiliar city had turned into an experience filled with learning, collaboration, cultural exchange and unforgettable memories.
- Final farewells and reflections
- Long train journey back to Belgium
- Processing a week of memories and learning
- Stronger bonds and new perspectives gained
- A journey that changed more than just location
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