The Netherlands 2027
The Global Leaders Experience is heading to Rotterdam and The Hague!
Designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, this programme offers a unique opportunity to explore critical global issues in two cities, one of which famously known as the city of International Peace & Justice and the other a hub of reinvention home to the largest port in Europe.
Whether your passions lie in history, policy making, sustainability or even just a desire to explore a new city, this experience is your chance to develop your knowledge, skills and gain connections ready to make a meaningful impact in both your personal life and wider society.
About the programme
This Global Leaders Experience will take place between the 19th and 24th April 2027. The programme will typically take place between 9:00-16:00 every day.
We will spend the week in Rotterdam, with a day trip to The Hague on the first day.
We are currently putting together the itinerary and further information will be shared on this page once activities are confirmed. You can however expect to be immersed in both cities with tours of the local areas, visit the International Criminal Court and the Peace Palace visitor centre, find out about Rotterdam's historical water management system and explore dramatic skylines among many other activities!
Each day will be themed around a different topic to expose you to a wide range of subjects. If you don't study any of the topics, that's not a problem! You are not required to have any existing knowledge of focused subjects; this programme is designed to help push you out of your comfort zone and learn new concepts.
Throughout the week, in small groups of 5, you will be tasked with creating a question or topic to research and produce a 10-minute presentation to deliver on the final day. This piece of work is unmarked and will give you the opportunity to practice groupwork and presentation skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Use this time to explore a new city while relating concepts and ideas from your degree programme to real-life situations. As a trip embedded within the careers service, gain valuable first-hand experience while developing crucial skills required for your future careers.
Don't forget about your free time! While in Rotterdam and The Hague, you will have the opportunity to explore and take part in activities outside of the scheduled programme. Enjoy everything each city has to offer with many world-class museums, walks along canals and waterfronts, admire industrial architecture and try the local food!
Accommodation
We are currently in the process of booking accommodation. Once a location is confirmed we will update the website accordingly.
Please note that on this trip you will be room sharing, which will be based on 2 students per room at a minimum. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Travel
To support our sustainability journey, we will be travelling to The Netherlands via the Eurostar. Our meeting point will be London St. Pancras.
Please expect to travel to the meeting point independently on the day of the departure.
Eligibility criteria
- Are currently enrolled on an undergraduate programme and meet one or more of the widening participation criteria 26-27.pdf
- We have a limited number of spaces for undergraduate and postgraduate international students. Please check visa requirements for travel before applying.
- You can travel to and from the UK between the 19th and 24th April 2027. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Not currently on a placement year or study abroad. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Have an up-to-date passport with more than 6 months validity from date of return. â¶Ä¯
- Have not exceeded the 90 out of 180 days rule for travel in Europe by the date of the programme. . &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Managing Expectations â¶Ä¯â€¯
- The global travel sector remains impacted by well publicised strikes, cancellation and disruption. â¶Ä¯â€¯
- Please be ready to follow any national or local guidance in relation to travel, such as passport validity for The Netherlands.  
- If you are an international student, please check in advance visa requirements and costs essential for entry. Visa costs are not covered by the university. We will supply any travel documents required for your application. â¶Ä¯
- For home students, please be aware that the ETIAS travel authorisation may come into effect before this trip. We will notify you of any visa requirements before they take place. For more information, please press Visa costs will not be covered by the University.
- Students are expected to travel to and from the UK as part of a group for the trip. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Students will be sharing accommodation. Please see our FAQs for further information. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- There will be a pre-departure session which you need to attend ahead of the trip. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Cost
The University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will be booking and paying for the following:
- Return travel from London St. Pancras to Rotterdam and The Hague
- Accommodation for 5 nights in Rotterdam
- Breakfast on every morning of the trip
- Activities undertaken during the scheduled trip hours
- Travel insurance for the duration of the trip
Costs that are not covered by the University:
- Lunches and dinners
- Local transport costs
- Activities taken part in during your free time
- Visa costs where required
If the cost of paying for your own lunch, dinner and local transport cause a barrier to attending this programme, please get in touch with the team and we can discuss further funding support.
A travel bursary is available to those who meet the Widening Participation criteria. You can claim travel costs to and from the UK departure point (for example from campus to London St. Pancras) if student discounts are used; receipts must be provided. Claims can be made up to a maximum of £75.
Please note that the travel bursary cannot be used for additional accommodation unless in exceptional circumstances and must be checked and approved with global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk first. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â€¯
How do I apply?
Applications can be made . The deadline for applications is Friday 11th December at 23:45
Please note that we do not accept students on a first come first serve basis. We wait until the deadline has passed to shortlist, so please take your time with your application.
There is a second stage of application in the form of an assessment centre which you will be invited to after an initial round of shortlisting. If you are invited to an assessment centre, you will receive information in early January 2027.
For more information, please check out our Global Leaders Experience FAQs
Further Information
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email the team at global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk â¶Ä¯