Do you know the “Dutch Neeewz” superstar, Matheus Santana? 

Before becoming an influencer in the Netherlands, he first arrived here as an international student.

We discuss: 

🇧🇷➡️🇳🇱 From Brazil to the Netherlands: Matheus’ international student journey

🎓 The reality of studying abroad in 2026 (workload, stress & expectations)

🤝 Making friends, handling homesickness & overcoming language barriers

🇳🇱 Dutch culture shocks & everyday life surprises

🚀 Honest advice for future international students

Follow Matheus on: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santanamatheus?igsh=YmlsYTU1dXRsd2Z1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@santanamath?_r=1&_t=ZN-93sr4r7TCMh

Follow Studyportals on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studyportals?igsh=MTRyaHR4dHF1YnRpMw==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studyportals.com?_r=1&_t=ZN-93sr7tvH5RG

In this episode, we cover: 

00:00 Episode preview: studying abroad in the Netherlands
00:45 Intro: why this conversation matters for international students (2026)
01:50 Meet Matheus: Dutch news creator + international student story
02:27 Matheus’ background: Brazil education system, scholarships & his journey abroad
06:18 Studyportals scholarship: what it is
06:32 Biggest challenges of moving abroad (expectations vs reality)
08:00 Making friends abroad: practical tips for international students
10:03 Studying in the Netherlands: workload, group projects & stress management
12:55 Homesickness while studying abroad: how to handle it
15:27 Culture shock in the Netherlands: what surprised him most
17:02 Language barrier: confidence, communication & daily life
18:11 Funny Dutch culture shocks: birthdays, lunch culture & early dinners
19:35 How living in the Netherlands changes you (identity, mindset, independence)
20:26 Being an international student in 2026: honest advice + what to focus on
22:08 How to research study abroad options + tips for living in the Netherlands
24:42 Quick-fire questions: get to know Matheus better
25:40 Final advice for international students
26:30 Outro / subscribe

💰 Win a €10,000 scholarship to support your studies abroad

Apply now through the Studyportals Scholarship and take the next step toward your master’s degree:

https://www.mastersportal.com/scholarships/studyportals-scholarship/

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