International students play a vital role in shaping Enschede’s identity as a vibrant, innovative, and international city. Whether you study at the University of Twente, Saxion, or ArtEZ, you contribute to the cultural richness and economic strength of the region. But living abroad also comes with challenges: finding a room, navigating Dutch systems, feeling safe in a new environment, building a social network, and discovering opportunities for your future. The CDA Enschede recognizes these realities and sees international students not as temporary visitors, but as an essential part of the city’s future. That is why their vision focuses on creating a city where you can live comfortably, study successfully, and feel truly at home.

One of the biggest concerns for students is housing. Enschede’s housing market is tight, and finding an affordable room can be stressful. CDA Enschede wants to change this by accelerating the construction of new, affordable homes, including student and starter housing. Empty buildings should be transformed more quickly into living spaces, so that more rooms become available without long waiting lists. The CDA also wants neighbourhoods to be greener, safer, and more pleasant, with good cycling routes, shared spaces, and sustainable energy solutions that help reduce your monthly costs. The goal is simple: a city where you can find a place to live without endless searching or financial pressure.

Education and career opportunities are another key focus. Enschede is a knowledge hub, and international students are a crucial part of that ecosystem. CDA Enschede wants to strengthen the connection between universities, colleges, and local companies, creating more internships, research opportunities, and entry‑level jobs. This makes it easier for you to build a future in Twente after graduation if you choose to stay. The party also emphasizes student well‑being, mental health support, and early help for financial problems, because studying abroad should be challenging in a positive way, not overwhelming.
Feeling safe in your city is essential, especially when you are far from home. CDA Enschede wants to ensure that everyone can move around the city with confidence, whether you are cycling home late at night or enjoying the nightlife. They propose visible neighbourhood safety teams, a firm approach to nuisance hotspots, and strong measures against street harassment. At the same time, they want Enschede to become cleaner and greener, with better waste management, more enforcement against littering, and climate‑proof neighbourhoods that can handle heat and heavy rain. A safe, clean, and green city is not only more pleasant to live in, but also helps you feel grounded and welcome.

Perhaps the most important aspect for international students is the feeling of belonging. Studying in another country can be exciting, but also lonely at times. CDA Enschede wants to support initiatives that bring people together: sports clubs, cultural events, neighbourhood activities, and student organizations that help you meet others and build a community. The party believes that a strong city is one where people know each other, help each other, and feel connected and that includes you.
 

For international students, this vision means a city where you can find a home more easily, study with good support, feel safe in your daily life, access opportunities for your future, and become part of a community that values your presence. It is a vision of an Enschede that is not just a place to study, but a place where you can truly belong. If you want the city to move in that direction, CDA Enschede is a party that takes your needs seriously and invests in a future where everyone counts. Including you!

With kind regards,

Jan Berendsen, candidate #6 for CDA Enschede