Ryan runs from Amsterdam to Athens. Everyday he runs about 30 km. And he is almost there. Today is his last day in Italy and tomorrow he will arrive in Greece. His blog rules! He is a real adventurer, although he has a lot of shitty places to sleep like busstops, backseats of cars or 'the beach'. This is the map of his adventures and RyanRunsEurope is the name of his blog.

Nuffic reports that the percentage of international students in Dutch government-funded higher education increased slightly in 2008, to about 7.5%. As in previous years Germany, China and Belgium are the three main countries of origin. Dutch students still prefer to go the United Kingdom and Belgium. The number of schools for primary education offering early teaching of foreign languages saw a 70% increase. In secondary education 59.5% of schools have active partners abroad for educational cooperation.

Belgium and the UK, our neighbouring countries.. Dutch students, show some courage! If I knew back when I went on exchange what I know now, I would have gone to Russia, or to Turkey or to Azerbaijan. Go and meet the unknown!

complete nuffic article here

Look what my notification said on facebook:
Keith Edmonds changed the time of the event "The End of the World"

He also defined the event as 'party', 'farewell-party'. In case you want to join, the end of the world, it is now scheduled at october 21st.

I found out just yesterday that (some) websites of airlines remember your visit and therefore make a the flight you have seen before more expensive every time you visit. Which worked for me, because I thought; 'Oh no, my flight is getting more and more expensive, I should book it now!'

Image via Wikipedia

I got fooled by technology. So Kill your Cookies! Or at least remove them before checking your flight again. Or use another computer.

In every internationally orientated city you willl find an 'Expat Community' where you will find the best drinks, meetings and tips for expats. An expat in this case is something different from a foreigner. An expat is in short a rich foreigner, or a foreigner with a good job.


The idea is that most cities are expensive for tourists. So it is time to stop being a tourist. Also it is a way to connect with home. In Amsterdam you will find the 'Expat Market' where you can buy typical American products like Skippy peanutbutter, Marshmellow-spread and, most inportantly, American Barbeque saus. Believe me; I know no American who hasn't compleined about Dutch Barbeque saus.

To start the topic of, the best Expat Communities online, starting with the letter B.

Brno Now

Brno, one of the most beautifull and historic cities of the Czech republic has its own expat website by the name of Brno Now. A good example of information that is not easily found for tourists is this schedule of big ice hockey games in Brno. A ticket costs only 5-7 euro's and you will have a nice night for little money. Plus, you will meet with real Czech people and Czech culture.

Berlin Zitty

Zitty Magazine is a not to miss magazine in Berlin. It is in German though, but you will be able to figure out the agenda. When it says no price it isusually free, and if it says 80's disco, you'll now what to expect.  Look for movies that say 'OR' (orginalsprache), which means 'in the original language'. That is mostly English, but it could be Spanish too. The agenda holds festivals, sport tournaments, art and much more. Here is a link to trips outside of the city; Ausflugtips. If we had not read this magazine while in Berlin, we would have missed Obama's speech.

Bejinger, Bejing

The Beijinger is the website in Bejing for Expats. It gives job postings, events, courses in Chinese and, for example, Social English Drama Parties. Bejing has a very big Expat community, and the way I read it, you have to beware to not only end up with other foreigners.

In The Netherland, the city of Utrecht, 100 students are kicked out of their appartments because their building is not safe. The emergency exits were blocked, and the students did not have enough opportunity to get out of the building in case of fire. Also a couple of students from the Dutch Antilles (the Carribean) where stuck without an appartment. They have nowhere to go. For now it seems that the owner of the building is providing them with hotel rooms.

Dutch Newspaper and Dutch TV about the subject.

If you hadn't noticed, my blog has a new lay-out. It is still under construction, so expect improvement in the coming days. The main advantage should be that my blogs will also be available in Dutch. Also, it should become more of a website than a blog. We will keep you updated.

You could win $3,500 with your video about travelling or studying abroad. Internationalstudent.com holds a yearly video contest, but the prize this year is bigger than everrrr. They say;

and there will be other great prizes, like an iPod Touch and a video camera. Not to mention worldwide fame and fortune in the international education community with your very own blog on InternationalStudent.

Image via Wikipedia

So now I am triggered too. Though I do not have a camera.. And I'm not really planning to go abroad for my studies anymore. That is one of the criteria, you have to either be an international student, or you should be planning to become one.

Good luck.