KreativEU International Student Festival

Is this for me?

If you're studying at one of our KreativEU partner institutions and you're into culture, creativity, AI, or just curious about what studying across Europe actually looks like - this is your moment.

Maybe you're already planning your exchange semester. Maybe you've never left your home country. Maybe you just want to meet people who get excited about the same random things you do. Whatever brought you here, if you're interested in:

• Meeting students from across Europe (and actually staying in touch)
• Experiencing how AI is changing creative industries
• Figuring out what "intercultural competence" means in real life
• Discovering the Netherlands (outside of Amsterdam)
• Dancing at a gala surrounded by medieval architecture

...then you should probably keep reading.

Programme

The programme below is subject to change.

Wednesday 20 May - The beginning

• Arrive in Breda
• 18:30 | Welcome dinner in the city centre - get your welcome pack, meet everyone, realise you're going to need a bigger Instagram story capacity ;)

Thursday 21 May - Explore everything

• 10:00 - 11:00 | Welcome at BUas - opening session, group photo (make it count) and ice-breakers 
• 11:00 - 12:00 | Campus tour led by actual students (not scripted, we promise)
• 12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch at BUas
• 13:00 - 18:00 | Afternoon adventures: tour and activities in Breda
• 18:00 - 19:30 | Downtime - recharge at your accommodation, hunt for that golden hour photo in the city, or find a café to people-watch before the evening starts
• 19:30 - 22:00 | Pub quiz at the Lighthouse - test your random knowledge, meet the wider BUas community

Friday 22 May - Learn & celebrate

• 09:45 - 10.30 | "How to Dutch" - everything you need to know about living in the Netherlands, from an international staff member who's been through it all
• 10:45 - 12.00 | AI workshop - how it's actually impacting creative work (not just the hype)
• 12:15 - 13.15 | Free time - explore Breda, grab coffee, decompress
• 13:15 - 14.15 | Farewell lunch
• 14:15 - 18.00 | More free time - prep for the gala, do some final exploring, or mentally prepare for dancing in a medieval church
• 18:00 - 22.00 | ESN Breda 10th Anniversary Gala at the Grote Kerk (network event with stakeholders)
  Dress code: gala attire (yes, really - think fancy, think dramatic, think "when will I ever get to do this again?")
• 23.00 - ? | ESN Afterparty at Holy Moly

The practicle stuff

Before you get excited

Your home institution decides who gets to attend this festival - so check with them first before you start packing. Each partner institution nominates their student representatives, and they'll handle the selection process. Don't skip this step.

Money things

• Accommodation: Your institution arranges and covers this (either by booking directly or providing reimbursement)
• Travel to/from Breda: Your institution arranges and covers this (either by booking directly or providing reimbursement)
• Meals during the programme: Included on Wednesday evening, Thursday and Friday afternoon
• Activities and workshops: Free
• Gala ticket: On us
• Your own budget: anything outside the scheduled programme (shopping, extra drinks, spontaneous city adventures) comes out of your own pocket

Your responsibility

Travel insurance is essential - things happen (lost luggage, missed flights, accidents). You're responsible for any issues during your journey, so make sure you're properly insured before you leave. Check if your institution provides this or if you need to arrange it yourself.

What to pack?

• Your best gala outfit (this is not a drill)
• Comfortable clothes 
• Valid ID/travel documents
• Travel insurance confirmation
• An open mind (cheesy but true)

Getting here

• Arrive Wednesday 20 May
• Leave Saturday 23 May
• Your home institution arranges your travel - coordinate with them for all details

Questions?

Hit us up: [email protected] 

We're here to help, whether you're wondering about dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or just need confirmation that yes, you really do need to bring gala attire.

The bottom line: This is your chance to be part of something bigger - a European community of creative minds figuring out what comes next. Three days. Eleven countries. Infinite possibilities.

See you in Breda.