Health and social care students visit Utrecht in the Netherlands to compare healthcare systems

“The visit also offered valuable insight into how different nations respond to common challenges facing the sector.” Sara Jones, Health & Social Care Lecturer. 

Coleg Ceredigion health and social care students - along with those following an access course to health sciences, recently returned from an enriching study visit to Utrecht in the Netherlands. 

Utrecht is one of the Netherlands most vibrant and intellectually stimulating cities where students could blend academic exploration with cultural immersion and a meaningful opportunity to explore contrasting approaches to healthcare and social care. 

By stepping into a different national context, students were able to examine how systems are structured, funded and delivered outside of the UK, encouraging critical reflection on their own learning and assumptions.

The trip was funded through Taith, the Welsh Government’s international exchange programme.

Learners compared service delivery models across countries, considering how policy, culture, and resources shape the way care is provided. 

This comparative perspective allowed them to identify both shared priorities and distinct approaches, deepening their understanding of international practice.

Sara Jones, health and social care lecturer at Coleg Ceredigion explains: “The visit also offered valuable insight into how different nations respond to common challenges facing the sector. 

“In particular, students explored how the Netherlands is addressing an ageing population, the shift towards community-based care, and the ongoing need for a skilled and sustainable workforce. 

“Engaging with these themes in a real-world setting helped learners connect theory to practice, while recognising the global nature of issues within health and social care.”

A particularly valuable element of the visit was the time spent with the Buurtteam Inner City Team, where students were able to engage directly with professionals delivering front-line community support. 

This experience provided a clear window into the Netherlands integrated, neighbourhood-based approach to social care. 

Students observed how multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively to support individuals and families, focusing on early intervention, independence, and personalised care. 

This first-hand insight brought the Dutch social care system to life and encouraged thoughtful comparison with approaches in the UK.

The visit also included an engaging workshop with Vilans, the National Centre of Expertise for Long-term Care. 

Sara Jones added: “Learners were introduced to the organisation’s pivotal role in advancing healthcare and support through effective knowledge management. 

“Students explored how the organisation gathers, develops and shares best practice across the sector, ensuring that innovation and evidence-based approaches are accessible to professionals nationwide. The workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration, continuous learning and knowledge exchange in improving care quality, prompting learners to reflect on how similar approaches could strengthen systems in other countries.”

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Department of Celtic Studies at Utrecht University, where students were warmly welcomed by Nike Stam, assistant professor of Celtic studies, and by students taking medieval Welsh and minority-language classes. 

The session offered a unique interdisciplinary perspective, bringing together language, identity and health through thoughtful discussion and shared experiences. Our learners from Coleg Ceredigion reflected on how studying Welsh in an international context deepened their pride in the language, strengthened their interest in its history, and renewed their motivation to use the Welsh language more actively. 

What stood out most for college staff throughout the trip, was the level of student engagement. Whether debating ideas during academic sessions or navigating the city independently, students demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine willingness to learn. 

Many have since reflected on how the experience has influenced their academic interests and future career ambitions.