A Canadian student at a Dutch university
PERSONAL DETAILS:
Where are you from?
Canada
What university do/did you attend in the country of your origin?
None
What university do/did you attend in the Netherlands?
NHTV, Breda
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NETHERLANDS
What kind of cultural expectations did you have before arriving about the Netherlands, and were they right?
I had no expectations at all with regard to culture as I did not know anything about Dutch culture I think I came with an open mind.
Did you have any language barriers in the Netherlands?
Many people in Holland speak English; I think it is just finding the nice people that don’t mind speaking English to you in shops and what not. I speak very little Dutch and find it difficult to ask people if they speak English, I think this is a personal issue but it does mean I miss out on things and shopping at times for shoes, clothing or food can be difficult.
Did you experience any kind of culture related miscommunication?
No, nothing that I can think of I think the cultures tend to be quite western.
After your arrival, what surprised you about the Netherlands?
The weather, dealing with all the rain! The fact that the Dutch truly do ride their bikes everywhere. I think also the parties that cultural events that are so large here like queen’s day and carnival.
STUDYING IN THE NETHERLANDS
Were the people you get in touch with mostly Dutch, other Exchange students or people from your own country?
Mostly Dutch or German, I know every few that are from other counties at my program does not have any exchange students.
What is the difference in communicating with teachers compared to your own culture?
The biggest difference is how casual students are with their teachers, like calling them by their first names. Also I think the students in Canada give much more respect to their teachers then in Holland. Also in Holland I have the impression that many of the teachers are not trained teachers but just personas that have worked in the chosen educations field.
How does the Dutch school system differ from your own?
The first year process is much different, having to finish your first year classes is not mandatory in Canada (I think). The school system just seems to be more much more relaxed in Holland something I do not think is a good thing, with regard to the amount of work asked of you and the kind.
What are, in your opinion, the advantages of studying in the Netherlands?
It was cheaper than the rest of Europe of a person from North America to study, although this is no longer the case. That is about it.
What are, in your opinion, the disadvantages of studying in the Netherlands?
The relevance of education to the international community, will me schooling be able to be applied outside Holland or Germany? The lack of international students.
If you had to make a choice again, would you choose to study in the Netherlands again? Why or why not?
I do not think so; at the NHTV I feel a lack of teaching and learning of relevant skills. Also there is little international appeal to the school as hole. Although the people here I have met are amazing.
LEISURE:
What do/did you do in your spare time?
Study, party and explore different cities in Holland.
What are the differences in going to a restaurant, bar or club in the Netherlands?
I don’t speak Dutch so I am not conferrable going out. The music in the bars and clubs are all the same and is terrible.
What kind of parties did you attend in the Netherlands, and were there many of them?
Normally I just go to bars in the city center or to friends houses, this is not much different then Canada although the music and age of people going out is much more different. Going out in Amsterdam is something that is really fun and crazy!!
Did you experience any differences in rules about dating or relationships?
No I don’t think so
OTHER SUBJECTS:
What are the differences in financing your student life compared to your own country?
In Holland Dutch students have it made!!! There education is all paid for by the government and normally you do not have to pay it back. In Canada you get money from the government but you have to pay it back in a small amount of time and many students leave school owing thousands of dollars ( in just two years I owe more than 10.000 dollars)
Most students in Canada work well they go to school and I find the same is in the Netherlands.
What kind of differences in foods did you experience compared to your own country?
There seems to be a lot more unhealthy foods here as well the Dutch seem to deep fry anything they can!!
What do you think of the Dutch people?
Their tall, nice, can be cheap with money, enjoy the sun when it comes out and tend to party just as hard as they work!
What kind of advice would you give to new exchange students?
Come with an open mind, get a bike and get to know some Dutch people not just other exchange students and Germans!!
‘THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS INTERVIEW!’
To emphasize the objectivity this document has been duplicated literally. Therefore there might be some inaccuracy in the English grammar and vocabulary.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I’m going there in a few months for a year and hoping to really experience all of Europe as well as Holland. As you’ve said it’s important to really have an open mind and try to really get out there and try things out rather than waiting for things to come to you. Thanks for the info.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Hey, Thanks for your honest opinion. It’s useful to know. I’m going to NHTV in the fall. And before even leaving, I am having some difficulties! It is very hard to find an apartment in Breda (not enough apartments, everything in Dutch, etc.) and the international office has refused to help me find something! Do you have any advice?