I found myself one day reflecting on change. I had always wanted to see how it is like to live in a different country, a different culture and a different climate. And after traveling abroad on a few occasions, the feeling grew exponentially. So I then had to think which country would fit me best. Among foreign languages I only spoke English at a very good level, I have a liberal view on life and I knew I wanted the best education I could get in the field of programming. This brought me to three websites of Dutch Universities, and if it wasn’t for InHolland’s convenient location, just outside Amsterdam, I would have had to roll dice to make a final decision. It’s difficult to form an opinion unless you see a place yourself, and for me it was nearly impossible to attend the open days of these three Universities due to long distance and high costs.

InHolland struck me as a serious institution from the beginning. Their website looks very professional, it’s up to date and it will answer most of your questions as a (potential) student. I also had a pleasant experience while requesting more information than I could find on the website (e.g. on housing).

My first day of school was overwhelming, so much technology put to good use, I had to learn how to access my student account, how to store data on it, how to access the documentation for the lectures, how to use the multifunctional printers from my account (free of charge), how to borrow a laptop or a projector from the Service Desk, how to use the lockers to avoid carrying my jacket and books around all day, how to use the chipknip to pay for food at the canteen etc. Staff was extremely welcoming and I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all day. I was so happy with my choice.

The years to come were just as full of intriguing experiences. All theoretical concepts which were taught were then immediately incorporated in a group project, and all projects were inspired from small tasks that actual IT professionals deal with in their daily work. Similar to working in a company, we had to learn to be able to research when we didn’t know how to proceed, to cope with dead-lines and to improve our team spirit and know how and when to push someone who was lazier than the rest. In these three years I’ve gained valuable knowledge about programming, database administration, networking and the business environment. I have also made friends from all over the world and learned a lot about their culture.

Apart from other things which most Universities may offer you, I’ve had two experiences which I owe to InHolland. One was when I was asked to go back home and represent InHolland at an International University fair. I found great pleasure in passing on my impression of InHolland to potential students and I simply loved the admiration they all had for me for having chosen to continue my education abroad and for helping them to do the same. After the fair I stayed in contact with a few persons, and one of the girls I met on the fair is currently studying at the same University as me, but at another program, and we are close friends.

And the second best experience was the job I had last summer. Companies sometimes approach University teachers with the aim of hiring good students for small projects. My teachers recommended me, and like that I got an interview, and then the job. It really pays off to be the best student you can be.

At the moment I’m very excited about the up-coming internship, and I’m making plans for a study exchange in the US for my final year of Bachelor’s.