All about the Netherlands from Alise

Alise in Amsterdam

Meet and greet our new Dream Foundation intern- Alise Trišina (21), who is now  to Latvia from the Netherlands, Groningen to share her experience with students who are willing to know all about life and studying abroad.


Alise: " Right after I obtained my high school diploma I decided to study abroad. My choice was the Netherlands, Hanze University of applied sciences, International Communication program. It was not difficult to decide and get accepted from the University, all I need was my school grades and additionally I did IELTS exam (just to be sure that I can study in English)
And from September 2014 I started my studies. Currently I am on my 3rd year, which I am spending fully abroad on my internship and on exchange.After  more than 2 years of living in the Netherlands and of study exchange within  Erasmus program , I  decided that now I have some knowledge and experience to share with other future international students, who are considering the Netherlands as their future country to study and live in. 

At first, I had to adapt to the other culture and way of living, learn some basic Dutch and get used to the cycling everywhere.  Groningen  is located  in the north of the country  really close to the German boarder and close to the North sea.
 If you want to be always surrounded with international students from all around the world, it is a great choice. According to some statistics, every fifths person is a student, between  20-24 years old. You can imagine how dynamic, active and  energetic Groningen city is. There is always something happening, summer festivals, concerts or  markets, where you can buy cheap and fresh fruits and vegetables and many other things.The whole city is divided into a districts where students live and the central part of the city with squares and parks.

Groningen city street view during spring time

At first I was worried how I will find myself and integrate in such student city, because originally I came from a city with different pace, whereas a  city is larger and not crowded with bikes and students.
However, on a daily basis I was communicating with international people. The main focus of the program is to become more aware of cultural differences, analyze and build a strategies how to approach different cultural background clients. By working constantly  with other nationalities and cultures I grew up as a person and I started  to understand better how to communicate with people  in general.   

The system of higher education at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences has also some specific aspects which needed to be taken into account before applying there, so your expectations will match with reality.

First of all,  Hanze University  is an Applied Science University, which means all subjects have more practical way of learning and are based on the problem solving. Of course, theory is given during the lectures, but afterwards, it is used for the projects and is practiced during other classes. In the end, applied science university  gives you an opportunity to have a knowledge of the specific topic from different angles.

Secondly, our studies consist out of the blocks, not a semesters as in academic Universities. Each block consist out of the 8 weeks (2 months), when students are studying one subject and in the end of each block we had to hand in:
1) one exam, which consist out of the few subjects, which we learnedfrom the the lectures and seminars;
2) one project, which is done in a teams;
3) personal assignments, where each of the student can develop his/her personal skills

Thirdly, International Communication Program, allowed me to gain the experience with real life clients. From the very beginning we were working closely with the real life issues and clients, solving their communication issues and proposing our solutions.  For example, last year we had the IKEA company as a client, we worked  on the entering new market and expanding their "target group" . It was a great experience, to be a part of the large company and learn new things, which I would never be able to learn, if I would be studying in the Academic University.

The whole course is structured in such way that we are always learning features of the cultures, how to behave, how to plan the business with international people, what are their difference and commonalities. 
I realised, that friendship has no boarders when it comes to the countries, and no one can be judged by their nationality, we all are people, who came to the Netherlands to learn and have a great time. Although, I was included in many international projects, I made friends from all parts of our world.

Alise with friends

                                                        
Many things related to studying abroad are different from what we are get used to in Latvia.
For example, there is no hierarchy as it is in Eastern European countries in the education and at work.  It is totally normal to refer to your professor by his/her first name and have a really friendly relationships.  The communication style is also more open and friendly, if we compare with Eastern Europe countries.

Nonetheless, Groningen  is number one city when it gets to the cycling. The city roads are constructed in such way that it is easier and faster to take a bike, rather by car or public transportation. Also, people say, that there is more bikes than inhabitants. I had more than 3 bikes as the same time, just in case if one got stolen or someone will come to visit me. Right across the Central station is 2 floor parking for bikes, which is always crowded and there is a little chance to find your bike after you leave it there.

 Bicycle parking at the Groningen central station

However, I learned to have an extra bike and not to invest in it after it got stolen. 
I bought my first bike immediately on my first day, even before I payed rent and before I did groceries.  You can buy a bikes from bike shops in the city centers, as I did my first time, for around 60-80 Euro, which is average price for bike in the shops.  However, in few weeks it turned out that the wheels were broken, and to replace it  cost around 100 euro. I negotiated sellers in the bike shop, that I want to return bike and have another one, they agreed. My bike was quite simple, with no lights,  or basket, so for another 100 euro I upgraded it. Also I colored the wheels with golden color, so bike looked super fancy.  After a half of the year, I have been waiting for my friend outside the shopping center, it was a bit late and cold, so I decided to wait for her inside. When I came out, I saw a guy with exactly the same bike as mine. First, I did not realised that it was actually mine. I was shocked, so instead of running after him I started to call 112. Lady on the phone, was amused and annoyed by my request, and  no policeman came to rescue my bike, because it is totally common in the Netherlands.
 I still remember the face of this guy, who stole it, so maybe one day I will find my first bike, but for now I hope my bike is doing fine. First bike in the Netherlands is almost the same as having a pet, your threat him, get attached, and once it is gone, you have to find a new one. After I had more than 15 bikes in total, but my first bike was the best one :D

Looking at my past, I can say, that if someone would share his/her experience with me about living and studying in Groningen, I would still made some mistakes.No mistakes, means to me, that you achieved and learned nothing.




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