weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Niederlande
Land:
Niederlande
Universität:
HZ University of Applied Sciences
Semester und Studiengang:
4. Semester Bachelor International Tourism Management / Health & Medical Tourism
Aufenthalt:
summersemester 2017
Über die Universität:
HZ University is located at the suburban area of Vlissingen at the Atlantic coast/North Sea. It is a small university with a personal approach. For ITM students, there is a great variety of courses available. So, it should not be a problem to find all equivalents for the courses you need or want to take. Our study programme at the European Campus also includes elements of business management. Since the HZ offers “International Business Management” as well, you can also choose single courses of that programme to combine with Vitality & Tourism Management. However, be prepared that some of your courses chosen might overlap. So, it is a good strategy to choose all the courses you find interesting and then make your final selection on-site.
I highly recommend the course combination of “Wellbeing in the Delta”/“Research Methods” as these courses will give you extensive knowledge of scientific work from the bottom up. What makes this combination so special is a theoretical part (1,5 hrs./week) and a practical part (ca. 8–12 hrs./week), guided by a supervisor. I find such comprehensive courses as a fix component for each student useful, the content is relevant for the subsequent thesis at the end of the study programme. It is hard work, very hard and time consuming, but it´s worth it, as you learn something for your life – professional and personal. What is important to know, however, is the fact, that many courses include group projects, the results are part of your final grade. The “problem” is, that the whole group receives ONE grade, no matter which student had contributed how much. As we all know, group work can be strenuous and difficult sometimes. Tensions arise, especially when there is a grade at the end of the project. But let me assure you, this is very normal! Other students reported similar experiences. All in all, I must say that the HZ is a university with high demands on quality.
Betreuung vor Ort:
The employees (Int’l Office and lecturers) help where they can and always have an open ear for their students. However, you´ll establish contacts to your peers quickly and, of course, prefer to ask them for help or advice when you face any problems. As I started my studies one week later (due to my exams I had to finish in PAN) it was too bad that I had missed the introduction day and the first weekend, which is perfect to find like-minded people easily. Moreover, organizational matters were explained and tackeled, when possible, during the first week. As I started later, I had to find out by myself – but I survived!
I found my accommodation in a Facebook-group (details in the third part of my report). It was a private accommodation and 50–100 €/month cheaper than making use of the agencies. I was really lucky to find that great room in a quiet surrounding which helped me a lot when I had to learn and concentrate. Generally, there are two companies, which help you to find an accommodation: APV and l'escaut. Contact details and links to these services can be found directly on the website of HZ University. However, rooms are often going to be allocated one month before studies start. Describing what I had to organize myself is short and easy: all important information is given in the study guide (deadlines, requirements, assignments, course structure and much more). No one will remind you! You have to read the study guide of each course carefully and remember the important dates and requirements. So, during the studies in Vlissingen, you´ll develop perfect time management skills, if you don´t have them yet.
As to the HZ staff I can really say that they are very friendly and helpful. Regarding organization and communication not everything goes smoothly, but nobody would expect that.
Tipps:
What is to mention (although I assume you have a certain level of language when choosing a semester abroad), dictionaries during the written exams are NOT ALLOWED. This is somehow unfair, as Dutch students receive their exams in Dutch language – but international students have to accept and cope with this regulation. Furthermore, please take your ID card AND your student card with you, when you have your exams. No one will remind you beforehand.
You will have to write assignments, hold presentations and do group projects during the semester, the results are all part of the final grade together with the written exam. Sometimes, you also have to write a mid-semester exam, depending on the course you take. This kind of teaching and learning system has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you are forced to keep up with learning and practicing the content during the semester. On the other hand, you won´t have much time to travel around or to relax every weekend (of course, it depends on how many courses you take). However, you can use the public holidays to do that or add a week or two after your exams to discover amazing cities and beautiful beaches, although water temperature is definitely cold for bathing or swimming - even in summer time.
Doing a semester abroad really is an important and (most of the time) nice experience. What are you waiting for?