A Dutch learning experience
WELL-rounded students who are independent and learning actively are a key component.
“Working in teams, students are encouraged to develop their own opinions, be creative and have an open mind, important 21st century skills, while acquiring traditional academic skills such as analytical and practical problem solving skills as well,” says Kingdom of the Netherlands Ambassador to Malaysia Karin Mossenlechner.
Many factors go into creating these well-rounded students.
“Our students are not only graded on participation and exams.
“We ask them to do many different things, they’re graded on doing research, presentations and group work,” says University College Roosevelt international recruitment and communications officer Denise Nijhuis.
During a breakfast meeting with the ambassador and other Dutch university representatives, she adds that students must participate in classes and lectures if they want to do well in their course.
Students are also encouraged to seek out their own career and academic counselling services which are readily available on all campuses, she adds.
Everything is available but the student must take the initiative to take care of themselves and their futures, she says.
Peace of mind for both parents and students is very important so it is very comforting that the Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world according to the 2016 Global Peace index.
It also belongs to the Top 10 happiest countries in the world, adds Mossenlechner.
“Perhaps better known for its beautiful tulips and tourist attractions, many Malaysians do not realise that the Netherlands is a choice destination for thousands of students from around the world with over 110,00 international students from 190 countries recorded annually.
“The number is increasing every year,” she says.
University College Utrecht international recruitment and economics lecturer Kim Zwitserloot says that the higher education institutions in the Netherlands are “very international.”
With living and learning in such an international setting comes a deeper understanding and acceptance of different cultures, she adds.
“You learn to live with different cultures, you eat their food and you communicate.”
The “international feel” naturally extends into the classroom, says Leiden University College The Hague senior recruitment and communications officer Elizabeth Anne Zeller.
“If you’re talking about international politics or history and you actually have students coming from that region, they can share their different points of view that may challenge the professor themselves,” she explains.
This widens everyone’s perspec- tives and a chance to learn the all-important critical thinking skill.
“Exchange opportunities exist and many of our students spend a semester abroad, anywhere in the world, while still paying only their Dutch university’s fees,” adds Nijhuis.
Being “so international” has also led to there being plenty of halal food options for Muslim students.
For example, says Tilburg University School of Economics and Management marketing and communications officer Gerben van der Lee, their cafeterias have halal food corners.
“Practically every university dining hall will have a halal food corner because we do have many Muslim students on campus,” adds Zeller.
Mossenlechner says there are now over 2,100 study programmes being conducted in English with more courses on the cards in the near future.
“We offer full studies in English as well,” she adds.
She also says that 13 Dutch tertiary institutions are among the top 200 universities in the world, adding that their programmes are recognised internationally and that students do not need to worry about accreditation once they return to their home countries.
Tertiary education in the Netherlands is also more affordable compared to other Western nations, adds the ambassador.
Tuition fees and cost of living can be about 20,000 (RM101,200) to 25,000 (RM126,500) a year, depending on the lifestyle and location of the university.
Malaysian degrees as well as A-Levels are accepted in most universities.
“So long as Malaysian students meet the requirements, it’s quite easy to be accepted into Dutch universities.”
“Compared to some universities, you get a lot more education for your money,” explains van der Lee.
“There’s more in-class time and more weeks a year of study.”
All new students will also undergo an introductory week before commencing their courses.
Erasmus University College head of marketing, recruitment and admissions Alex Whitcomb says this is an important week as it is when students are guided on how to live on their own.
“You learn things like how to open a bank account and how to get hold of your own bicycle and ride one,” says Zwitserloot, adding that cycling is part of the culture everywhere in the Netherlands.
“The bicycle is the king of the road there and there are plenty of places where it’s bicycle and pedestrians only.”
Basic Dutch is also taught at all universities to ensure students can go about their day-to-day living, says Zwitserloot.
However, Mossenlechner explains that 95% of Dutch people communicate well in English and international students should not face any problems going about their lives.