Dominic - 1st Year International Business Student
Meet Dominic Bach, a first-year International Business student originally from Thailand. Dominic's journey to the Netherlands has been filled with new experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
Adjusting to Dutch Life and Thriving in Class!
Culture Shock
Upon arriving in the Netherlands, the most significant culture shock I experienced was related to the housing situation. I quickly realized how crucial it was to start looking for accommodation a few months in advance. To cope with this, I sought help from my friends and family, asking them to assist me in finding a place.
Dutch Classroom
My first impression of the Dutch classroom environment was quite positive. Although my class was more international, given the International Business major, I found the Dutch people to be very fun and engaging. During my first few weeks, we had to change our study coach, but fortunately, both teachers we had were excellent, which made the transition smooth.
Social Integration
I integrated socially by participating in volleyball sessions organized by HAN. A memorable social event that made me feel at home was the Lunar New Year's event, where I was surrounded by people who shared similar cultural backgrounds and experiences.
The most important lesson I learned was to start looking for housing early—plan ahead and avoid the stress!
Conquering Challenges, Excelling in Extracurriculars, and Pro Tips for Success!
Challenges and Triumphs
The biggest challenge I faced in my first year was mastering accounting. To overcome this, I enlisted the help of a tutor, which significantly improved my understanding and performance in the subject. One of my proudest achievements was earning 45 credits, which felt like a significant accomplishment.
Extracurricular Activities
I am actively involved in volleyball, training with two clubs—one in Arnhem and another in Nijmegen—and attending weekly HAN sessions. I discovered these opportunities through an Instagram link that was posted. The Lunar New Year's event had a significant impact on me as it helped me meet many new people with similar experiences.
Advice for New Students
My advice to new students is to start looking for housing early and not to overestimate their abilities when exams approach. This advice is crucial because I know people who are struggling to find housing for the upcoming school year due to delayed planning, even though they were aware that their previous housing contracts were expiring.
Final Thoughts
Expect to feel homesick frequently but remember that everyone is in the same boat. Making friends, even if they are not from your home country, is essential. My first year has made me more diverse and culturally aware, shaping a positive outlook for the remainder of my studies.
