Amanda Sopha - Country: Indonesia - College: Arnhem Business School, The Netherlands

Jeanine Elizabeth Masse - Country: France
College: European Project Semester, Copenhagen, Denmark

Alison Fong - Country: United States of America
College: Göttingen University, Germany

Frank Yu - Country: China
College: Tilburg University, the Netherlands

Vibeke Skaiaa - Country: Norway
College: Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Gurkiran Kaur - Country: Malaysia
College: Bordeaux Business School, France

Jean Johnson - Country: United Kingdom
College: Ecole des Mines de Nantes School of Engineering, France

Stephane Hardy - Country: France
College: Ecole Des Arts Culinaries et de L’Hotellerie de Lyon, France

Khalid Saalaoui - Country: Morocco
College: Ecole Superieure de Metrologie, France

Rami Isaac - Country: United States of America
College: Göttingen University, Germany

Guillaume Piffeteau and Corinne Poupard - Country: France College: Horsens Polytechnic, Denmark

United States of America ¦ United Kingdom ¦ Europe ¦ Africa ¦ Australia ¦ Canada ¦ New Zealand

A selection of profiles on international students who are currently studying in Europe. The words are their own.........!

Country: Indonesia
Age: 21
College: Arnhem Business School, The Netherlands.

Impressions of an Indonesian student in the Netherlands

Amanda Sopha, 21 years old, was born in Medan on Sumatra (Indonesia). During her youth she moved many times. No wonder she went abroad to finish her highschool in the States. After that, she wanted something different. On an education exposition in Jakarta, she met the Arnhem Business School. After a few months she went for the first time to Europe and for the first time to The Netherlands.

Amanda is one of the international students who choose the Arnhem Business School because of its International Business Studies (IBS) programme. This programme, taught entirely in English, lasts four years and leads to a Bachelor’s degree in International Business.

It is composed of a wide range of modules on subjects like International Marketing, Communication and Management. "I am preparing myself for the future, because I am going to apply for a job in an international company", says Amanda. She thinks studying abroad is good for the additional experience, learning different languages and cultures. "I learned not to see good and bad in someone’s culture. There are differences, but as they say: you don’t judge the book by its cover. I think that is really important when you are living in a foreign culture…"

The IBS programme is practice-orientated and emphasises cases, simulations and small-scale projects. Amanda: "I like the way IBS students are participating in the class. They have an active attitude and often discussions between student and teacher lead to other interesting topics".

The IBS staff is dedicated to the task of supervising and guiding international students like Amanda. They assign special tutors to all the international students. In the third year Amanda is expected to go abroad for study and placement. The Arnhem Business School maintains a network of institutions in more than 20 counties both in and outside Europe. Amanda is looking forward to the new campus the Arnhem Business School will open in early 1998. "Provided that it is inside the city of Arnhem, because I really have come to feel at home here!", she adds…

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Jeanine Elizabeth Masse

Country: France
Age: 21
College: European Project Semester, Copenhagen, Denmark

We have improved our English language skills and we have learned to look upon buildings differently, says Guillaume Piffeteau and Corinne Poupard after one year's international study at Horsens Polytechnic, Denmark.
Corinne and Guillaume have attended the 3½ year Architecture & Construction Engineering Education.

· We have learned methods to do things that are very different from the way we know from France. It was very difficult in the beginning, but everybody have been very helpful, and I very much appreciated to work together with students of different nationalities, says Corinne Poupard.

· The language is normally a big problem if you go abroad. It is expected that you understand English. In Denmark, however, we are more equal, as English is a second language to everybody, says Guillaume Piffeteau. He believes that the study in Denmark has opened new possibilities to apply for jobs in many international French companies.

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Country: United States of America
College: Göttingen University, Germany

"Where exactly is Göttingen and why are you going there?" are the questions family and friends most frequently asked me when I told them I was going to study abroad in Germany for a year. At that point in time, I could only
reply, "Somewhere in central Germany and the University of Göttingen has an exchange program with the University of California." Living and studying in Göttingen these past ten months has been such a great experience that I now have too much to say! What stands out most in my mind are Göttingen's comfortable, friendly atmosphere; the beautiful architecture in the "Innenstadt" (someone once told me, "just look up"); delicious Mensa food; and, of course, all the different kinds of people whom I have met throughout my stay here. It is neat to think about the people who live in Göttingen: wherever they are from and whatever they are doing here, they are the ones who make Göttingen and its university as amazing as they are.
Allison Fong is studying sociology and German language

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Country: China

Frank Yu studies International Business at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Born in China, Frank lived in Peru before coming to Holland. He speaks Chinese, English and Spanish. AI was working in Peru but realized I wanted to study more, and some Dutch friends advised me to choose International Business, a full English language programme, at Tilburg University. The university has a very good reputation and its business school is ranked among the best in economics and business in the Netherlands. Furthermore, theuniversity is very internationally orientated. I have been here now for over a year, and I can confirm that the organisation is very professional with a motivating emphasis on self-study. The campus can be characterized as a compact educational city and it wasn’t very hard for me to settle into this new environment.

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Country: Norway
College: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary

I grew up in Mandal Norway, a small town in the south of Norway. However I come from and international related family and has spent much of my life living abroad. I spent four years in Kenya as a child and one year in The United States as a teenager. I The last five years I have attended the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BUTE), faculty of Architecture here in Hungary.

I traveled through Budapest a couple of years prior to my studies, and fell completely in love with this magnificent city. It had everything; charm, beauty, bullet holes in the walls and an exceptional history. I decided to look into the possibilities for studying Architecture in Budapest. The BUTE was therefore my first choice in fields of study. I believed and still do that Budapest is an exceptional surrounding for my choice of studies.

Architecture has been an only choice from I was quite young. It was either that or an F16 pilot. I decided to be realistic. I always liked the thought of being creative in a constructive way. In the faculty of architecture in the BUTE they offer both. They have an extremely broad range of classes and offer the students a varied and complex knowledge, which I personally believe is unique in its kind. It’s one of the few Universities in the world were they give you the unique chance to graduate with an M.Sc in both Architecture and Engineering.

My studies at the BUTE have spanned over five years. In 1998 I graduated with a B.Sc.Arch.Eng and decided to continue for my M.Sc.Arch.Eng. The workload has for the most time been rewarding and interesting, even though it at times could be quite heavy; 35 credits a semester is no joke. But as most places, what you give is what you get back, in terms of goals, achievements and results. Professors and fellow students are there all the way to improve your life as a student, both inside and outside the University walls.

During my studies at the faculty of Architecture I have developed a strong interest in the topic of heritage architecture and post war reconstruction. As The BUTE has a comprehensive master program including all the parts of architecture and engineering, I have tried to choose topics for my projects related to my field of interest within the limitations, which are given during studies. I hope to develop my interests further in the future by further research activity or joining an international organization or company.

The BUTE has given me a strong foothold for a future step into the real world of challenges, and new and exiting experiences both private and public.

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Country: Malaysia
College: Bordeaux Business School, France

Gurkiran Kaur, from Malaysia, is studying International Purchasing at the Bordeaux Business School in France for a period of one year.

After my initial degree in law and having completed an International Practitioners MBA in London, I wanted to broaden my horizons and open up added career opportunities. I had already taught French at a basic level at home in Malaysia, and when I heard about the English language Master in International Purchasing in Bordeaux, it seemed the ideal opportunity to break into a new domain while improving my language skills through living in France.
Choosing the MIP
Joining the MIP programme has lent a fresh perspective to my education. I particularly appreciate the numerous occasions we have to meet multinational companies such as IBM, Siemens or Motorola, as my goal is to work in a challenging international environment. Purchasing is a flourishing corporate sector where excellent negotiation and communication skills are vital. An international profile coupled with these skills stands me in good steed for my future career. In a few weeks time I am going to the USA for a four month internship in a multinational which I’m very excited about, although ultimately I’d like to live and work in Asia.

Cultural Interaction
Coming to France was a real adventure for me. I grew up in both England and Malaysia, and I speak fluent English, Malay, German and Punjabi. It is rare for someone from my country to study in Europe so I really wanted to make the most of being here. The French-speaking students are really friendly and helpful and the Bordeaux region is full of interesting things to do, with a quality of life that is a world away from anything I had previously experienced. I even took part for the first time in a wine tasting session! France is a totally new experience and one that I completely recommend to anyone coming as I do from an international environment.

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Country: United Kingdom
College: Ecole des Mines de Nantes School of Engineering, France

Jean Johnson is a student at the University of Wales, Swansea, doing her final year of engineering studies as a Socrates exchange student at the Ecole des Mines de Nantes School of Engineering.

'I had chosen from the beginning to do my Electrical Engineering degree with French -
mainly because I had taken French to A-level, and wanted to keep going with it. Goodness knows why I chose to do my Final year in a foreign institution in a foreign language - but here I am!

Given the choice of Angers, Marseille or Nantes, I chose Nantes on account of the fact that it is a Grande Ecole and therefore well respected and looks good on my CV as well as the fact that it is very well funded and therefore well equipped.

I love France and the French culture - vin, pain, boursin etc. Fresh croissants for breakfast at the cafe before lectures can't be beaten! The school is in a lovely setting right next to the river Erdre where you get to do water sports if you are lucky!

The working culture in an engineering school is very different from that back at home. There are lots of classes and labs rather than just a few with lots of reading around the subject. At first it was really difficult to get used to. It was also difficult to follow lectures early on
although this got easier and easier and nowadays is rarely a problem.

Training in Industry is compulsory, and abundant during the course of an engineering diploma. As this year counts as my final year, the equivalence is between a 3-month project in industry and the project I would have done in Swansea. This is also a big plus, as not only will I come out of it with work experience, but work experience in a foreign country. I have the opportunity to see how things work in French industry, and discover other cultural differences with my mother country.

The student life is good too, the Maison des Eleves houses the bar (and a large hall used for "Tonus" evenings (rather like a nightclub -bar, lights, music & dancing 'till 4am...). There are lots of clubs too - I am a member of the Cine club and the Role-playing club. It is a very interesting thing pretending to be a troll in another language!! And you certainly learn vocabulary that you are not likely to be taught in your school French class."

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Country: France
College: Ecole Des Arts Culinaries et de L’Hotellerie de Lyon, France

I was brought up in a family where cooking meant to give of yourself to others. Passionate about it, I asked myself if I could make a living from my pleasure. I looked everywhere for a school where I would be able to succeed in the discipline of “gastronomic” . I then chose to study at L’ Ecole Des Arts Culinaries et De L’Hotellerie in France. The culinary arts management programme has finally given me the opportunity to combine pleasure with an income. “L’EACH Lyon” offers, amongst other things, courses in French Cuisine, marketing, Human Resource Management and Accounting to allow you to develop and sustain a profitable business.

For my first internship I was in a French gourmet restaurant. I loved the chef’s personality which was deliciously reflected in each dish. To make, to create, to par-take, its marvellous. Admittedly the job is demanding and there are difficult moments, but when you work for your own pleasure and that of others, nothing can stop you.”

Stephane Hardy, 2nd year student at L’EACH- Lyon.

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Country: Morocco
College: Ecole Superieure de Metrologie, France

My name is Khalid Saalaoui. After completing my higher studies at ENIM in Rabat I decided to apply for the ESM. Located in a very industrial area, ESM trains outstanding five-year higher education students.

Besides an introduction to Business Administration (Marketing, strategy, project and production Management) what really appealed to me is the international awareness of the ESM bringing together many overseas students as well as famous foreign professors and teachers. Moreover the teaching is bilingual.

I do believe that this open-mindedness, through visits, meetings with specialists, as recently in Bordeaux, where every student participated in the International Metrology Congress, is the most relevant added value of the SchooL Its high level technological orientation makes this top level specialised training a very well adapted response to the needs and expectations of Industry, especially through its 4 month supervised industrial experience.
Human relationships are also very much developed within the schooL Exchanges with the teaching staff are very easy and intensive. Teachers and professors always attentively analyse our improvements. We are trained to work in groups. Personally, it enables me to discover another culture, which I had no problem fitting in. Living together, with other foreign students at the Student's Residence has also helped me a lot. We benefit from outstanding and modern facilities in the city centre and also have the opportunity to join numerous societies and clubs. Douai is ideally situated, right in the heart Europe: 1h00 from Paris and Brussels, 2h00 from London and Amsterdam... which is really convenienL

Next September I will graduate, enriched with experience and skills companies are particularly looking for. Thanks to the quality of the degree course completed at ESM I will be ready to start and envisage a successful professional career.

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Country: Palestine
College: Institute of Tourism and Transport Studies (NHW), the Netherlands

Rami Isaac, from Palestine, is in his final year of "International Tourism Management and Consultancy" at the Netherlands Institute of Tourism and Transport Studies (NHW) for a period of three years. He plans to do a one-year follow-up course: European Tourism Management4
"It's rare for someone from my country to study abroad, so I am very motivated to finish this course with good results. I worked in a souvenir shop back home where I met many tour operators and became interested in tourism. Unfortunately there are no universities in Palestine offering tourism education. After Holland I plan to go back to Palestine to work with the Ministry of Tourism on the development of the tourism industry. Tourism is very important for the economy in my country and it's an industry that can provide employment right now. There's a lack of infrastructure and educated personnel, so there's a lot of work for me to do.

I finished my first year of hotel management at the University of Bethlehem before the NHTV In the beginning it was difficult to get used to a different culture and different people. I had never been outside my country and was alone in a foreign country at nineteen years of age. The teaching method was new too. I had never worked in groups before and education in my country is very individually oriented. But l mostly had no difficulties with the subjects.
In my second yean I went to Wales for a traineeship. At the Welsh Tourist Board I made a regional tourism plan for Wales. I got experience to use in my future work; for example, how to make a training plan for educating people on the importance of tourism for Palestine. The Chief Executive of the Welsh Tourist Board is willing to help set up an exchange program to give Palestinian people a chance to do a traineeship in Wales. So I'm using my study in Holland to talk to organizations interested in the development of Palestine.

In consultation with the Minister of Tourism I have made some plans for the future, which could be supported by Dutch organizations. The difficulty is that we are dealing with a very fragile political situation. If the peace process fails, everything is lost. But tourism is the best chance for the economical development of my country.

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We have improved our English language skills and we have learned to look upon buildings differently; says Guillaume Piffeteau and Corinne Poupard after one year's international study at Horsens Polytechnic, Denmark.

Corinne and Guillaume have attended the 3½ year Architeaure & Construaion Engineering Education.

We have learned methods to do things that are very different from the way we know from France. It was very difficult in the beginning, but everybody have been very helpful, and I very much appreciated to work together with students of different nationalities, says Corinne Poupard.

The language is normally a big problem if you go abroad. It is expected that you understand English. In Denmark, however, we are more equal, as English is a second language to everybody, says Guillaume Piffeteau. He believes that the study in Denmark has opened new possibilities to apply for jobs in many international French companies.

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