MSUD CJC Study Abroad

The following is a story by Lauren after we visit The Hague University of Applied Sciences:

Our second day in The Hague was the best day yet. Wendy and I started off with our usual routine, getting ready and going to breakfast. We realized this morning that they value living in the moment and not being in a rush when they are working. While at the coffee shop, we noticed the workers socializing and taking their time, which is very different than in the United States, where we value proficiency and hustle. We then made our way over to The Hague University of Applied Science, where we got to meet amazing staff and students. We learned about how to detect lies, and learned about the correlation between climate change and police work, which is a research topic I have never heard of. We got to talk to different students about so many topics when it comes to their education system versus the United States. Here in the Netherlands, students take a placement test at age 12, where that tests places them in a “class” for the rest of their educational career. The class you get into after that test for high school also determines what colleges you get to go to. The lower classes are able to go to trade schools while the higher classes are able to get into better colleges. I was amazed by this because I feel as if that is such a big thing to put onto a child at 12 years old as it determines their entire life. I also learned that here, they are allowed to retake exams such as midterms and finals for a better grade. That took me by complete surprise, as in the United States the grade you get is simply just that. You can make some points up by doing other things, but never a retake. Later in the night, the students and staff held a mixer for us at a local mexican restaurant. We got to meet and mingle with so many students and we built so many connections. It was honestly the best time we’ve had so far. We all sang and danced all night long. Tonight, we unlocked new core memories that I am forever grateful for and look forward to telling these stories for the rest of my life.