"If you have the chance to take a year abroad - do it"

Swansea student Maddy French is nearing the end of her time on her year abroad. Currently studying International Business Management, Maddy was offered the chance to take an optional third year of study outside Swansea within its partnerships with various institutions across the World.

Maddy chose to go to De Haagse Hogeschool, The Hague, Netherlands over America and Canada as she wanted to have an authentic experience. I recently spoke to Maddy when she briefly returned to Swansea just before the Easter holidays to see how she was getting on.

Courtesy of M. French

When Maddy first arrived at The Hague back in September she did not know what to expect,

“Before I arrived I had heard that The Netherlands was a very interesting country with lots of things to see and do”

“I found the other exchange students to be very welcoming when I first arrived. We were all in the same position and have got on really well. I now consider some of them my close friends”

However, as some exchange students do not spend a full academic year, Maddy has noticed a shift in the atmosphere between some of her fellow flatmates and full time students.

“When arriving back after Christmas to a new set of exchange students, those of us who had stayed a full year felt we were not included in their welcome weekend, which has meant we do not socialise with them very much which has alter the group dynamic in regards to social activities”

“Some of the full time students are not very accommodating of exchange students, especially when working in groups for assignments, as an exchange student I can choose modules from each year so my timetable changes each week which causes occasional clashes of classes which full time students do not accept sometimes”

Apart from the occasional mishaps with the students, Maddy praises the help of the Universities teachers and staff who always try to give exchange students as much information and help possible.

Courtesy of M. French

“It’s a very different work ethic compared to Swansea, but I have kept up with the demands of my studies through the help of teachers. They try to give as much information as they can in regards to work and exams as well as events and activities going on in The Hague and the rest of The Netherlands”

With the Welsh Varsity being one of Swansea’s most treasured traditions, De Haagse Hogeschool do not host any such events, a disappointment to Maddy who thoroughly enjoyed her last two experiences at Varsity.

“It is not apparent that there are any traditions here. There doesn’t appear to be any sports teams at the school so there is nothing like Varsity. There is a beach party at the end of the school year but it is far from the big occasion that is the Summer Ball”

With a year abroad comes the difference between University culture, structure and learning. The Netherlands has a very different attitude towards University life compared to Swansea students with Maddy stating there is a huge difference in culture between the two Universities.

Courtesy of M. French

“The structure of classes here is a lot more like attending a Secondary school. Attendance is taken at each lesson with homework and assignments being set regularly. There are fewer lectures as students are assigned to class groups which have between 25 to 30 people in each one and students remain in these groups for the whole year which allows for a more interactive and supported learning environment”

“I have found it to be a large workload compared to Swansea but I am undecided whether I prefer the self-learning approach at Swansea or the interactive supported learning here”

Although Maddy has found it difficult to approach the academic calling of her year abroad she has benefited greatly from her year abroad, especially being given the opportunity to take some subjects which are not taught at Swansea. However the main benefit of her year abroad has been meeting new people.

“I have had the chance to meet a huge number of people from a broad range of nationalities. As these people do not speak English as their first language, I have found my ability to read peoples body language and understand what they are saying in their native language has improved massively”

Courtesy of M. French

With her year abroad coming to a close, Maddy shared some of her best memories that she is going to take away from her experience, noting that one of her best memories was her spontaneous decision to come to Swansea for a night out.

“There are many memories I am going to cherish from this last year. But the times I have enjoyed most is when all the exchange students get together to celebrate the different holidays and events we are missing from our native countries. I hope to continue this tradition when I am back in Swansea”

The all-important last question I asked Maddy: Would you recommend a year abroad to students thinking about doing it?

“I strongly recommend a year abroad, especially for business students who will be working with people from all across the world, and will often be required to travel in their jobs. It has given me a small insight into many different countries and cultures through meeting a lot of interesting people”

“Although I have enjoyed my time in The Hague, I would only recommend it to students who prefer a more structured and supported learning environment”