Netherlands Updates

Country Special Lectures

I had expected a solid introduction to Dutch business culture during the ‘Doing Business in Europe’ project, and our group has been given one. I didn’t realize that we would be given incredibly informative introductions to the business cultures of six other countries and two geographic regions within Europe.

We have been taught about the relevant cultural, historical, and political aspects of the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Eastern Europe, France, and Italy, and still have Scandinavia and the United Kingdom to learn about in the coming week, all from Hanze University faculty who are extremely knowledgeable, and often born-citizens, of the region being discussed. You would need to travel to these places and be involved with business there in order to learn everything, but there is no better preparation for doing so than what we have been given here.

Calum MacDonald
Student, Business Administration
Strait Campus

The Netherlands!
Travel has opened my eyes to cultural experiences I otherwise would never have experienced. My time in Groningen so far has not only met, but exceeded any expectations I may have had including: the city, the school, the program, and especially the people. Last night I had the privilege of meeting an unspoken hero. A classmate and I were on our bikes, and of course, my elastic strap on the back of the bike got caught in my chain and wedged inside the chain cover. It was completely immobile!

As we struggled to try and think of a solution (the most likely being carrying the bike back across the city), an older gentlemen stopped to see if he could help. He spoke no English, but through limited hand gestures and pointing, he said he would be back in a few minutes. Continuing to fiddle, a few minutes later he pulled back up on his bike this time with a tool kit, and was able to remove the mangled bike strap. He shook our hands and was on his way! No expectations, and was almost embarrassed at the amount of thanks I was giving him!!!!!!! Ultimately I am having the most incredible time learning about doing business in Europe while being part of the diverse and vibrant city of Groningen.

Jennifer Arseneau
Student, Business Administration
Truro Campus

Great Program

It is hard to believe that we are in the last week of our summer school program here in the Netherlands. It has been a fantastic experience as an instructor and member of our group. Our Dutch hosts have provided a top notch program that covers all the important aspects of internationalization such as culture, business, academics and social activities. Every international experience is different. Going to new countries with an open mind is a very important aspect of the internationalization process. I have learned so much from my experience and I plan to share this with my students and other faculty.

Helen Graham
International Field School Coordinator
School of Business
Faculty, Business Administration