English
Dear students,
My name is Hanna Berretz, I am 21 years old and I am an international student at the University of Groningen. Currently I am in my second year of the Economics bachelor program. Next to my studies I am an active member in my faculty association, the EBF, and the Amnesty International Student Group. Of course I also like to go to the ACLO and join random open hours.
Originally I am from Germany and decided to study in the Netherlands not at least because of the high level of education and to experience the adventure of studying abroad.
I highly appreciate the opportunity to represent students and Lijst Calimero, the party that overall stands for a high quality of education, in next years University Council. I believe that active participation and influence of students in the decision-making processes of the University are more effective than complaining to unknown authorities in order to improve education and the factors surrounding student life.
In my opinion the student life is not only defined by academic activities like spending hours behind a desk in order to score high grades in exams, but rather by additionally being involved in nonacademic activities like memberships in student and sport societies, clubs and associations. Active participation, however, is often time consuming and the current structure of the courses often does not allow for any flexibility. Videotaped lectures and online education would be one approach to make studying more flexible.
Flexibility is even more important for students starting a second study or working students.
Another important factor of a successful degree and future life is individual and personal development. At the moment the options for individual choices within a degree program are very limited. The extent of courses which can be freely chosen needs to increase and students need to be provided with advice and help concerning their choices and future development.
Besides individual choices it is also important a personal advice and feedback is crucial but in order to provide that the contact between students, teachers and course coordinators needs to be improved and straightened.
As an international student I am obviously also concerned with internationalization and the life as an international student. The English language skills of teachers and teaching assistants is crucial for a successful study not only for internationals, but also for Dutch students in one of the many English programs. Furthermore, the aspect of integration of international students in the student society is still an issue. The improvement of Dutch courses could enhance integration by improved communication.