Be creative
16 Jan 2012
Holland is a creative nation. Dutch people enjoy innovating and constantly ask themselves and others questions to come up with new ideas.
While studying in Holland, you will consequently be encouraged to think about creative solutions. Preferably together with other students since you will only achieve innovative and creative results when working with others.
Inquisitive minds
“If you’re following lectures in the Netherlands you’ll be continuously encouraged to take part,” says Dhaval Shah. “In India I had little contact with my professors. Here, in Holland my lecturers ask endless questions, challenging us to join in the thought process. This enables you to come up with new ideas and you also learn a lot from your peers.”
Innovation and creativity are essential in Dutch education. As a result, alumni from Dutch institutions are ambitious and they can easily adapt to other cultures and methods of working.
Creative sector
The Netherlands has a major creative sector, including countless fashion designers, advertising people, ICT workers, journalists, film producers and visual artists.
Dutch design is famous around the world. Dutch designers produce unique furniture and graphic designs, as well as haute couture. An example of the latter is the famous fashion designers duo Victor & Rolf.
Dutch architecture too is renowned. Architect Rem Koolhaas designs buildings for cities around the world, such as the Seattle Central Library, the Dutch embassy in Berlin and Television Tower in Peking.
The Netherlands also has a substantial number of museums displaying works by new painters and old masters, including Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn.
Business community
Creativity also shows in the collaboration between Dutch higher education institutions and the business community. Work placements and internships form an important component of many study programmes.
Higher education institutions and companies are also working together more often. Many institutions have appointed lecturers who are not only good at teaching but also have a firm foothold in the business community.
As a student you will benefit from their contacts in the business world. You will have the opportunity to work on real business projects. While you benefit from the knowledge of people working in the field, the business community will learn new skills from you.
Putting creativity into practice – that is the major advantage of studying in Holland. After completing your studies in Holland you will be an innovative scientist, an entrepreneurial film producer or a direct competitor to Rem Koolhaas and Victor & Rolf.
