Naomi E. Z. Silos (21), Suriname
13 Nov 2009
B in Marketing Management, INHolland University of Applied Sciences
On 28 September 2008, I stepped on a plane and flew from sunny Suriname to Holland in order to fulfil my dream. Since I graduated from high school and started studying at Hogeschool Inholland in Suriname, I knew that I wanted to become a successful, leading and internationally-oriented business woman, while building up my own international company.
This dream is big, especially when you live in a country where besides Inholland University of Applied Sciences the highest education level is the local university with a narrow choice of studies. I really wanted to study full time in the area of marketing and this was the reason for me to leave everything and everybody behind and start again in a country where I have never lived before.
Adaptation to the new environment
When I arrived in the Netherlands I was a bit scared, but soon I simply fell in love with all the facilities and opportunities available, which make studying here so efficient. I really feel at home as far as studying at Inholland goes. And until now I have no regrets whatsoever, I am very happy with my choice of study and it really is what I expected and even more.
The fact that I am not the only foreign student at school helped me put the feelings that came along with it aside and focus on my study.
At Inholland University of Applied Sciences in the Hague, they try to make you feel at home and they really show consideration for foreign students and the situation we are in.
Of course it is a whole metamorphosis, living on your own, finding your own way, dealing with the fact that your family is hundreds of miles away. This is a big challenge, when the whole environment is new and the weather is totally the opposite, the way to communicate, the transportation, etc. But that is why you should never forget your goal and motivation.
Be positive and just absorb all the possibilities!
