My Time Here at Fontys

 

My arrival to Fontys was a warm and welcoming one. I was fortunate enough to have been paired with such a great buddy from Fontys new Buddy System. She came to the airport to pick me up, helped me settle in and become adjusted to my new surroundings.

My first impression of Venlo was a good one. The town centre is so quaint and lovely I had never lived near such a nice downtown. The shops and restaurants are good and lively and I love to go out and enjoy them. On the weekends the cafes are bustling and everybody is just enjoying themselves. I really love this about the European lifestyle.

When I started at Fontys it was an interesting and new adjustment for me. The school organization at Camosun is very different but I find this a positive aspect in some ways. I came to the Netherlands for new experiences and learning to adapt has definitely been one of them! I enjoy being part of a cohort and sharing all of my classes with the same students. It allows everybody to get to know each other better and on a more personal level. There are many activities organized by the school for exchange students such as trips to Amsterdam and Cologne. These are particularly special as it shows that they care about giving their international students the best possible experience. I have had the chance to meet so many people from all over Europe, Asia, and North America and create relationships that I would have never had the opportunity to do otherwise.

Being here in the Netherlands has taught me a lot. The Dutch people have a kind, easy-going and unpretentious way of life. I really love it. The Netherlands is similar enough to Canada in where I feel comfortable, but different enough to where I am getting the fully European experience.

I am so thankful for what the exchange program has given to me. I have been able to learn so much. If a fellow Camosun student is interested in studying in the Netherlands at Fontys I would definitely recommend it. The opportunities for learning, travelling, new experiences and meeting people from all over the world are bountiful.