Day of the International Student

 

 

 

 

In October 2011, I got a Facebook invitation from Nuffic for the Day of the International Student 2011 (DIS). When I read the description of the event and opened the DIS website, I suddenly felt that I had already visited Den Haag and had met with many international students in the Netherlands. But I would have to wait until November to get there. I registered for the event and shared it with my friends.

 

On Saturday, November 12th, I went to Den Haag by intercity train from Groningen Central Station. On my way to the venue, I met with some students from Indonesia who study at the Institute of Social Studies and were joining in the event.  After I arrived, I met some Ford Foundation International Fellows: Nasir (India), Nam (Vietnam), Wardah (Indonesia), Zaenudin (Indonesia), Bharat (India) and Netrapal (India). There were so many international students at this fabulous event. Approximately 1,500 international students from more than 20 countries registered as participants.

 

The event had many interesting activities. I talked with students from all over the world. Most of them mentioned they were really enjoying DIS 2011 and that Nuffic had organized it professionally. I totally agreed. There were workshops such as ‘Dutch Culture’, ‘How to Get a Job in the Netherlands’, ‘Presentation Skills’ and ‘Personal Development’.  Participants also joined in Bollywood and clog dancing, which was very exciting. I participated in a workshop about living in the Netherlands. With some students from Indonesia and other countries, I discussed culture shock here, and we offered some ideas about how to cope with it and minimize culture clash.

 

As an international student, I feel that the Day of the International Student was a great event for exchanging knowledge, and an amazing opportunity for personal development, broadening our networks and opening my mind to appreciating cultural differences. For me, cultural diversity is not a problem. It enriches my experience.