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Hello thereeeeeeeee! 
Have y’all absorbed enough from what I wrote here: When It Comes to Study: Netherlands It Is? ‘Cause if you have, then as I promised, this time you’re not going to hear it from my side, but from some students who have actually studied in Holland.
Yes, sodara-sodara, kalo di postingan sebelumnya gue ngasih gambaran soal studi di Belanda secara umum dan juga dengan pendapat-pendapat pribadi gue, di postingan kali ini giliran temen-temen gue yang ngomong.
Gue akan menjembreng hasil wawancara gue sama beberapa temen gue yang pernah (dan masih kuliah di sana). Karena ini adalah wawancara, seluruh data dan informasi yang gue paparkan di sini pure berasal dari pengamatan, pandangan, dan pengalaman mereka masing-masing tentang belajar di Belanda. Oh ya, hasil jawaban juga bervariasi mengingat perbedaan tipe universitas, jenjang, dan sistem belajar di kampus masing-masing.
Okeh everibadeh, kita kenalan dulu yaaaa! Meet my friends!
- Armando (International Student): Temen SD gue, mahasiswa University of Ottawa (Canada) yang sekarang lagi ngikutin program student exchange di Hogeschool van Amsterdam.
- Bagus (International Student): Fellow Indonesian lulusan University College Utrecht (203-2006: Ba in Psychology & Sociology) dan Universiteit of Maastricht (2006-2007: MSc in Work & Organizational Psychology).
- Sander (Local Student): Ketemu pas dia lagi magang di Bandung, temennya Bagus juga. Sekarang lagi nyelesein Master Finance di Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, setelah di tahun 2007 ngedapetin gelar Bachelor in Ecomonics & Law di Utrecht.
- Mandy (Local Sudent): Sahabat gue di Belanda yang sekarang lagi ngejer gelar Master Anthropology di Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Topic of the interview: “Studying in Holland as a ticket to a global community.”
PS. Sebagai apresiasi buat mereka yang udah ngejawab pertanyaan gue, gue pampanglah e-mail mereka apa adanya, with my lil’ notes, of course 
Now off we go!
Pertama-tama, kita denger dulu pendapat si Mandy tentang “studying” dan hubungannya dengan “global” yang menurut gue kece untuk dibagi!
“I perceive studying as a way to knowledge in the first place.
The motivation to learn, find out, explore will automatically lead to a global world.
It is more of a benefit, not a drive.
But what do you think a “global world” actually means?
I regard global as something which unites and is familiar to people all over the world. However, you must not forget that people also have different stories, so then the term “local” comes in. We are all socially and culturally bounded to a certain degree when it comes to sharing and knowing things.”
CAKEP!
Menurut gue itulah keuntungan dari belajar dan mencari tahu, it leads you to the global world. Itu baru dari soal belajarnya. Sekarang coba kita cari korelasi dari belajar di Belanda dengan komunitas global, yang pasti memperluas keuntungan dari belajar itu sendiri.
Question Number 1:
As as student who actually is studying in Holland, how do you think it is a “ticket to a global community”? What are the benefits you’ve gained?
Armando:
Studying in Holland was a ticket to global community in a way that Holland is a diverse, multicultural country in which a lot of people with so many different backgrounds and cultures live together. Countless benefits are presented by themselves once you are studying here.
In Amsterdam, there are so many international students who are both studying as regular students as well as exchange students. We are all hanging out together to get to know one another, making connections, and making friends. It broaden our minds and perspectives of how culture indifferent country in different region/continent in the world differs, with many similarities too of course. For instance, we can base the differences by looking at Hosftede’s 5 cultural dimensions. Asian countries’ culture in general is more of a collectivist than individualistic and more of a long-oriented culture rather than a short one. This influences how students from every different country do things, how they socialize with other international students, local Dutch students and people, what they usually do, and how and why they view certain things to be done in certain ways, within the multicultural community itself. For students who have never lived in a multicultural community before, they would experience a “honeymoon” stage, which they would be so excited coming in to a new community and feel so good and welcomed but then it would take them quite a while to really adjust or adapt to live in Holland, especially for a stay more than just for vacation, one or two semesters for instance.
There is an International Student Network (ISN) that organizes (welcome) parties, events, trips to other Dutch cities or other European countries throughout the year.
Students coming to Holland will be be offered to contact them to see if they are interested in joining them in advance since usually the spots are limited. Once you are registered with them, a student discount card, free guidebooks and maps, and any other information booklets will be given. The university itself will help incoming International students to deal with (student) housing, courses registration, opening a bank account, and municipality registration for which they will need their student cards (given by the school) and passports.
Teppy’s remarks:
Nah, kayaknya itu deh yang terjadi sama gue waktu gue di sana: I experienced a honey moon stage yang mana gue ngerasa excited banget ketemu orang-orang dari berbagai dengan latar belakang masing-masing. Seru! Cuma untuk selanjutnya, yah pastilah kita harus pintar-pintar adaptasi dan siap-siap ketemu hal-hal yang menurut loe nggak biasa di sana. Nggak cuma dari orang-orang yang loe temui, tapi juga kebiasaan di sana. Mengenai kebiasaan-kebiasaan ini, nanti gue jelaskan di postingan ketiga aja yah! Nggak detail sih, cuma lumayan buat gambaran, hehe…
Oh ya, kalo si Armando dari Canada ke Belanda, dia pake jasanya si International Student Network Amsterdam (ISN) yang kerjasamanya adalah dengan Hogeschool van Amsterdam (University of Applied Sciences) dan University van Amsterdam (Universitas). Dan emang si ISN ini fully cater the students with those things mentioned by Armando. Pengen tahu?
Websitenya silahkaaaaaan *berasa di Mangga Dua*: http://www.isn-amsterdam.nl/
Bagus:
When I enrolled myself in the Bachelors program at University College Utrecht, I didn’t know that it was going to be such a multicultural experience. In my time, 40 % of the students in my uni were from the international community; Europe, the US, Asia, South America, Africa. Then again the program in my uni is 100% international and English taught.
Some of the benefits:
- When we were discussing and sharing in class about the course materials, the courses became so enriched by the cases brought by students from their home country. In certain courses like sociology, psychology, and anthropology, this became a very interesting forum for people to learn about different systems and cultural experiences.
- The courses that were taught in my uni really encouraged live discussions and this really helped us to be more vocal and analytical in approaching things
- Activities in campus encouraged us to learn more about performance arts and festivities in other countries: Salsa, St. Patricks, United Nations evening, etc.
- Language courses: Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, etc.
- International dorms became a means of people to interact with people from different countries.
- In the social aspect, we get to know a lot more about other peoples’ cultures and readjust some of the presuppositions or prejudices we have.
- Helped us to become more open minded about global issues without losing our roots.
Teppy’s Remarks:
Yak, tampaknya pernyataan Bagus di atas udah cukup menjelaskan untungnya punya temen-temen dari berbagai negara kalo dibawa di kelas perkuliahan. Isi diskusi loe jadi beranekaragam dan “kaya” dan pengetahuan pun jadi luas. Terus kayaknya kampusnya kece abis banyak kegiatan sampingan gitu, which I loooooooooooove to try! Kalo gue di situ pasti gue ngambil kelas bahasa, terutama Belanda sama Spanyol, terus nyobain Salsa kali yeee *macam bisa aje*, dan pesta-pesta seru lainnya. Oh iya, seperti yang Bagus bilang, berteman dengan temen-temen dari negara lain, selain memperkaya pengetahuan, bisa juga ngerubah cara pandang kita atau prejudice yang sebelumnya di”cap”-kan ke negara/penduduk negara tersebut. Dan pertemuan dengan teman-teman internasional juga bisa jadi media yang baik untuk nunjukkin sama mereka: “Orang Indonesia tuh sebenernya gini looooh!” Gue rasa kita bisa membantu memperbaiki atau justru menebarkan image positive tentang bangsa kita, lewat kita sendiri. Emang nggak langsung signifikan sih efeknya, but better one than none, kan?
Sander:
About your essay, I will try to give you brief, but complete answers.
Is studying in Holland a ticket to global community? In my opinion, YES, it is. Like you said it gives some benefits and opportunities. I will give you some examples.
On the benefit side:
Studying in Holland really connects you to the international world/global society.
This becomes clear in several ways. First of all the educational environment on the Dutch universities. In my case, my classmates come from all over the world. In my master we have around 70 people and from that we have around 20 different nationalities. I have classmates from every continent in the world: Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the US & Canada. This already provides you with a global network of contacts all around the world and allows you to learn from people with different backgrounds and cultures.
Besides the multicultural environment in the Universities, Holland itself is a global community with people from all over the world.
Studying and living in Holland show you how it is living next the a lot of different people. Furthermore, Dutch companies and universities have a huge worldwide network with other universities and companies, so every student in Holland gets opportunities to go abroad and work or study in a different country. (Just like I did in Indonesia).
The Dutch economy is very global and most of the companies have branches all over the world. You can think of famous companies like Heineken, Shell or Philips, which are all Dutch.
Teppy’s remarks:
Besides it’s multicultural environment, Belandanya sendiri juga global. Contohnya yah kayak perusahaan-perusahaan yang disebutin Sander itu: Shell, Heineken, Phillips, terus juga ada Makro. Terus, beberapa universitas di Belanda juga punya link-link ke universitas-universitas atau organisasi lain di dunia. Makanya si Sander bisa magang di Bandung, lewat AIESEC. Terus temen gue Merie yang kuliah di Hogeschool INHOLLAND bisa magang di Singapore dan pertukaran pelajar di Spanyol. (SAPI. GUE JUGA PENGEN BANGET KE SPANYOL!!!!).
Question Number 2:
As as student who actually is studying in Holland, how do you think it is a “ticket to a global community”? What are the benefits you’ve gained?
Mandy:
Studying in Holland has many advantages. We have a high standard concerning the quality of our education system, the lecturers are from all over the world (but they have to meet the Dutch standards naturally), people in general speak 3 to 4 different languages and as a student, you have a lot of freedom. You are allowed to speak out, even against the authorities.
Treatment students: scholarships for all students (durance depending on education and incomes), free traveling by public transport (you get a special student card + 40% discount in the weekends), there are some Universities which offer special hosting for foreign students and in most of the stores, restaurants, libraries you can also get discount.
Our educational system is according to the European Educational System which means we have a BA (Bachelor) /MA (Master) system. When you’re studying HBO (Higher Vocabulary Education) it will take 3 years before you get your BA degree. Same for the uni (3 years), and then 1 to 2 years for your MA degree.
Teppy’s remarks:
There, there. High quality standardization. Kesempatan berbicara/nyampein pendapat yang besar. Dan emang tuh biasanya mereka bisa lebih dari dua bahasa kayak yang gue ceritain di post sebelumnya. *ngiri* -_____- Huehehe…
Armando:
The Dutch education and learning system is of high level and it is widely regarded as one of the highest and respected in the world.
Depending on which university or college students will be studying for, the system and practices will also vary. In college (called Hogeschool), the learning system is usually more practical, which emphasizes more on student applying theories into real practices. In university, on the other hand, more emphasis are usually placed on reading materials, such as (text) books, journals and so on, and there are two periods of 8 weeks each semester.
Of course, there are final exams for most of the courses although there are also some students do not need to write an exam; there is an on-going process of evaluations as well as quizzes throughout the regular lecture period.
Teppy’s remarks:
Nah, kalo soal standar edukasi yang tinggi, gue sih nggak heran. Karena emang sudah diakui sama dunia. Salah satunya Universitas Utrecht yang ada di peringkat 9 dari 100 Top Europeans Universities. Selain itu masih ada lagi Universitas di Belanda yang masuk ke chart tersebut. Mariii: http://www.arwu.org/rank2008/ARWU2008_TopEuro(EN).htm
Mengenai sistem pendidikan dan belajarnya, emang beda tergantung di tipe universitasnya. Kalau Hogeschool lebih ke praktek, kalo Universiteit lebih ke teori. Dan karena itu sistem ujiannya juga bisa beda, tergantung masing-masing kampus. Sekali lagi karena ini pengalaman masing-masing, jadi nggak bisa diapply ke semuanya.
Bagus:
How I think about the education & learning system (not necessarily applicable to all faculties across differing universities):
- Very much based on rationalism; empirical and analytical. This encourages us think more deeply before proposing or suggesting something.
- Encourages open communication: sharing and discussions are very much encouraged.
- Supported by outstanding sources of knowledge and information: Very knowledgeable lecturers who are experts in their field, excellent libraries and access to credible academic journals
Teppy’s Remarks:
Nah, kalo di poin ini, kita bisa liat gimana sistem pendidikannya mendorong kita untuk berpikir analytical, rasional dan empirik. Dan mendorong kita untuk lebih sering berdiskusi tapi nggak asal njeplak/ngomong. Then again, liat deh gimana mereka memberikan akses untuk mahasiswanya nyari data atau informasi.
Sander:
In my opinion, the Dutch learning system is good, especially when you compare it to other countries. Everyone here gets almost equal opportunities and university is in reach for everyone that is able to do it. Even if your parents are very poor, you can get additional loans from a government institution at very low interest rates. So everyone who wants is able to study. And you can study at every university you like, since they are obligated to accept your application if you are qualified. So there is no form of discrimination when accepting new students.
The government wants to stimulate education to make college possible for everyone, whether you’re rich or poor. ‘Cause a country needs highly educated people to continue developing.
Teppy’s Remarks:
All in all, kenapa pemerintah Belanda sampe sebegitunya concern sama pendidikan negara mereka, ya itu karena biar semua warga dapat kesempatan yang sama besarnya belajar.
Contoh di sana, kata si Sander, kalo pelajar lokal yang masuk HBO atau University, mereka dapet monthly fee dari pemerintah.
100 Euro kalo lo tinggal sama ortu, dan 250 Euro kalo tinggal sendiri. Public transport free (weekdays) dan diskon 40% di weekend. Terus pemerintah juga ngebayar (subsidi) ke universitas supaya bayaran lo eke uni jadi rendah. (Sekarang kira-kira satu pelajar bayar 1600 Euro setahun, yang mana sebenernya tanpa subsidi pemerintah biaya aslinya 10.000 Euro).
Kalo buat pelajar asing, biaya kuliah emang lebih mahal, cuma pemerintah Belanda dan beberapa institusi banyak ngasih beasiswa untuk mahasiswa asing. Makanya Sander bilang, itulah kenapa loe banyak nemuin mahasiswa asing di Belanda. (Dan jumlahnya terus bertambah soalnya universitas-universitas Belanda pengen ngedapetin banyak mahasiswa asing yang top/qualified).
Dengan kesempatan belajar yang terbuka lebar dan tidak diberatkan, diharapkan makin banyak yang berminat untuk belajar. Makin banyak orang berpendidikan, makin kuat deh fondasi pembangunan suatu negara. Good thinking. I hope our government and the authorities can apply this too in implementing the education system in Indonesia. The more educated people, the more this country will be developed. Gue nggak tau deh kalo nunggu sampe tua apakah bakal ada perubahan atau nggak. Cuma kita-kita yang muda ini aja, baik yang sekolah di luar atau nggak, semoga semuanya bisa sama-sama melakukan perubahan dan ngasih input besar buat Indonesia, biar sistem pendidikan dan pembangunannya bisa sekece di Belanda juga!
Alright people, semoga informasi sesi dua ini bermanfaat yaaaaa!
Di post 1, loe udah baca gambaran umum soal pendidikannya, di post 2, biar tambah afdol, loe denger *eh maksudnya baca* langsung dari mereka-mereka yang emang sekolah di sana. Nah entar di post 3, I will list down my fave things in Holland. Hal-hal atau detail-detail dari yang perlu sampe yang printilan soal Belanda. *Ceritanya kita udah berhasil sampe sana gituuu, hohohoho…* AMIN!
KENAPA GUE ABIS NULIS INI MAKIN NGEBET YE?
“………………………………..”
Sudahlah, ’til next post, peeps!!!
For more detailed info about Studying in Holland, please visit:
http://www.studidibelanda.com
Yahoo Messenger: studidibelanda (Senin-Jumat: 14.00-15.00)
http://www.nesoindonesia.com
http://www.nuffic.nl/
Sebelum kuliah mau pemanasan dulu dengan sumer school mungkin?
Cobain di Utrecht! Info lengkapnya: http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl/
Atau tentang Belanda (dan kehidupannya) sendiri di:
www.holland.com
www.inholland.nl/INHOLLANDCOM/studying+at+INHOLLAND/Living+in+the+Netherlands/
Sumber tulisan:
Many thanks to:
Armando, Bagus, Sander, Mandy, Merie, Igrien, Kathi, and Stella who have contributed in answering all those questions, although I don’t put them altogether, but you guys have been really helpful, and those information was indeed very useful.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2008:
http://www.arwu.org/rank2008/ARWU2008_TopEuro(EN).htm
International Student Network Amsterdam:
Kategori: Non Wartawan
Source: http://thejosephines.blogdrive.com/archive/227.html
Postingan pertama:http://thejosephines.blogdrive.com/archive/220.html
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