Press Release
Voorburg, 22 October 2013
The organizations UStudy and What2doafterschool have partnered together to emphasize the importance of young people making the right study choices, both in The Netherlands and abroad.
UStudy is the premium independent educational consultancy for the United States. With their office located in The Netherlands, UStudy serves young people across Europe who would like to spend a study period in the US. Many students go for a gap year, summer course, or a complete study course to the US, a country of unprecedented education opportunities.
What2doafterschool supports Dutch students in their choices and preparation for university through ‘study experiences’. From questions like who am I? What can I do? And what do I want? to sparring with students and experts, experiencing academic learning and gaining insight into managing jobs, the knowledge and insights acquired are then linked to discovering what study options exist there, what form these studies might take and what future studies should the student prepare for. In this way, the student makes a motivated study choice for himself or herself. What2doafterschool works together with students, university lecturers, businesses and diverse professionals.
Both organizations have an idealistic foundation: awareness, acquiring knowledge and skills, and learning from others, which enables students to make more informed choices for their future.
UStudy director Marina Meijer explains: “We get a lot of Dutch students who, due to the Dutch educational system, have limited development opportunities and want to discover more. Making good study choices, right after high school, is still difficult for many and can be an onerous and stressful experience. Characteristic of the American undergraduate education is its broad context with two years of exploratory subjects across all disciplines. In addition, campus life offers a unique opportunity to discover oneself outside of college. Not only in terms of social skills but also through sports and other activities. American universities also attract students who are very talented but may have financial limitations, with high academic scholarships.”
Coen de Vries emphasizes: “How cool is it that as a young adult you are able to associate your study options with your passion and talents. That from this voyage of discovery you develop the necessary confidence and courage that you can take with you to your further studies.”
“What2doafterschool was founded by 2 enthusiastic students. An ideal concept that aims to enable students to make the right study choices and thus reduce dropout rates. Because they have now reached the master phase of their own studies, they no longer have time to further develop what2doafterschool.nl. In their search for a suitable partner, they came to us at The Discovery Company from Overveen. We organize ‘discoveries’ to support people in their development around specific themes. In the near future, we will also be developing HAVO students and HBO studies through what2doafterschool.”
For more information: www.ustudy.eu and www.what2doafterschool.nl
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