Which college or university in America did you attend, and what did you study?
I studied at Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I earned my Master of Arts in Sport Administration & Leadership there.
Did you play a sport in the US? And if so, which one?
I was on the baseball team of Augustana College.
Why did you want to spend time studying in the US?
It is my dream to work in the business of sports, and there is just one country that really knows how to make money in the sports word. And that is America!
What was the most challenging aspect of being an international student in the US?
The most challenging aspect of moving to the United States is the realisation that there is no safety net. There are most likely no other Dutch people around. Fortunately each school has an introduction week for international students, to help you feel more at ease!
What new opportunities has studying in the US brought to you since you finished studying/returned home?
Studying in America looks very impressive on your CV! It shows that you can be very independent, and that when you want something, you go for it!
What was the highlight for you in the US?
The highlight of my stay at Augustana College was being a part of the baseball team and the first conference championship in school history, and developing new friendships in every corner of the world.
How different is studying in the US, compared to studying at a Dutch or European educational institute?
Studying in America is much more social than in the Netherlands. That is of course partly ‘forced’, because you live on a campus, and certainly at a smaller school where everyone knows each other! You also have much more say on what exactly you want to study with study options, etc. You could major in biology, but also do a computer science course!
What do you think about the application process of getting into a US college or university?
Some schools are more difficult to get into, but it’s certainly quite different than in the Netherlands! The ACT and SAT admissions tests are definitely tests that you have to study beforehand, and the scores determine which schools you can apply to and how much scholarship money they might give you. You will often have to write an essay on a particular topic. UStudy offers many different options to prepare yourself as much as possible for these tests, so that you can achieve the best possible result!
What are you doing now in terms of study or work?
I finished studying last June and came back to the Netherlands and I’m now looking for a job.
What are your ambitions for the future?
In the future I hope to be working in the business aspect of the sports world!
