What US school did you go to and what did you study?
I attended the University at Albany in New York (SUNY Albany) from fall 2010 till spring 2014. I graduated with a double major in Business Administration (with a concentration in Finance and Management) and Public Health.
Did you play a sport when you were in the US? And if so, which one?
I played field hockey for the University at Albany.
Why did you want to study in the US?
It had always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl to go to America and play field hockey. The idea of being able to combine my studies and sport in a different country far away from home was something that really interested me! I have always been intrigued by America! After I graduated high school the initial plan was to go to America for just a year, but I loved it so much that I stayed and finished my degree.
What was the hardest part about settling in as an international student in the US?
When I arrived in America my English wasn’t very good. But I think that being on a sports team made the whole step a lot easier. My team and the whole athletic community was like a big family I was thrown into. Being that far away from home makes you miss the little things, a cup of tea with mom and the drive home with dad after a field hockey game.
What opportunities has studying in the US offered you since you finished your studies/returned home?
My English has gotten really good over the past 4 years. The fact that I studied in the US for 4 years is obviously also a very good thing to have on my resume! The whole experience has also made me grow as a person. Going to the US as an 18 year old and not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and 4 years later I have turned into a young woman who knows exactly what she wants. I have grown in so many ways and have learned powerful lessons about life and myself in general.
What were some of your highlights when you were in the US?
My best memory of my time in the US is in the fall of my junior year we won the America East Championship, my parents were there for the whole thing and I was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Also graduating magna cum laude with a double major under my belt!
How do you think studying in the US is different to studying at a Dutch/European university?
The combination of being able to go to university and play a sport at a very high competitive level is made a lot easier for you in the US. I still play field hockey at a competitive level right now and attend university at the same time and combining the two is almost impossible. Also, academically there is the possibility to choose a lot more variety in your courses, because of the different kind of general education classes you are required to take.
What do you think about the application process of getting into a US college or university?
I did not go through Ustudy… I got to America by talking to coaches and doing the application process all by myself. But ever since my second year in the states I have been in contact with Marina Meijer and have been an ambassador for Ustudy, because I wish I had someone guide me through my application process. The process in general is very tough and requires a lot of work. If you are thinking about going to the US to study, start the application process early and make sure you are up for a fun, exciting but extremely intense rollercoaster ride!
What are you currently doing?
I am currently doing a pre-masters at Eramus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Next year I will be starting the masters program HEPL (Health Economics Policy and Law).
What are some of your goals for the future?
I would like to continue on playing field hockey in the Netherlands for a while. I obviously want to graduate from my masters next year. After that I would love to go back to the US to do my PHD. My ultimate dream job would be working at the WHO (World Health Organization).
