Zain S. Field School Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"These types of programs really bring your learning to life when you get to participate hands-on outside of the classroom. Learning is FUN on a field school!"
ZAIN S.
Netherlands Field School participant
Duration of Field School: 2 weeks
Summer semester
Studying CJPP
- What did a typical day in this Field School look like?
We would wake up early in the morning and set out to find our activity for the day. Occasionally school activities would take up most of the day and it would be an activity that not only was academic but also socially beneficial. It served as a way to immerse in the Dutch culture. We would then have free time to find dinner or hangout with the other students on the field study.
- What did you have to do for the course component of this Field School? How did it impact your degree?
For the course component we went around to museums, city tours, and local activities. These tasks were done as an effort to understand the migration of people to the Netherlands, the impacts and influence World War II had, as well as understanding Dutch culture and history.
- What did you think of your Field School coordinator?
Our Field School coordinator was immensely supportive, academically and emotionally. Julie Simmons truly put her heart and soul into every lesson and outing we had. She did everything she could to ensure we all had a safe and enjoyable experience abroad. She would offer her support at all times of the day. She would help solve a problem regardless of its scope.
- How many other U of G students did you travel with? And what did you think of travelling with other students?
Travelled with 13 other students. It was my first time being on my own away from home and it was a pleasant experience. Boundaries were respected, experiences were shared, and by the end everyone had developed a close relationship as a group.
- How did you interact with the local community during your Field School?
Locally we would be interacting with store workers, food vendors, museum curators, city tour guides, hotel staff, and friendly strangers who we met at random occasions. Our interactions were very friendly and we communicated in English ensuring no loss of understanding.
- What influenced your decision to participate in a Field School opportunity?
My friends that also signed up to the program alongside me. They convinced me to apply and luckily we all got in so I felt more comfortable and knew that I would enjoy the experience.
- What was the best thing that happened during your Field School? Explain.
Just the everyday excursions were so full and enjoyable it never felt like a school experience, rather a field trip everyday. The close nature of the entire group caused for every experience to be shared and enjoyed to the fullest. My favourite would have to be the biking and seeing the sights of the Netherlands.
- Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience?
I really enjoyed Den Haage and Delft. Den Haag felt very multicultural and I felt comfortable walking around and not feeling like a tourist. Delft had a cool tower that had 350 steps and although the experience was tiring the view from above was breathtaking. The Den Haag beach was also a rare sight to see for the first time and is imprinted in my mind.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
I found myself not making that many adaptations aside from making way for incoming bikers. I found myself turning my head more often there then in Canada when crossing a road.
- What was your best learning moment?
The best learning moment was when we had a black history Canal tour and we witnessed first hand the remains of salvery and how the city of Amsterdam and other parts of of the Netherlands has that history imbedded in its buildings and history.
- If you were to recommend this field school to your best friend, what would you say?
This has been one of the best experiences of my life. From every big breathtaking view to the little moments in my room abroad, there was never a dull moment and I felt as if I have lived fully for the past 2 weeks.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this Field School?
Not at all. The Netherlands has English as a second language and many offer menus in English as well as communicate in perfect English.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I applied for travel abroad grants and gratefully received coverage for all my major expenses.
- What are your packing recommendations?
I essentially packed all my important belongings in my bag pack or carry on and everything else was in my checked bag. Honestly I would keep a towel and a jacket as often times towels aren’t given regularly and the weather gets cold very often. It also rained and I wish I had packed a umbrella.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Try to do what you can to the fullest, don’t let fear or the thought of doing something another day take over. Time is limited and you should make the most of it on your own.
