Interview international alumna Christa Yoder

Christa Yoder is a 21-year-old American student at Dordt University. She attended the Viaa Exchange Programme 2023 and was in the Education track, which perfectly fitted with her major back in the United States; Elementary Education. In this interview, she tells about her experiences with studying in the Netherlands.

Christa, tell us, how did you like studying at Viaa? What are your experiences with the university, the teaching staff and your fellow students?

Studying in the Netherlands is great fun, but quite different from studying in the United States. In the US, everything is mapped out from start to finish, for example in the school’s intranet. There you will find what you need to study, when to hand in your assignments, and you can contact your lecturers and professors via the online education environment. In the Netherlands, all of this seems much less outlined, less fixed. In addition, you spend less time at school and there are more holidays. So, this means more leisure time, but there’s also more homework and self-study. I really liked that we went on a lot of study visits. Education at Viaa is more ‘real world learning’ than merely learning from textbooks and theory. Another difference with my home university is that here we have to reflect much more on our assignments and learning process and express our personal opinion in papers.

The building is also different from those in America. In the Netherlands, buildings go upwards, with multiple floors, in America we build to the sides. So, I had to walk a lot of stairs here. Yet another difference is that here each class is in a different room with a different teacher, while in the States you remain in the same room. I thought it was super special that the teachers were able to provide us with high quality classes and learning experiences, particularly when you consider they are lecturing in English, their second language. The other students were great, both the students from my home university, and the other international students in the Exchange Programme.

What did you gain from your exchange experience?

I have learned a lot about myself and have grown in confidence in what I can do and take up by myself. For instance, I set out on this journey all by myself. I have learned not to lean on other people when I want to do things, like going downtown on my own. At home, I wouldn’t do that easily. And I learned to cycle and participate in Dutch traffic.

What did you find difficult or challenging about your time in the Netherlands?

Some of the assignments were challenging as they differ from what I am used to. For example, assignments about culture or having to conduct research. We studied topics that were not linked to my study, like drafting a paper on theology.

Furthermore, at home I am at university for one month at the most before I will return to my family. Now I went away for four months at a stretch, with no opportunity to simply drive home. I’m glad I was here with fellow students from Dordt. Though it’s worth your while, living with a host family can be challenging at times. It requires adaptation, as they have their own way of doing things. All in all, I really liked staying with them.

What would you recommend other students who are considering going abroad/the Netherlands for an Exchange?

I definitely recommend going abroad. It was a lot of fun! One tip is to save more money in advance than you think you will need. Another tip is just don’t be afraid to make any mistakes. Whether it’s biking in the wrong direction or addressing the wrong person. You tend to learn the most from your mistakes.

Get to know the people you’re with and join other people on trips, even when the destination isn’t at the top of your own bucket list.

Find out things about the country you’re going to, but also just go with the flow once you’re there.

Christa1 min