Why did you choose to study Civil Engineering?
"Civil engineering is a big sector with a broad work field; think about bridges, dams, roads, highways, (air-)ports, etc. Because of this, there is a wide choice in civil engineering and it allows you to specialise in the most interesting area for yourself. It gives you the opportunity to work on various projects with real life professionals."
Why did you choose HZ?
"During my senior year in high school, one of my lecturers was talking about civil engineering and an old student, who just finished his study at HZ, visited us. Since civil engineering was one of the study and work field I was interested in, I researched on the programme and applied for one of the online information sessions. One information session was enough for me to make the choice to go abroad and study at HZ. The university’s personal approach to students is what left me with a good feeling. Additionally, the small classes helps to have a closer connection with the lecturers."
How was the transition from your home country to the Netherlands?
"When I moved to the Netherlands, everything was new. Even though I’m from Belgium and lived close to the border of the Netherlands I had to get used to the culture. HZ helped all international and Dutch students by bringing us in touch with other first year students from the same (and also from different) study programmes. When we needed help with something, there was always someone at HZ ready to help us out. This made the transition way easier for me and it didn’t take long before I felt comfortable and at home in the Netherlands."
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What is the most valuable part of your studies?
"The personal growth. HZ allows you to work and study with people from all over the world. This gives you the opportunity to learn how people from other cultures are solving a problem and helps you to broaden your horizon. In combination with multiple and different projects where we work with real life problems and clients, you learn how to solve problems and it gives you a clear idea of how your job will look after your graduation. "
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?
"Designing a port terminal in the port of Rotterdam. We got the opportunity to design and develop a port terminal in the Maasvlakte II. We had to make calculations, drawings and write a report about our research."
What has been the highlight of your studies at HZ?
"There is not really one moment that I can define as a highlight of my study so far. I had a lot of nice moments and a lot of fun. Excursions, student ambassadors events, projects, etc. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me and for my minor and internship as well."
What would you like to do after graduation?
"I’m not sure what I want to do yet, civil engineering is a broad field and you can do a lot of different specialisations within it. Specifically for me the offshore industry and the infrastructure industry are offering a lot of nice and interesting opportunities."
What would your advice be to a student applying to HZ?
"Just go for it, I know that it can be tough to make this decision. It’s out of your comfort zone and it’s hard to go to a new city where you don’t know anyone or anything. After a while everything will work out. If you’re passionate about your study, I’m sure that you will enjoy your time at HZ and will get to know a lot of new people."