Testimonials
I think the Bachelor's programme offers a variety of courses which was beneficial for me.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
- Study start date
Why did you decide to study in the Netherlands? And why did you choose Radboud University?
I wanted to leave France, my home country because the level of education was too low... I first thought about countries such as England, Ireland or even Germany but I wasn't satisfied by the educational process when it came to the enrollment or content. I then drifted towards the Netherlands and started gathering a bit more information on the country and the educational system. I then visited the university websites of the most popular university (Vrij and Erasmus) but found the Radboud one to be the most attractive for me. The city seemed to be the nicest out of the other ones I had in mind and I got good reviews from previous students. I'm overall very happy from my experience in Nijmegen and I'm proud to be a Radboud student.
How did you experience the transition from high school to university? How did the university/programme assist you with this transition?
To be honest very difficult as I didn't have the opportunity to participate in the Intro week. It was very difficult for me not to have a teacher and a class of 20-30 pupils that would study with me everyday. I didn't have much expectations at the beginning. What's sad is that as soon as I started getting comfortable with being a Radboud university student Covid happened and I had to transition again, this time from real to online education where self-management was absolute...
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why? How has the programme challenged you?
I think the Bachelor's programme offers a variety of courses which was beneficial for me. I didn't know what to do after high school and I chose a field of study that was rather broad. I had the opportunity to learn different topics (some I enjoyed, some I didn't like at all). I would say that out of all the classes I attended I had fun learning and participating. Some courses were extremely challenging though which gave me a lot of stress (e.g., Corporate finance). One thing I am very disappointed about is of not being able to meet a lot of my fellow students as most of my education was made online... However, now that measures are starting to be lifted I have the opportunity to return to class and work in groups again.
As an 18 year old back then corona would have hit me in my study years anyway so I'm happy I was in Nijmegen during it. I'm doing my best to benefit from all the services Radboud has to offer (study associations, workshops, career advice). I think it's really beneficial to make use of them as they can help students to choose their orientation.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I think that the students in the Netherlands are kind to each other even between Dutch and internationals. One downside is that there seems to be a gap as the Dutchies tend to be together (which I completely understand) while internationals tend to stick together. As we're in the Netherlands I understand that Dutch students want to preserve their own language and interact with people from their own country rather than people coming from abroad. Still, if you need help from them they will always help you and be very polite in all circumstances.
Overall a lot of diversity even if it's a bit of a shame that there is such a bridge between internationals and dutchies. I think that one of the main reasons is that internationals tend to not learn any Dutch which automatically creates a barrier. More students should attend Dutch classes in order to properly integrate. This way, there would be a better proximity between the students.
Even if you're in a group or class with a majority of Dutch students do not hesitate to say what you think or provide an opinion much different than theirs. Your input will be valued if you let yourself being heard.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
Sadly, as my study exchange was cancelled I didn't have the opportunity to do my exchange in September. I have done a small short internship and moved to Rotterdam instead for a few months (September to January). I applied again for a semester abroad in order to complete my bachelor education. I don't have much idea of what to do after but I am starting to consider several options (e.g., internship, Master's, etc.).
Indeed, a Master's degree could be a good idea (you have the opportunity to do it in Radboud right after your graduation or choose another Dutch / international university). Otherwise, doing an internship in Europe to gain a bit of experience to know what would be the best orientation is also an option as you can get the opportunity to practice 'on the field'.
Are you involved with the study association of your programme? If so, in what way?
Yes I tried to get involved in the Synergy association of my programme by contributing to the Orientation Week. I organized it with the help of other students this summer but I was also a mentor last winter. I wanted to meet new students and help them get to know and like Nijmegen as much as I do. I think you should definitely join one or at least participate to the activities they organise. That's your best chance to meet people you share the same interest with. Before corona I also went to a Berlin trip with the Synergy association and I have great memories from it!
What do you like about Nijmegen?
I like the atmosphere, the people I met, the nature / the city, the activities you can do, the community, its unique Dutch culture. I don't want to live in Nijmegen for the rest of my life but it will always remain my student city and a special place I will look back upon with a lot of nostalgia. I went to several Dutch cities and Nijmegen remains my favorite in terms of quality of life.
How were you in touch with Radboud University before you started your studies here? And how did you value this contact with Radboud University?
Yes I had contacted buddies and I think it's very important to do so.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
I received messages from a few French high school students on Facebook telling me they are very interested in studying at the RU.
I advised them that Radboud is a university offering you a wide range of services and delivering an excellent quality of education. I encouraged them to come because there is a lot of diversity and an international orientation. You have a lot of freedom regarding your courses and your opinion is always respected and valued. Teachers want to help you. Hopefully you will not have to deal much with online education in the future but if it happens you will still learn a great deal.
It challenges me to learn math extensively, I was never a "numbers" type of guy, but I seem to enjoy it.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
- Study start date
Why did you decide to study in the Netherlands? And why did you choose Radboud University?
I wanted to challenge myself by studying and living abroad, put myself in a different culture and widen my view of the world. I choose Radboud University specifically because Nijmegen looked like a nice student friendly town with a lot of international students living here, and so far I am happy with my choice.
How did you experience the transition from high school to university? How did the university/programme assist you with this transition?
At first it was tough, adjusting to university professors and lecturers, you have to do everything yourself here, no one will push you to do things except deadlines :) In high school we had teachers that help you with everything if needed.
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why? How has the programme challenged you?
I like the fact that it preaches sustainability a lot, I think it is the most important thing that future business people have to understand and execute as much as possible. It challenges me to learn math extensively, I was never a "numbers" type of guy, but I seem to enjoy it even though it is tough to grasp sometimes.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I did not have that much experience with the atmosphere in class as I started studying during the pandemic, but from what I seen so far during working groups or seminars that were in person is that lecturers try to create a cozy atmosphere and encourage people to voice their ideas and questions, which is very important.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
I am not sure about my plans for after receiving my Bachelor's degree, I just want to get that degree first, before making any future plans. But I will either do a Master's programme here, or move back to my home country.
Are you involved with the study association of your programme? If so, in what way?
I am not involved in any study association, because of the pandemic. It limits the amount of activities of the associations. Once the pandemic is over I will probably join Synergy.
What do you like about Nijmegen?
I love Nijmegen. It is a town that is not too small, nor too big. Everything that you need is here and everything is reachable with a quick bike ride. The atmosphere in the city is amazing, with lots of like minded students that you can always chat with.
How were you in touch with Radboud University before you started your studies here? And how did you value this contact with Radboud University?
I heard about the Radboud University through a friend that enrolled to this university a year before me, so every question I had was answered by her and I appreciate that very much!
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
My advice for students intending to choose a programme would be not to jump into anything if you are not sure about it 100%. If you have any doubts it is better to take a gap year first, to figure out what you want in life and which study programme will help you reach the goals you want to reach.
I have learned how to do qualitative and quantitative research and use other softwares that will be incredibly useful in my career.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
- Study start date
Why did you decide to study in the Netherlands? And why did you choose Radboud University?
The infrastructure of the country seemed very sustainable to me and two of my high school friends were going to Nijmegen too. At that time, the tuition fee was much lower than any other country, as well as the fact of not having to learn the native language since everyone talks English. In the end, when the wind is not blowing you off your bike and the rain is not soaking your clothes, the country is quite nice!
How did you experience the transition from high school to university? How did the university/programme assist you with this transition?
In high school, I did A-levels where the teachers provide you with all the information needed to pass the exam and we practiced exam questions from the previous years to learn the structure of the exam. Studying for exams here was demotivating for me in the beginning because the teachers give you all the information but do not seem to help you achieve a good grade in the exam, which makes sense for it being a university. Making friends and studying together helped me a lot and in the end, you get the hang of the system and know what to expect.
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why? How has the programme challenged you?
The Bachelor's programme that I follow (Business Administration with a Business Economic specialisation) is challenging to me because I have never done economics before but the first courses give you a great knowledge base. I like the programme because it covers a lot of different topics within Business Administration which gives you an advantage when you need to make a decision about your career and the direction in which you want to develop. The courses have different passing criteria and because of that, I have learned how to do qualitative and quantitative research and use other softwares that will be incredibly useful in my career.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
During the pandemic, the connection between fellow students worsened but in my experience, the teachers became more understanding and tried their best to teach online and make the lectures engaging.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
Currently, I am looking at the Master's options at Radboud to continue to gain more knowledge about Business Administration.
Are you involved with the study association of your programme? If so, in what way?
Not involved with the study association because my time was already filled with other things, but sometimes I do look at the activities that they organize.
What do you like about Nijmegen?
The city is smaller than what I'm used to but it has a lot to offer! In the winter you can go to cafes and stay cozy inside and when it's warm you can go to the beach with your friends and enjoy the sun. Around the campus, we have a very big forest and a park where you can get your head free of all the worries and a lot of different buildings where you can study!
How were you in touch with Radboud University before you started your studies here? And how did you value this contact with Radboud University?
I heard about Radboud through an email directed towards the Bachelor's studies. But for my Master's programme I joined an online information session and applied to be a Student for a Day.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
Before applying look at the curriculum and read about the courses that you will have. If you're choosing between different fields it's not applicable but choosing between the same disciplines you can really see what you are going to get from the programme. As well, chatting with the current students or being a Student for a Day can really show you what life is all about here!
Being an educator and having a chance to interact with young minds are always keeping me motivated, up-to-date, and satisfied as I see that I can contribute to society.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Sibel Ozasir Kacar, an assistant professor in the SHRM chair in the Department of Business Administration. I am a teacher and a researcher. I have been teaching for the last 7 years in various universities in the Netherlands (VU, UvA, Radboud). At Radboud, it has been 5 years of teaching for me. I teach in the Bachelor's program mostly in the 1st year. The courses I coordinate are Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Introduction to International Business. Besides coordination, I provide lectures in these courses and teach in the workgroup sessions. Additionally, I teach workgroups for the 2nd-year course, Strategic HRM. Students can also see me as their supervisor when they write their Bachelor's thesis. I choose topics in line with my research area - inclusive entrepreneurship to be able to help my students in the thesis process in the best way possible.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Before my academic career, I had corporate experience. I worked as an auditor in two auditing firms (EY and PwC) among the so-called Big 4. After that, I did my Master's in entrepreneurship and became an entrepreneur. Yet, I liked the theoretical part and also teaching so much that I switched to academia. Being an educator and having a chance to interact with young minds are always keeping me motivated, up-to-date, and satisfied as I see that I can contribute to society. That's the reason I like being a teacher and spending time with my students.
What do you like best about being a lecturer?
I like the interaction with the students which includes exchanging ideas and developing ourselves. I like to see my students grow regarding the topic of interest throughout the course.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I do research in the field of entrepreneurship, in particular inclusive entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is my passion and I am also coming from an entrepreneurial family. Recently, I have been studying the couple entrepreneurs and the power dynamics regarding migrant entrepreneurship discourse.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
They need to spend time before making their choices, ie; go to the campus, attend the example lectures, talk with the students, and search for possible jobs after graduation. They need to be interested in the topics discussed in that program and the jobs that they can have afterwards. But I also invite them to think broadly, because nowadays we do not have conventional jobs anymore, so they are not restricted to classic jobs. It is the topic that needs to be interesting for them and the skill set that should match their ideals.
Interested? Join one of our events. Get one-on-one advice from students or study advisors and find out whether this programme is right for you.
Choosing a study program is a significant decision, but there are often multiple ways to achieve a career you love.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Tina, and I studied Psychology and Employment Relations at Maastricht University and Warwick Business School. Currently, I teach 'Introduction to Business Administration' for the undergraduate program and 'Strategic Human Resource Management and Flexible Workforce' for the postgraduate program at Nijmegen. Also, I am the personal and professional development learning line coordinator for the undergraduate program.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I love to learn and explore new things. The field of Business Administration is very dynamic and thus offers numerous opportunities to gain knowledge and grow in various areas.
What do you like best about being a lecturer?
I love learning from students. It's rewarding to see students grow and develop. Additionally, the exchange of ideas keeps me learning and evolving in my own knowledge and teaching methods.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
My research concentrates on knowledge management as well as inclusion and belonging topics. For example, I have conducted three studies exploring how improvisational theatre can aid students and leaders in developing their personal and professional skills.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
There are many paths to success. Choosing a study program is a significant decision, but there are often multiple ways to achieve a career you love. Don't worry if your first choice isn't perfect; there are various routes to reach your professional goals and a career you enjoy.
Interested in this programme? Join one of our events. Get one-on-one advice from students or study advisors and find out whether this programme is right for you.
The highest chance to become an expert in your work is by finding out what you really like.
- Programme
- International Business Administration
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Beatrice van der Heijden and work at Radboud University since 2010. I have a background in Work and Organizational Psychology, also from Radboud University, and got my PhD at Twente University. I am also affiliated with the Open Universiteit in the Netherlands, with Ghent University, Belgium, with Free State University Business School, Bloemfontein, South-Africa, and with Kingston University, London, UK. In 2019, I have been appointed as a member of the Academy of Europe, and in 2022 as a member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities. I am a Knight in the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands since 2021.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Being a child of an entrepreneur I have always been fascinated by the questions what drives people at work, and how to protect their career sustainability (happiness, health, and productivity).
What do you like best about being a lecturer?
I really like to help future professionals shape a strong domain-specific expertise base and help them increase their employability, management, and communication skills.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
My main research areas are: sustainable careers, employability, and ageing at work.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Find out what your passion is! The highest chance to become an expert in your work is by finding out what you really like. After all, it is much easier to invest a lot of time and efforts to grow when you like what you are doing.
What does your work in practice bring to your academic work, and vice versa?
By studying the topic of sustainable careers, and also being engaged in the field of sustainable careers in academia, I actually try to practice what I preach.
What is the best part of being a lecturer?
The interaction with students with very different personalities, backgrounds, competencies, and interests, and to help them find their passion.
Interested in this programme? Join one of our events. Get one-on-one advice from students or study advisors and find out whether this programme is right for you.