Student of the INHolland University of Applied Sciences from China, following programme Accounting & Finance tells about study education in Haarlem.

Who I Am?

First, let me make a self-introduction. I come from China and I am participating in the exchange programme at INHolland, Haarlem for my whole last bachelor year majoring in Financial Accounting.

Back in China I was mainly studying International Economics & Trade, however, it was the great openness and breadth of mind of INHolland, Haarlem, that admitted us, usual exchange students, to the second-year program—Financial Accounting program of School of Economics. Thus, grants us the opportunity of experiencing studying with local students.

Why INHolland Haarlem?

If you ask me why I like it here, I would like to lay the case with following three reasons:

• Practical-oriented and all-round concept of modules

Haarlem Economic School is offering a possibility to do one or two semesters of High level Finance courses. If you have interest in finance, this program would be a golden chance to you. The Accounting & Finance courses are directly derived from a typical second year of a Bachelor course in Accounting & Finance at any British University.

The main courses include Financial Accounting (Method and legislation on financial reporting), Management Accounting (Financial management of a business), and Corporate Finance (How to finance the activities of a business).

All above are really practical skills which equip us with knowledge jointing to the reality. Besides, certain skills of computer operation system of business are also expected, including Database, Navision etc. which helped me know better about the general process of a business from a bird view but not only from the side of finance.

Moreover, the Dutch and English courses are mandatory to us as well while the former will be much helpful in your daily life if you continue staying here and the latter is Business English Certificate Higher from University of Cambridge Esol Examination.

We are being trained in speaking, listening, reading and writing skills specialized in business English which I am sure will be very useful in dealing with future’s business.

• Leading and opening way of teaching

One of the most impressive feeling about studying here is that teachers really focus on students. In our class, there were 14 students last semester, 8 of which are Dutch sophomore and 6 are exchange students. Therefore, with this small size of class, everyone has sufficient opportunity to communicate with teacher and classmates in class as long as you have any question or doubt about the course. And I really love this kind of open and free atmosphere which can inspire us better to blend into the study and group of people here. At the same time, it is also a great time for you to foster and improve self-study.

Because I did not take many relative courses before, it was at the beginning a little hard to understand totally. So the time we are left for ourselves to absorb the knowledge seems to be pretty precious and meaningful. Do not expect to grasp everything from teacher word by word, but they will lead you in front of the door, and let you yourself search and command it. I also have to say, the group project can benefit you a great deal. While cooperating with different people from different countries and cultures is just like a brain-storm which can better open your mind and achieve efficiency.

• Tranquil, honest and nice environment of living

Last but not least, is the atmosphere in Haarlem, the nice city which really attracts me deeply. When I first arrived here, I was marvelled at the proficiency of English that everyone has.

However, what fascinating me most, is the people here. Here, maybe is not a bustling metropolis, but it is definitely a tranquil place where people are honest and enjoying life with full enthusiasm. I was, am and will be effected by this kind of passion and simplicity.

• Different cultures

Staying in INHolland Haarlem, you can not only get along with different people from different cultures but also experience the typical Dutch culture.

Take my case for example, being together with other Dutch local students from my class and other international students from other courses does lend colour to my daily life here. In a nut shell, I am really glad to share my international study experience here with everyone. And I wish everyone coming here good luck with your experience, study and stay here!

Accounting & Finance programme