USCB Students Expand Horizons at HZ University in the Netherlands
Three USCB students recently flew home after a transformative semester in the Netherlands, where they immersed themselves in new academic and cultural experiences as exchange students at HZ University of Applied Sciences.
Sand Sharks Will Findley, Katrina O’Grady and Andrea Boyd spent their spring semester at HZ University, in the southwestern province of Zeeland. Findley and O’Grady are Public Health majors. Boyd is majoring in Business Administration.
During their time in the Netherlands, they collaborated with Dutch students and faculty, focusing on global perspectives within their fields of study.
“My time in the Netherlands really broadened my view of the world,” O’Grady said. “College back home is more independent and competitive. In Holland, it seems to be more group-based.”
For her coursework at HZ, she was part of two teams of students tasked with solving business challenges for clients. The groups met with coaches and clients throughout the 20-week semester.
Study abroad isn’t only about academic growth; it’s also a journey of personal discovery and cultural immersion. In their free time, the USCB students enjoyed exploring the countryside, coastal villages and beaches near HZ University. On weekends and during school breaks, they travelled through the Netherlands and to other parts of Europe, shopping local markets, trying local cuisine, and visiting museums and historic landmarks. At HZ, the developed friendships with students of many nationalities.
USCB’s semester abroad program with HZ University is a mutual exchange agreement where participating students pay tuition at their home university and courses taken at the host institution are fully transferrable. The exchange program began with two Sand Sharks students going to HZ in Spring 2018. To date, 12 USCB and 14 HZ students have participated in the exchange.
Research has shown that studying abroad benefits students. By teaching them to better navigate challenges and embrace opportunities in diverse educational settings, it enhances their ability to adapt, communicate and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
"I grew not only as a student but also as a global citizen. I learned to appreciate different cultures and viewpoints,” O’Grady said. “I feel more empathetic and open-minded.”
Learn more at:
https://www.uscb.edu/academic-affairs/international-programs/study-abroad.html
https://hz.nl/en/study-information/studying-at-hz/international-focus/partner-universities-1
Interested in USCB Study Abroad? Contact:
- USCB -
KT / 7-19-2024