AMSTERDAM–The 35 students from St. Maarten started their orientation week in Amsterdam on Monday afternoon under the auspices of Unified St. Maarten Connection (USC) and the St. Maarten government’s Study Financing Division DSF.
A welcome ceremony and dinner took place at Clink Noord Hostel where the students have been staying since Monday. St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Jorien Wuite, Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Michael Somersall and cabinet staff members were at hand.
The orientation week started two days after the students’ arrival in the Netherlands due to issues with travel arrangements.
The students stayed at another hotel close to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport the first two nights, accompanied by DSF coordinator Lisa Carter and a few USC volunteers. The students visited Amsterdam on Sunday. They toured the city and were able to get a feel for the public transportation system.
After gathering at the hostel on Monday, the group played a human bingo game where the students had to fill in the answers to questions like: Who will study in Rotterdam? Who has a brother in the Netherlands? Who does their own artwork? Who likes to cook? and Who has already bought a winter coat?
Carter and subsequently Wuite addressed the students. Carter called on the group to participate actively in the orientation week, to be enthusiastic and to ask questions.
“After this you will start your college career, a new point in your life. Remember the things that you have learned and the values you were taught,” she said.
Extending a heartfelt welcome to the new students for the academic year 2018-2019, Wuite noted that they were at a critical moment as they embarked towards another destination in their journey of life. “You will make choices that are very important for your future. You are here to study, to further your development, advance your abilities to become independent, to build social skills and to face the challenges that you will undoubtedly face,” she said.
“You will be away from home, from family life and your country. Of course, it won’t be easy. Sometimes the odds will work against you and you will encounter challenges and pitfalls.” She mentioned herself as an example when she studied in the Netherlands years ago.
Wuite had inspiring words and practical tips for the students. “Make sure to allow yourself to have a critical and creative mind, as this will help you to overcome your challenges. Try to do something out of your comfort zone: do volunteer work to gain a different experience. Dream big, but accept it when you fail big as well, for it is through these failures that you learn. Make sure to work hard and don’t ever quit. But most of all: have fun!” she said.
She reminded the students that they were not here “only to take, but to also give,” to contribute to the Dutch multicultural society. “Be that ambassador for St. Maarten.” She encouraged the students to return to St. Maarten after their studies and to be part of the “brain gain instead of the brain drain.”
The students have a busy week ahead. Today, Tuesday, there will be a presentation by the Dutch Study Financing Organisation DUO and the insurance broker Insure2Study, followed by several workshops that focus on budgeting and personal development. On Wednesday, the students check out of the hostel in Amsterdam and check in at a hotel in the city where they will be studying.
The guidance counsellors will be with the students until Saturday to assist them with practical issues and provide support. Between Wednesday and Saturday, the students will sign their housing contracts, register at the municipality where they will live, visit their schools, register at a general practitioner and dentist, and buy furniture and other items for their rooms. Saturday will be dedicated to fun activities in their cities to close off the week.
This is the second time USC has organised the orientation week.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79110-st-maarten-students-start-orientation-week
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