Come Saturday, June 10, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria will host the maiden Study in Holland fair at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. It is designed for Nigerians seeking foreign education in the Netherlands. Fellowship Officer/Consular Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Temitayo Akinbiyi, told ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA that the fair will serve as a confluence for prospective Nigerians and representatives of several top higher educational institutions in The Netherland on available opportunities.
What is rationale behind the maiden Education fair in the Netherlands?
The purpose is to create awareness of the Dutch educational system and all the possibilities within it in Nigeria. The fair is also to invite students from Nigeria to consider reputable educational institutions in the Netherlands and establish a lasting relationship between both parties.
A greater percentage of Nigerians have little knowledge of the Dutch educational system, its admission process, knowledge of schools and the undeniable fact that there are numerous English taught courses in The Netherlands. They are not aware of the many opportunities available to international students, of which Nigerians can be a part. Therefore, the fair is a good avenue to learn more about the Dutch educational system, create a good level of awareness and at the same time recruit students.
What stands out The Netherlands education system from other developed economies?
Higher education in The Netherlands has a global reputation for its high quality. This quality is guaranteed through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. Studying in The Netherlands means developing your own opinion, an open mind and increasing your international orientation. There are also lots of scholarship opportunities.
What does the term ‘internationalising higher education ‘mean? How can higher education bridge the skills-employability gap that exists among the youth?
Internationalisation of higher education is the approach being adopted by governments to improve and empower higher education in their countries, making it comparable to the best in the world. It is a response to globalisation by ensuring that universities have a curriculum that encompass international and local elements and can produce graduates that can meet the needs of an increasingly international labour market.
Can you give us an instance?
Holland’s many international students come from 190 different countries because the Dutch society is strongly connected to other cultures, the business community and the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch. The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.
Specialised and practical higher education, which meets our national productivity needs is the solution to the skills-employability gap that exists among Nigeria’s youthful population.
How affordable is studying in The Netherlands for an average Nigerian?
Tuition fees are comparatively low and living is comparatively cheap.
How many universities are you expecting from The Netherlands at the fair?
Several Dutch higher educational institutions will be represented at the fair. Amongst these are universities of applied sciences, research universities and institutes for international education.
What are the entry requirements for foreign students seeking university admission in The Netherlands?
First, foreign students need to find a study programme and then check the admission requirements. Application procedures may vary by institution and type of programme. The education institution usually sets a minimum qualification requirement for admission to the programme. In many cases it is essential that foreign students can speak, read and write well in English. They must have passed an English language test, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), are commonly accepted.
What arrangements have you to educate visitors to the fair on visa regulations and local laws in The Netherlands?
The Consular Section of the Embassy will be at the fair to provide detailed information on study visa procedure and regulations, Dutch culture and society, among others.
What experiences await visitors to the fair?
The fair will have in attendance top higher educational institutions from The Netherlands to enlighten students, parents, career counsellors and other visitors on study programmes, admission requirements, scholarships, curriculum, housing, and costs associated with studying and living in The Netherlands.
