The Question (Part 3 of 5 in the "Academics"series)

How does a Dutch university compare to a U.S.one?

A driving force in my decision to live in Utrecht, Holland was because of its flagship university: The University of Utrecht. A world college report had ranked it highly. In this case, the statistics were more than spot on. My faculty is extraordinary and the students, dedicated. One primary difference between a Dutch education and an American one is this: the question. To explain, in a traditional American education system, whether in high school or university, the goal is to relay the information most accurately. Repeat information and you get an A. In the Dutch system, they assume everyone will have the knowledge to repeat information. There is no learning in repetition; for the Dutch—and Europeans more broadly—learning takes place in conflict. So, to write a paper on the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock during the Cold War, you should find some conflict in his life—someone that challenged what he said, or some artist whose work conflicted with his. The paper is in the tension. Whatever the subject is, you must find the force that worked against that subject. You present both sides of the argument, than, your paper’s job is to show where you position yourself within this debate. Presto. In Dutch papers you have to forcefully argue a position based on scholars that came before. This way of thinking creates scholars and people that innately go through life critically thinking.

Study Hours

Recently, I asked a friend where I could study (besides my room) during the evening. Cafes are closed after six and the library closes early on weekends. To this, my friend replied: "Get your work done during the day; we do not study at night." Even though I am learning loads here, the environment is more relaxed. Some students take several years to complete a masters degree that should take only a year because they take their time (and it does not cost much to extend their study.) I could get used to this (though, rest assured Rotary, I will finish my masters in one year!) :)