ABOUT THE UT ACADEMIC CULTURE

The academic culture at the University of Twente is quite distinct when compared to other countries. There is little hierarchy and professors tend to be easily approachable. Students usually receive feedback only when the work they deliver is unsatisfactory. Not getting feedback on work done is usually a good sign and receiving compliments is uncommon. Professors expect students to work independently, also during project work. Your best teachers are often your fellow students.

If a professor asks a question, you are expected to come up with a reasonable solution, not ‘the right and perfect one’. The process of finding a solution, dealing with new information and creativity are paramount. The quality of the actual solution is often less important.

Dutch people in general and academics in particular tend to be very opinionated: they enjoy a good discussion, attacking each other’s ideas relentlessly and with great passion. Teachers appreciate these critical and passionate discussions in class, as they are usually seen as marks of highly involved and interested students. Asking questions is seen as being interested in the topic, not as being disrespectful towards the lecturer. You are expected to think about the presented knowledge, develop and express your own opinion and look for possible weaknesses in what was presented. For the Dutch it is nothing personal and does not lead to losing face - it is all about the content and optimal learning.

If something is troubling you, you are expected to take the initiative in finding a solution. You must make the first step and contact a study adviser or someone else to help you. Waiting to be 'saved' will get you nowhere.

The Dutch believe that learning actively is the best way to learn. The essence of active learning is asking yourself questions that you try to answer by studying. What am I going to learn?

What do I know already about this question? Does what I read answer my question? Do I agree? What am I missing? Are alternative solutions possible? What are the consequences? Memorising and understanding are considered valuable but only as first steps in learning. There is more emphasis on the development of academic and/or professional skills.

At every university, things go wrong. Sometimes a lecture is disappointing, there might be strange twists in the curriculum or unreasonable exams. If you encounter such a problem you are expected to confront the professor first (as scary as that may seem) to see if you can find a solution. If that doesn’t work, you can always contact the course committee (OLC), the people dealing with education at your study association (Dutch: studievereniging), the study adviser, course director, or faculty internationalisation coordinator.

Because of these cultural differences, international students might see Dutch students as noisy in class, disrespectful to teachers and classmates, show-offs, lazy, and negative. Dutch students might think of international students as passive, easily offended students who only memorise and reproduce study material while not saying what they really think. It is a challenge for everyone in the international classroom to overcome these prejudices and learn from each other.

At the University of Twente, you do not only study. Did you know that all of our sports, cultural, study, students and international associations are led completely by students? Student activism is highly valued at the University of Twente. It helps to develop yourself and improves your organisational, networking and collaboration skills. Being active as a student is not just fun, but benefits your career as well. You can use it to distinguish yourself from your fellow students who did the same study: you will get more than a degree.

True or False? ‘The most important part of studying at the UT is memorising and understanding my study materials’ .

For questions about dealing with culture shock or problems with adjusting to life in the Netherlands, please contact the department for Student Affairs, Coaching & Counselling or ITC Student Affairs. They can help you manage cultural difficulties and related issues (see page 96)