Doing Business in Europe Summer Program in the Netherlands – Hallo uit Nederland!

I’m Robyn and I’m currently studying International Communications at Hanzehogeschool in Groningen. I was amazed by how green everything is in the Netherlands and truly baffled by how many bikes are ridden in this small city.

The dorm I’m living in is full of students from all over the world: United States, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Latvia and more! This was a great way to feel really immersed in an international environment and experience many different cultures which tied in perfectly to the classes I’ve been taking at Hanze University. The courses teaches us the importance of a country’s Hofstede index for individualism, masculinity/femininity, power distance and uncertainty as it can greatly affect how effective a specific advertisement will be and how business should be conducted. We’re also learning how to deal with conflicts, miscommunications, and cultural differences that can occur when doing business internationally.  My favourite classes have focused on the countries and the laws associated with doing business in the European Union.

The programme has provided us with a chance to explore around the country and visit a couple remarkable places including the old fishing village of Marken and island of Schiermonnikoog. This weekend we will be visiting Amsterdam, and I’m pleased to say that my group will be presenting a sales pitch to some top Philips executives in a Dragon’s Den style competition. Wish us luck!

This trip has been amazing so far, and I can’t wait to apply my new knowledge in the workplace. But before I return to Nova Scotia, I’m going to enjoy Europe a little longer by visit Brussels and Oslo!

Robyn Hardy

Business Administration Student

NSCC Waterfront Campus