It is not Kamp van Koningsbrugge, but it is an elective that challenges.

At Summa, students are given the opportunity to broaden or deepen their education with electives. These are components of the study program that students often choose themselves, in addition to their fixed curriculum.

Some electives align with the specific study program, while others are Summa-wide and open to students from all disciplines. This allows students to personalize their learning path and develop in areas that suit them.

Among those dozens of electives, there is one that is just a little different: the National Resilience Training (NWT). This elective is offered in collaboration with Defence and is taken externally. No lessons in a classroom, but an intensive ten-week program outside the familiar school environment.

“Let me make one thing clear right away,” says Ralf Lammers, lecturer at Summa Safety and involved with NWT: “This is not Kamp van Koningsbrugge. It is not about spectacle here, but about what students learn.” The next possible session starts at the end of June. “That is ideal for students who want to accelerate during their summer vacation!”

According to Ralf, the training is not about 'suffering for the sake of suffering'. “It is about students confronting themselves. How do you react when you are tired? When things turn out differently than you expected? When you have to work together under pressure?”

For ten weeks, students participate in a fixed program from Monday to Friday. They sleep on-site, share a room, and live together according to a strict daily routine. “They are physically active, go on marches, and find themselves in situations where not everything is predetermined,” explains Ralf. “That is deliberate. In real life, not everything is predictable either.” On weekends, students go home.

According to him, the greatest benefit lies primarily in the mental aspect. “You get to know yourself better. You notice how you react under pressure and where your limits lie. These are skills you don't need every day, but which often prove to be of great value later on.”

Precisely because the elective is intensive, it is not suitable for everyone. Students are away from their regular studies for ten weeks and therefore make arrangements in advance regarding attending and catching up on classes. “You shouldn’t make this choice just because it’s convenient,” says Ralf. “You should make it because you feel: I can really learn something here.”

Upon completion of the NWT, students can choose to continue within the Dutch Defence as a reservist. This allows you to take the next step, alongside or after your studies. “At Summa, students are given the freedom to make their own choices regarding how they shape their education. This elective fits in with that. For me, it is also about the MBO student, who can have a unique experience,” says Ralf. “Whether someone wants to become a reservist afterwards or says: this was my experience and I am moving on, both are fine.” For many students, the value lies primarily in what they learn along the way, about teamwork, dealing with pressure, and pushing their own boundaries.”

The National Resilience Training is open to MBO students at levels 2, 3, and 4, aged 18 and over. Interest comes from various study programs. “I think that is perhaps the best part,” says Ralf. “Students from healthcare, technology, and safety come together here. Exactly what electives are intended for: discovering what suits you, even outside your own program.”

The NWT requires courage, curiosity, perseverance, and an honest assessment. “It is not an easy choice,” says Ralf. “But for students who want to get to know themselves better and grow in resilience, this elective really adds something to their education. And what they learn here, they often take with them for the rest of their careers, sometimes even for life.”

For more information, email nwt@summacollege.nlUpon completion of this elective, you will receive a certificate. This has implications for your potential chances of graduating cum laude. We would be happy to tell you more about it.

More information about electives and Summa-wide opportunities is here to find.