Levi Cuypers: with the bilingual International Business program you have an advantage

Just switch over

Levi is now in his second year of the program. He admitted it took some getting used to at first. A large portion of the courses and projects are in English. "It's really not that bad. Everyone has to adjust a bit at the beginning of the year, but eventually it becomes second nature, and before you know it, you're typing everything effortlessly in English. In a way, that's what I like about the program. You immediately brush up on your English." 

But English isn't the only language Levi learns during the program. "At the beginning of the program, you choose between Spanish and German. I chose Spanish because I knew you could do an internship in Spain in the second year. Besides the languages, we learn more about different cultures and customs. This will come in handy later when you work for an international company."

3 months internship in Spain

VFrom the first year of the International Business – Bilingual program, you'll have an internship. You'll start at a local company, allowing you to gradually adjust to the work and see if it's a good fit for you. In the second year, you'll have the opportunity to intern abroad for three months. Levi only needed to hear this once, and he was immediately enthusiastic.

I specifically chose Spanish so I could intern in Spain. I enjoyed it so much that if I'm allowed to intern in Spain again next year, I'll definitely go back. I started working for a British company that sells air conditioners. During my internship, I helped with marketing, purchasing air conditioners, and recruiting new customers. That was very educational. Even though the target audience was similar to the Dutch, I was thrown in at the deep end. For example, I had to go to a nearby village, walk into a real estate agency, and explain that they could come to us for air conditioners. That was exciting, but also very educational. 

Although the target groups and the work weren't all that different from those in the Netherlands, one typically Spanish habit stood out. In Spain, they don't work eight hours a day and take it easy during the hour-and-a-half break. Something Levi found very easy to get used to. "Everything is a bit easier in Spain. I had to go back to the Netherlands for a day for a wedding, and they certainly didn't make a fuss about it. I was even allowed an extra day off to pack my suitcase and prepare. The most important thing there is to take it easy."

In all directions

EOne of the advantages of the International Business program is that it's often easy to find a job after graduation. This is because, in addition to business, you also gain international knowledge. However, Levi isn't ready to enter the professional field yet.