Without vocational training I would never have done this course

Sterre de Jongh is in the third year of the International Lifestyle Studies program. While still in pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO), she already knew she wanted to pursue a university of applied sciences (HBO). She chose a route via vocational education (MBO). "In retrospect, I would do it all again."

A striking statement. Because the vocational (MBO) fashion management program turned out not to be the right choice. “I chose vocational (MBO) because I felt a higher general secondary education (HAVO) program was a step too high. Fashion management seemed like a good fit for me, but it was too much about organizing the production process. While designing collections, we also dealt with concept development: that's what I found interesting. That's how I ended up in lifestyle studies. Without the vocational (MBO) fashion management program, that wouldn't have happened.”

Differences

Sterre lists several reasons why she would choose vocational education again. "First of all, the internships. We know how the business world works, how to present ourselves. You also learn project-based work, collaboration, and a lot about yourself: I know what I'm good at and not so good at. On the other hand, pre-university students often learn more easily. After a year, you've got the hang of it."

Dropouts

Remarkably, the dropouts from International Lifestyle Studies are almost all pre-university students, primarily because the program didn't turn out to be what they expected. "I think vocational students know better what they want because we've seen more."