Student Spotlight: Daijah Scott in The Netherlands
How do daily routines—like shopping, cooking, or resting—differ from what you’re used to at home?
Daily life in the Netherlands differs. Although many people here speak English, Dutch is the primary language, which means that most everyday information, from bathroom signs to grocery labels, and even the advertisements I encounter online is written in Dutch. As a result, I often rely on Google Translate to navigate daily tasks and ensure I am purchasing the correct items. I have also become more aware of differences in food culture, particularly in how fresh products are here. The first time I purchased a carton of eggs, I was surprised to find chicken feathers still attached an unfamiliar experience that highlighted how much closer food production feels compared to what I am used to at home. Through trial and error, I have gradually become more comfortable navigating Dutch grocery stores and local foods. For instance, I once mistakenly bought buttermilk instead of regular milk for my cereal. While I use context clues and images to guide my decisions, I still find myself feeling overwhelmed at times when faced with shelves of nearly identical products. These moments, however, have pushed me to become more patient, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar environments.
Can you describe a new friendship or connection you made there? How was it different from friendships at home?
One meaningful connection I have formed during my study abroad experience is with someone on my floor named Sienna. She is originally from Germany and now lives permanently in the Netherlands. Our friendship has felt different from those I am used to back home, largely because, at only 20 years old, she has already lived independently in two different countries. Spending time with Sienna has made me more aware of how culture shapes everyday behavior. Her independence shows in small but meaningful moments, such as navigating museums or ordering at restaurants, where she easily recognizes social cues that I might have otherwise overlooked. Through these shared experiences, I have become more observant and confident in unfamiliar social settings. We often talk about our blended cultural perspectives and what it means to adapt to life in a new country. These conversations have encouraged me to reflect on my own growth and have sparked a deeper curiosity about European cultures beyond the Netherlands. As a result, I now feel inspired to explore Germany for myself and continue learning through cross-cultural connections.
What surprised you about school or classes there—how students learn, interact, or manage their day?
Through my study abroad program, I primarily take classes with other American students because the program offers its own courses for college credit. As a result, I do not regularly interact with Dutch students in the classroom. However, learning from Dutch professors has been both helpful and informative, as many of our lectures incorporate Dutch history and local context, which has deepened my understanding of the country beyond what I would learn from a textbook alone. When visiting other universities, such as the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I noticed that students often seem more reserved and focused on their studies. The academic culture appears to prioritize coursework and established social circles, rather than forming new connections. This was a noticeable contrast from what I am accustomed to in the United States. One aspect of the Dutch education system that particularly surprised me was the grading scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. I learned that earning a 10 is extremely rare, as it represents near-perfect work, something many view as almost unattainable. This perspective on grading challenged my assumptions about academic evaluation and prompted me to reflect on how different education systems define excellence and success.