A year at TIAS: International context to learn and ask
April 4, 2019 | 1 min read
It’s been almost a year at TIAS, I am thankful that I grabbed the opportunity to be here. At TIAS, I have got the chance to emerge into a new environment, experience many new cultures and raise my questions without reluctance.
Back to this time a year ago, I was in Vietnam, having a full-time job with nice colleagues and a supportive boss; but somehow I felt it was not enough. I asked myself what I could do to fulfil my life. Remembering my dream to go to the Netherlands, I applied to TIAS. Until the time I was on the plane, I still questioned my choice, wondering if I made the right decision. But with all the courage I had, I started my journey.
On the first day at TIAS, I knew that it would be very diverse. TIAS has an international context where students come from different parts of the world. We were divided into small groups. Each group, of course, includes students from different countries. We have to work together on group assignments, bring our knowledge and our abilities to contribute to group work. Sometimes, we also have discussions, and that’s the time we have to learn to compromise with each other, learn to “understand first, then be understood”. It is TIAS where I acquire the international mindset.
Here at TIAS, every question and feedback is respected. Teachers always encourage us to ask; during class and after class there is always time for questions. If we have problems and feedback, we can just go and talk to the staff, they are always there to listen and to help if needed. I can also discuss with my group members and classmates and learn from them, who always surprise me with their different perspectives. TIAS has taught me not to accept things if I don’t understand it well, but go further for more insights. And more important, if I want to know the answer, I have to ask.
Gradually, I have realized that having questions, sometimes, is even more important than having an answer. If I didn’t question myself, I would not be here experiencing any of this beautiful journey. If I didn’t get out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t know what I can do and what potentials I have. Now, I also wonder how my life will be after TIAS. I don’t know yet. But I know TIAS is a must-have in this journey.
This blog was written by Full-time MScBA student My Linh Tong (23) from Vietnam.
Read more about the Full-time MScBA