What inspired you to work for The Netherlands Education Group?
We share the same beliefs, TNEG's approach is based on the belief that the best learning methods combine formal as well as non-formal and informal methods of education. We believe in the practical use of knowledge, involving participants in the learning process, whilst trying to activate their thinking about their own experiences which could be relevant to the topic. We believe that learning through understanding the relevance of the material to one's own experience is the most effective learning method.
Why do you do what you do?
I keep asking myself this same question, maybe I do what I do because of my religious beliefs and spiritual inclinations. In that, education is the key to knowledge acquisition which is the key to empowerment. Empowered citizens can make informed and beneficial decisions that raise the standards of society, benefiting the greater good.
What is your favorite part of your job?
That those educated at TNEG will return to their home countries and improve the standard of living in those countries.
Another obligatory sports competition group photo while in the United Kingdom (UK).
What are some current projects you are working on?
An advertisement video for a potential collaboration between TNEG and another organization. Also, I’m working on a new start-up facilitated by TNEG.
TNEG is trying to grow and expand, so there are quite a few things in the pipeline that could help with this endeavor. So far, a new classroom has been created and the maintenance and condition of the building is slowly improving.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. However, always stand up for your human rights. Adjusting to a different culture can be exhausting, mentally and physically, especially since communication is hampered if you cannot speak the language fluently. It is important to pace oneself and take each day at a time, gradually integrating into the society instead of rushing things.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
TNEG offers competitive prices whilst providing high-quality education. The tutors are open-minded and are willing to learn from the students instead of having large egos with a rigid mentality that is not open to other people's opinions and ideas.
The organization blends practical education with formal, non-formal, and informal methods of education, which is something quite unique in the industry. Also, TNEG has an accessible Director who enjoys mingling with the participants in person.
The organization is an easy choice over competitors for someone who is seeking a non-governmental organization (NGO), that offers short-term, affordable, high-quality programs with budget accommodations, to students worldwide. Especially with focus on the following disciplines: business, personal development, and languages.
This is me at the Community Church in the United Kingdom (U.K.)
What hopes do you have for the future for The Netherlands Education Group?
I hope that the organization can bolster its HQ in the Netherlands and reach new students in different markets like the UK or the USA. Hopefully we can attract highly disciplined and intelligent students who will benefit from their sojourn at TNEG. While simultaneously raising the reputation of the organization through their effort and producing high-quality work.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
- Program affordability
- Excellent and passionate tutors
- Convenient location in the Netherlands
- Learning English in the Netherlands as a business language in the Netherlands. This could be more affordable than going to the UK or the USA to learn English.
- The Netherlands are known as the having the highest proficiency in the English Language of all countries that are non-native speaking nations
- Opportunity to learn in a cosmopolitan city
- Wide variety of topics to choose to study in breadth and depth
- Free parking facilities next to TNEG accommodation
- Metro access only a 5-9 minute walk from TNEG accommodation
- Friendly and competent staff
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To offer short-term, affordable, high-quality programs, often with budget accommodation, to students worldwide. I continue to work toward this mission by constantly thinking of ways to improve the organization's reputation. Only with a strong reputation can an educational organization fulfill such a mission.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Participants should learn to apply their learned knowledge. Students should feel like they have experienced some degree of personal development from studying at TNEG. The learned information should benefit them such that they do not leave the same person as they arrived. This is in regards to their personal development, not just knowledge acquisition.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would study the Online Modern Business Administration program. This program would help me in my continued professional development since I am an Administrator at TNEG. It is completed online so that allows me greater freedom to do other activities/work simultaneously.
Obligatory group picture for a sports competition while visiting Switzerland
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is essential for personal development. It expands one's horizon and challenges one's conditioning. If one can absorb these experiences with a positive, can-do attitude then it will be of benefit, because they can learn new things more easily like learn a new language. Ultimately, experiencing a new culture is necessary and often, very fun!
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It is important to learn a new language because it helps one to understand the worldview of those from different countries and cultures, improving communication and reducing the chance of conflict.
Also, learning a new language can significantly benefit a person financially. Those who come from countries where illiteracy rates and poverty rates are higher than the global average, for example, can find much benefit in learning a new language. It can help them improve in their native tongue and help them to gain financially and hopefully improve the standard of living in their home country. Ultimately, learning a new language assists in bringing greater harmony to our planet.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Today's tourism industry, for the most part, is rooted in colonial history. Literally, modern tourism is a colonial industry. However, “meaningful travel” is a religious and spiritual endeavor for me. It signifies one's connection to the planet.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education can further expand and refine cosmopolitanism. Such as what it means and where it is taking us? Should we all speak more than one language? What are the limits of globalization regarding costs and benefits? Is there such a thing as an "international education" or is this term paradoxical? I hope that these questions and more can be answered and developed upon.
