Testimonial: Rosen Dimov

I do not regret my choice for Saxion. Indeed, at first I missed my friends, my family but we stayed in touch and time of separation showed me what were the real relationships and values behind them. I also had to leave an exciting hurry full of trips abroad, new contacts and a delegation of my home country to the United Nations where I was appointed a member after a nation-wide competition.

Imagine: 18 full of energy and curiosity young people from various corners of the world (to count – 4 continents). Each of us had brought to the Netherlands our own culture as well as understanding of the academic curriculum. Admittedly, sometimes it was harsh to explain some differences and deal with them; nonetheless, disparities taught us what cannot be found in books. In a cross-culture setting we received interactive teaching in subjects, which were invented to run ahead of the tendencies.

Group work, simulations, case studies, to mention a few – gave me clear memories of what we learnt. Further, I still feel the resounding imprints of our excursions to Germany, Belgium or Luxembourg. We even went to a farm in a Dutch village where we got trained (and certificated!) in milking, cheese-tasting, ‘boerengolf’ (a traditional Dutch game) and many others. Teachers were in the game alongside with us, so were they at inter-cultural parties (with traditional music and food). Ample sounds and colours were added in other parts of Enschede, which lies at the border between two countries and provides a multiplicity of many other countries traditions, music and everything a student wants in any time left.

Some of you may be wondering about the ‘University of Applied Sciences’ status of Saxion or even get distracted by it. Well, you will see, this is not a second-hand school: moreover, it delivers more practice-oriented courses and links the students directly to their future careers. Too many abstract ideas and books of just theory are not the point at Saxion. As time goes by, one becomes prepared for the real-market job and gets an encouraging internship – according to the availability, skills and preference.

Language did not complicate the situation at all: everyone did not have English as a mother’s tongue. Additionally, each of us made an effort to wait and understand each other. It was always the ideas and the people that mattered; the wording was simply a way of expression and looking up in dictionaries. Teachers (of Dutch or German origin) were also patient and helpful.

At the time I write this, the end of this year seems closer. I have to start another story. It will either be in Brussels, where I was invited to work for the European Commission and the European Parliament, or, more preferably, in my home country which urgently needs energetic and knowledgeable people to fasten transition. I am also thinking of an L.L.M. on the European legal integration of South-Eastern and Eastern Europe. I will see. Doors in front of me are more wide-open than ever before.