'I'm planning to get involved in the Amsterdam start-up company scene'

Franz-Josef Schrepf - Germany

'I was certain that studying in an international environment was the 1st big step towards entering the international corporate world. However, studying alone makes up only half of your university experience. The other half revolves around your extracurricular activities, the input you get from new experiences and cultural exchange, and all the new friends you meet during this time. The University of Amsterdam offers all of this: an amazing study programme and an international crowd, all located in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, a place of endless opportunities for personal development.'

Honours programme
Honestly, it is a lot of work. Especially as a participant in the Honours programme. But then again, great education and good grades are not handed out for free. Fortunately, it is not all studying books and theory. I am frankly enjoying my time in Amsterdam. On arrival, I immediately signed up for the Amsterdam Surfer Student Union (DERM), who introduced me to an entirely different part of the Netherlands, far from the touristic mainstream.

Bartender and comedian
'I also picked up a job at a bar and got further involved in Amsterdam night-life. I also discovered my passion for public speaking: in November, I participated at the OxIMUN, an international debating conference at the University of Oxford, together with a Dutch delegation. In December, I picked up stand-up comedy and finally brought my love for good jokes onto the big stage. All this concluded in March, where I won a spot as a speaker at the TEDxAUCollege conference, where I was invited to give my own TEDx talk.'

The future
'When I moved to Amsterdam I was certain that I wanted to become either an investment banker or business consultant in a multinational corporation. However, 2 years into my study, my plans have changed. I have met countless great and inspiring people who changed my perception of what a successful life is.'

'After my studies, I am currently planning to stay in Amsterdam and get involved in the Amsterdam start-up company scene, a fast growing sector uniting inspiring people from all over the world to work on their own companies and projects. I am looking forward to becoming one of those entrepreneurs, building my own business, managing my own company, and living my own dream.'