Alessio about studying at Fontys Mechanical Engineering

Student stories: read the story of student Eduard! He tells his experience about the study: what does he like most, how does he experience studying in the Netherlands and what does he find difficult?

Why did you choose to study Mechanical Engineering?

"I have always been interested in mechanics, engines and how things work. I lived on a farm when I was little. From there I was involved with tractors: riding them and, if something was broken, fixing them. That is where my interested in Mechanical Engineering started."

Why did you want to study in the Netherlands, specific Eindhoven?

"I was still in doubt about whether to study in Belgium or the Netherlands. But in the end, the culture of the Netherlands attracted me more. That is mainly because the Dutch give me a warm and welcome feeling. And an advantage is that the Dutch people are very international. A lot of people speak English. And what I love about the Dutch culture is that they are straightforward. They don't mince their words and tell like it is."

“ What I love about the Dutch culture is that they are straightforward. They don't mince their words and tell like it is."

Why did you choose Fontys?

"I was still hesitating between other universities of applied sciences, but I visited an open day at Fontys and was amazed by the labs there are. The thought that I would be able to use them during my studies was fantastic."

How do you like studying at Fontys in Eindhoven so far?

"It’s great.  Especially the personal contact with all the teachers and other students. That is mainly because of the small classes. Also that we are in the Brainport Region where all the technology companies are located, who want to help students like us get ahead, gives me the feeling that I can build my future here after my study."

Is there something you like the least about studying in Eindhoven at Fontys?

"In the beginning, it took a lot of time getting used to the way we study here. It's really about taking responsibility and you have to find the information yourself. But you, therefore, have that extra experience in the field later. That gives you a step ahead when applying for a job."

How do you like your student life?

"You’ve got a lot of bars (at Stratum) and activities where you can go as a student. You can meet new people multiple times of the week. Eindhoven is not a very big city. This makes it easy to meet other people. And if that doesn't work out, you are very close to other cities in the Netherlands where you can meet other students. It is very easy to take your bike and go somewhere. And if it is far away, you can just take public transport."

“Because we are in the Brainport Region, there are lots of opportunities for your future as an engineer.”

Is there something you like the least about studying in Eindhoven at Fontys?

"In the beginning, it took a lot of time getting used to the way we study here. It's really about taking responsibility and you have to find the information yourself. But you, therefore, have that extra experience in the field later. That gives you a step ahead when applying for a job."

How do you like your student life?

"You’ve got a lot of bars (at Stratum) and activities where you can go as a student. You can meet new people multiple times of the week. Eindhoven is not a very big city. This makes it easy to meet other people. And if that doesn't work out, you are very close to other cities in the Netherlands where you can meet other students. It is very easy to take your bike and go somewhere. And if it is far away, you can just take public transport."

How did you prepare for your international move to the Netherlands?

"Start preparing on time and know that Fontys is also ready to help you with arranging your accommodation. Fontys will put you in contact with estate agents where you can arrange your stay. I now live in a student house with 27 others. That is a lot of roommates, but it also ensures that I have a lot of contact with other people."

Would you recommend Fontys to other students? 

"Definitely. You work in small classes while attending a big university. And, because we are in the Brainport Region, there are lots of opportunities for your future as an engineer."

What are your plans after graduation?

"I want to work but where and in what country? I don’t know yet. It will come with time. Maybe I move to my girlfriend in Denmark. But everything is still open for me."

What advice would you give to future students?

"There is a lot of information so keep up with all the subjects you have. On weekdays we have classes. Go over everything again during the weekend and repeat certain things. Prepare yourself well and take responsibility."