Rens Kuijpers is studying International Fresh Business Management at the Fontys in Venlo. He deliberately chose to study in Venlo and is still very happy with this decision.

Why did you decide to study at Fontys?
I chose Fontys because you can only study International Fresh Business Management (IFBM) here in Venlo. My interest in Fresh Business originated from my work in the AGF department at Hanos Venlo, where I have been working for five years now. Through Gilde Opleidingen, I took an MBO-HBO (intermediate vocational education) course, so that I could study at the Fontys after graduating from MBO. IFBM is a very interesting study that suits me very well and in which field I hope to find a good job after graduation.

What do you like most about studying at Fontys?
I really enjoy the small-scale way of teaching. I very much like the fact that everything takes place in relatively small groups and you don’t have to sit in a lecture hall with a hundred people or even more, as is the case with many other studies. In addition, I am very excited about the courses I take at IFBM. The subjects that have to do with supply chain, economics and marketing are particularly interesting. The project-based work, characteristic of studying at the Fontys, is also pleasant, although it is sometimes difficult to arrange things when you are in a project group with different people.

How do you experience studying in this region?
Before I decided to study at Fontys in Venlo, I had my doubts about the location for a long time. I live only fifteen minutes away from Venlo and wondered if it wouldn’t be better to study a bit further away. Also, student life in Venlo is less vibrant than in larger cities. In the end, I deliberately opted for the study itself and not the location and I am still very happy with this decision. It’s nice that I don’t have to travel far, but also that I don’t have to stay in student housing. It saves me a lot of money and doesn’t build up a massive student loan. I may not have the student life of my friends in Nijmegen and Utrecht, but I mainly see the benefits of it.

How is studying going at the moment?
At the beginning of the first semester, I had serious doubts whether I was suitable for HBO level and was afraid that I would not pass the exams. However, in the first week of the exams I passed all but one course, and with a resit I passed that course as well. When I had successfully completed all my exams, an enormous pressure fell off my shoulders and I became a bit more self-assured. The second semester went a lot smoother and during the following week of exams I passed all my exams again. So I passed my propaedeutic year in one go and I am very proud of it!

Fontys Venlo