During the first week the students got acquainted with each other, with the TU/e and with a number of different agencies in Eindhoven. In the second week the Bachelor’s and the Master’s intro converged. Just like the Dutch Bachelor students the international Master students were linked with so-called ‘introdaddies’ and ‘mummies’. In the third week the students followed workshops in Dutch and English and went and visited companies.

Dr. Karen Ali, head of the STU: “The international students gave the whole program a B plus. Both the students and the ‘introdaddies’ and ‘mummies’ as well as the staff members of the TU/e were mainly positive.” This year it was the first time for the external bodies, including the Rabobank and the municipality of Eindhoven, to come to the TU/e for the registrations. Ali: “They, too, were positive about the new formula. The goal that we had envisaged with the summer course has been reached. The introductory program is certainly worth repeating.”

Bar-hopping
Ali does indicate that the program will be adjusted on the basis of the evaluations. “Whereas initially we were cautious to introduce the ‘real’ student life to the international Master students, it appeared that events such as the Bunker festival and bar-hopping are appreciated highly by them. Therefore these items will definitely feature again in next year’s program”, says Ali. “Together with the Departments we shall also try to find a program that links up well with all Departments.” Further, it appeared from the evaluation that the students would like to have more variation in the packed breakfasts and lunches. Ali: “That means an alternative to the ‘broodje kaas’.”/.