Assignment 5. The minor and me

The minor European Union and Policies gave us a clear view on the European Union, European Institutes, European Law and the economy of Europe.

Students were informed about how important the European Institutes are and what the effects are on the European economy if non-member states enter European Union.

The duration of this minor was two blocks of ten weeks.

I am a student of Management Economics and Law at Avans Hogeschool in ’s-Hertogenbosch. After long searching for a minor that was interesting and informative, I read about the minor European Union and Policies. I read that I had to follow courses in English. On the one hand, the English language was a barrier to me. On the other hand it was a challenge. I wanted to improve my English language.

After the first classes I was convinced that I had chosen the right minor (subject). Unfortunately, I had to use to the new manner of learning at school. At the beginning of each week we had to read a task about a current topic, these tasks were discussed in the tutor group meetings. We talked about the subject, about the problems, defined learning goals for the next tutor meeting.

Besides the tutor group meetings, we had training sessions and background lectures about the topic “of the week”. It was for us an opportunity to ask questions related to the topics.

If students did not prefer during the lessons they could not catch up with the classes. Some of the things related to the topics were not discussed during the classes. Still I have to get used to the style of the lectures because I learned many things different in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Finally, we had the group projects. Once in two weeks we got a project related to a subject. Some of them were checked by an external company and some of them were checked by the teachers. I always loved to work in project groups so it was not an obstacle for me. During my study Economics Management and Law we always worked in project groups.

Unfortunately, we are still waiting for some marks.

In my opinion it was an interesting and informative minor. Not to forget the trip to Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg were we saw and learned more about the Institutes and Europe.

I did not like the style of the lectures. Each week one student was assistant and one student was chairperson. Some of the chairpersons, assistants and students did not prepare their homework so they did not know the answer of the questions. Sometimes our tutor helped us out but not always, and if you had to study your stuff for your exam you come across questions that were not discussed during the classes.

After all I would recommend other students to follow this minor, because it is instructive, fun, interesting and good for your linguistic problems.