We all have stereotypes about other lands and cultures. We sometimes form stereotypes in an attempt to make sense of our world by categorizing. What helps us overcome them and truly get to know each other, is bringing them into the open, confronting each other with them. Help us break the ice between the International and Dutch student communities at Tilburg. Tweet your own stories, experiences and stereotypes @tillyicebreaker.
cool about the Netherlands,” stated Fardan Zahrawi, 31-year-old Master student of Law and Technology. What the Indonesians also commented on, were the wonderful public transport facilities in the Netherlands. The Netherlands was markedly different in this regard compared to Indonesia, where the traffic density made it impossible to use bicycles on a daily basis. With regard to the characteristics of Dutch people, Irvan Wiradinata, 25-year-old Premaster student of Communication and Information Sciences, had some interesting insights to offer. Like the comment of the German student Felix, Irvan also remarked on the incredible use of wax by Dutch guys. “They almost empty out half a box with each use!” he said, “I have a theory for it. I think it’s because the Netherlands is very windy.” Since our Dutchies definitely don’t want to get their hair all messed up in the terrible winds of this low-lying land, large quantities of wax becomes a basic necessity. As for Dutch food, “they always eat tasteless food, like bread, cheese, and things like that. Maybe that’s why there are no famous chefs from the Netherlands,” quipped Irvan.
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“They always eat tasteless food, like bread, cheese, and things like that. Maybe that’s why there are no famous chefs from the Netherlands"
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And what did the Dutch students have to say about themselves? We surveyed 60 Dutch students at Tilburg University to learn how they would characterize the Dutch. We also got responses from 47 Dutch students on what they thought characterizes the Netherlands the most. The tree maps that follow show their responses.
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