In the Spotlight - Dave Duckett

1. Name: Dave Duckett
Age: 21
Hometown: A small city outside of Detroit called Riverview, Michigan.

2. Studies: History and English
Year: 3rd
Why: These are the academic areas in which I am most interested. I will be a teacher when my studies are finished.

3. What do you do apart from studying (hobbies etc.)?
I read a lot, watch movies, hang out with friends, and drink a lot of beers.
4. Why did you choose to go abroad
I wanted to travel, and I didn't want to wait to do it.
5. And why Holland / Groningen?
I would like to say that there is something particular about this place that made me choose it, but it would be a lie. The truth is that my home university has contracts all over the world. This one was the best fit for me because of the cost, the areas of study, and the fact that people can speak English. I had actually chosen South Africa first, but the woman at my international office really recommended Groningen. I spoke with other students who had studied abroad in both places and Groningen sounded much better. The girl in South Africa was telling me about wine tastings, and the guy from here told me about Queen’s Day which really made my decision easy.

6. Describe your first day in Holland / Groningen.
On my first day in Holland I arrived at 6 am. I got on the train to Groningen from Schiphol and within 5 minutes it broke down. I spent the next 2 and a half hours worried that I would end up somewhere I wasn’t supposed to be with no phone and not very much money. When I finally arrived and sorted out a taxi, I slept most of the day. Then, at night, a couple of Dutch guys who studied in Michigan last semester were kind enough to take me out. I woke up at 4 pm the next day. It was an early introduction to the nightlife in Groningen.
7. What’s been your most positive experience so far?

My most positive experience has been the people. I really love the friends I have met. These are lifelong relationships.
8. And the most negative one?

 I got stuck up by a junkie for one Euro when I was in Amsterdam. But on the bright side, at least I got a good story out of it.

9. Describe the Dutch in 3 words…
Tall, funny-haired techno-lovers
10. What’s the main difference between (country of residence) and the Netherlands?

 The people aren’t so different here from in the US (surprise!). The main difference I have experienced beyond the obvious things, like language, is that everybody rides bikes here. Americans more or less only ride bikes for exercise or for enjoying a nice day. Rarely does someone use a bike as a main form of transportation.
11. What do you miss most about home (and you can’t say ‘friends and family’!)?

To be honest, I really miss cheap fast food. It may be unhealthy, but I love $1 double cheeseburgers.
12. Does Holland live up to your expectations, is it like you thought it would be

I did not have very many expectations coming in, but I will say that Holland has definitely not disappointed me.

13. What do you think of ESN so far?

 ESN is great. It is really nice that they organize things for us to do. The introduction week was incredibly useful and fun.

14. What are your goals for this term?

My goals have been to gain new experiences. Grades were not as important to me as they normally have been because the entire semester has been a learning experience. I wanted to do as much as I could and become a more interesting person as a result. So far so good.

15. Why would you or would you not recommend Groningen to your friends back home?

 I would recommend it for sure. The international community is great. The transition is not terribly difficult. The city is fun. Traveling is easy. And in the course of the semester you learn a lot about yourself and about the world.