Gap/Foundation Year

Coen Van Woerkom - Abcoude, The Netherlands
Major: Economics

"Because of the Dutch educational system, I was going to graduate from high school at quite a young age. Therefore, I decided that it would be good for me to study abroad for a year. The United States have always been very appealing to me, so it didn’t take me long to decide I wanted to go there. That left the choice of where to go in the US. With the help of an agency (Interlanguage) I eventually settled on GRCC. GRCC seemed, and has proven to be by now, the best choice for me. It was not too big, it was in a small city but near a big city, and it has a serious study environment; all things I like.

Although not everything was always easy - missing friends, family, culture, and food - overall it was absolutely worth it. I’ve met amazing people, I’ve had awesome classes, classes I would never be able to take back home, and I’ve seen some of America’s beautiful landscapes and cultures.

To all the people that are thinking about studying in the US, I would say: do it! It is a very interesting experience, and I think that GRCC would be a great location for that experience. Not only because of the good location and study environment, but also because of the many other international students that share your problems and joys."

Remco Zwetsloot - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Major: Journalism

"I didn't want to go to college right after graduating from high school. I wanted the opportunity to broaden my perspective on life and study in the USA, " said Remco. At Green River Community College Remco has had the opportunity to take many different classes that were not offered at his high school in Amsterdam. He has not only discovered a passion for philosophy, but he has also become one of the editors for the college newspaper, The Current. "This is a great opportunity for me. As an editor I am learning both leadership and delegation skills."

Remco is enjoying his time so much that he is considering pursuing a two year degree at GRCC.  "I would like to stay here until spring 2011."

Remco chose Green River because he liked the location and the beautiful campus.  "I think there are many students in The Netherlands that would enjoy attending GRCC."

Annemarie De Wal - The Netherlands
Major: Interior Design

Annemarie de Wal came to Green River Community College from the Netherlands. She graduated from college in Holland with a degree in Interior Design and decided to go abroad to experience the American college life. "The biggest highlight for me was making new friends and learning a new culture. I really like it here."

Annemarie enjoys the flexibility at GRCC. "College is much different in Holland. It is more structured," said Annemarie. "Here you can choose your own courses and decide on a major. In Holland, you decide what you want to do straight out of high school. I thought I wanted to be a Math Instructor, so I went to the 'Math Instructor College' where everybody took the same classes. After a year, I realized that was not what I wanted to do and enrolled in an Interior Design College."

Annemarie explained that in Holland there was not much of a campus life. That is why she enjoyed participating in the student activities that were provided at Green River. "I went to Disneyland, Santa Monica, and Whistler, Canada where I snowboarded for the very first time. I also had fun river rafting and hiking."

Annemarie also enjoys living in the campus housing. "My American roommate is my best friend. I have met a lot of American students through her including my boyfriend. The American people are so nice. Even my parents were surprised by their sincere kindness when they came out to visit me in June."