 Timber University offers a GMSI program, Global Management of Social Issues, an international bachelor but studying is much more than just going to lectures and debating with other students. So we are going to talk about what Tilburg has got to offer as a student life. And we're going to do that with three persons who are all second-year students of the GMSI program. And the first one is Monica Villalobos from Venezuela. And her main interest is wicked problems such as climate change or global warming. And her special focus is developing countries. And in the middle we have Adam Giacic. He's from Poland. He's also, of course, a second-year student. And he's currently the president of MUN Tilburg, an association, model United Nations Tilburg. And well, Adam, I'm looking forward to hearing much more about you because you've lived in a lot of different countries, Kuwait, Egypt. And let's hear from you what Tilburg has to offer. And last but not least, we have Panna Kerti. And she's from a small town in Hungary. And she's currently a student ambassador and the chairwoman of the student advisory platform. Her main focus is on migration, also one of the wicked problems within the GMSI program. And after this study she wants to work with minor unaccompanied refugees. So that's my panel and they know all about student life in Tilburg. Monika, first question, because Tilburg, student life, you think partying, you think beers. What is your favorite bar in Tilburg? Well, I will say that my favorite bar will be studio, also because I started working there and, you know, I have some benefits for doing that. That's your employer. Ah, okay. Yes, but to be honest, like, we are one of the clubs that, we, I'm already part of them, that, yeah, that we open until late, especially when there's special events or one of the few that actually open until quite late. And we're also open, like, all days during the weekdays. So I think it's, like, very nice. But to be honest, like, all bars are, like, in the same street, mostly. So if you don't like it, if you don't like studio, my recommendation is go to studio. But otherwise you can always try, like, other types of bars. Plenty of parties, plenty of bars. Yes. But, and, Adam, you've lived in Kuwait, Egypt, and now in the Netherlands in Tilburg. What has Tilburg got to offer? To me, practically everything that any student would need. I think anyone would find something for themselves. Like? From sports centers to forests to through parks, through bars and pubs, museums, cathedrals, concert halls, festivals. There really is something for everyone and I think that's, that's great. And what do you do in weekends or in evenings? Usually we just go to town, have a drink here or there. Because if the weather is nice, during the day we tend to go for a picnic to the park, so that's really nice. Nice. And of course, we have a beautiful green campus. Pana, what's the best place to go to when you're on campus? I would say that going to the park behind the sea building, you can always have a nice picnic there. And it's super cool because, you know, on the tables you also have the blocks so you can charge your, your laptop as well. So you know, you can study there, you can, you know, hang out there with your friends. I believe that's the coolest place to be. Within the nature as well. Exactly. Very nice. Well, let's specifically talk about what you can do as students beyond your GMSI studies because there are plenty of movies online which, which are about student life in Tilburg as a whole. But let's, let's focus on GMSI and what, what else you can do because Pana, you're, you're a student counsellor, but is that like something that you would recommend for all new GMSI students to, to participate in? I'm personally a student ambassador for, for global management of social issues. This means that during the open days and the student for the event, I get to promote the course and meet those students who could be prospective students and who are interested in the program. Now, this is a great opportunity because this way you can be, you know, part of a very active team, a very social team and also you can really be interact with those students who you have the same interest with, you know, and this way you can really communicate it that, you know, this is a program to be. This is the best program to be in. I would say so, yeah, because if you know you have the same interest, it's really cool to see that, you know, you connect with those people and then, you know, you already have a connection and then you can, you know, better communicate that and, and I think it's great to reach out to those people for sure. And I think you yourself also gained quite a lot, right? I, I can definitely say that I think I became way more open, way more communicative and, you know, my interpersonal skills also developed. And that's also better. These skills you can use them as well within the program, within the GMSI program. Exactly. And I think it's very important for GMSI to be open minded and very communicative because this way, you know, you can better interact with your teachers as well and you can really get those ideas and, and really can, you know, kind of put all your thoughts together and then, and then create something new, I would say. Nice. And you also participated in the MUN, Tilburg, the Model United Nations, which, well, the link between the studies GMSI and United Nations is very short because I think you, United Nations and GMSI deal with the wicked problems. Yeah. So what do you do within the association? There is indeed a very, very close link as you, as you say. And what we do at MUN is first and foremost we offer students a platform where they can step into the shoes of UN ambassadors and to politicians and debate those issues that we talk about in class in a formal political UN-like setting. So you really do get to apply the theory into practice. Apart from that, obviously, we offer a lot of excursions. So for instance, we visit the European Commission or the European Parliament in Brussels. We go to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. We... It's a great opportunity for many. Yes. Yes. To see future job opportunities or... Perhaps as well. Yes, that too. We also offer a lot of workshops where students, when they become a member of the association, they take part in workshops where we teach them a lot of public speaking, debating, negotiation, but also character building skills. Right now in the 21st century, and I hope you will agree, those skills are absolutely essential, not just in the labor market, but also in day-to-day social interactions with migration on the rise, I would say. I totally agree with that. Yeah. I think it's important to be able to participate, to have that opportunity to be able to participate in that. I think MUN is offering a really high quality training in that, and that also shows in the competitions and in the tournaments they went to. You're a good ambassador, just to say. But why is it so important that students are active besides the studies? Because of course, you need to get grades, you need to get the points. But why is it so important to develop yourself besides the GMSI program courses that you have already? Because at the end, your future career is not going to depend on doing essays or doing, I mean, it depends on what you focus on, but at the end, it's about building networks, it's about seeing what you might look like at work, or what your career might look like, for example, by going to the European Commission and places like that. But also, it's a way to interact with people in real life. It's like a practical application of what you do at GMSI. So I think it is essentially important to develop your skills. And even your academic skills just end in a more practical setting, in a sense. I think, yeah, I do agree with Monica in the sense that I think it's very double-sided university life, because you have the very academic side of students life where you study and then you participate in classes. But in the meantime, if you're particularly interested in something and that doesn't necessarily need to relate it to your study, you can really find a huge, like a great range of associations at Tilburg University that you can participate in, including UNICEF, including Tilburg Moda United Nations, the International Student Advisory Platform, various organizations standing for different people's rights. A lot of support activities, a lot of other associations. And I think taking part in such activities is all about making the best of your student experience. Because as has been said, yes, obviously being at universities about learning something, acquiring new knowledge. But that circle is not complete without taking part in the vast majority of different activities that Tilburg University has to offer. And I think what is even greater about it is that some of these activities are organized by students for students. And that's the best, as good as it gets. For instance, the activities from NUN Tilburg. Exactly, precisely. What do you do, Monica, besides the studies, of course? What are your associations you are a member of? Well, associations, I would say I'm mostly part of sports associations. I'm also, like, I also, like, I'm closely, like, I participate sometimes in the MUN. And I also, like, travel around. Because one of the things about the MUN, just a quickly thing, say that, is that you can get to- And this is not a promo movie for MUN. No. Let that be clear, OK? It's not just a promo for MUN. It's the student life besides the GMSI studies. But it's that you participate in debate with other students. They're not necessarily from Tilburg University. And that you get to meet people that you might, at the end, end up working with them in the future. So I think that's a great opportunity. And not only for MUN, but also other associations, like the Debate Club, or, like, I don't know, the... It's all about building a network. So there's a lot. Basically, the point is that there really is a lot of different activities from Zumba through debating all the way to hockey and swimming, for example. So there really is that very, very large span. Because you do a lot of sports. What kind of sports do you do? I run a lot. I have a running team, actually. It's called Parcivar here at university. I also swim, but I'm not part of the team, because I don't swim that well. But, I mean, there are three pools in Tilburg that you can join. So, I mean, and once you have the sports membership, then you can have access to all of them for free. And maybe a teasing question, but how does swimming improve your GMSI skills? I think the more physically active you are, the more productive overall you are. And one of the main characteristics of GMSI is that we're supposed to be multi... Like, we have supposed to be... We have to have a multi-dimensional personality, in a sense, and that means that you can have, like, different interests that you're not only focused on migration, for instance. Like, that's your only focus, and you only do that, and you don't do sports, you don't drink, you don't do anything. Like, you're supposed to be active and have a life, like, apart from... Because at the end, we are debating, and we are analyzing, and we're exploring about social issues. And that means being part of, like, social activities. That means understanding society, in a sense. So... It's all about creating that holistic picture, I would say. Yeah. Nice. Because you guys are from abroad, and you came to Tilburg, maybe future students will come, will migrate to Tilburg as well. Are there things that they need to take into account when coming here to Tilburg? Are there things necessary, first things, that they need to do? I would say, and perhaps as a word of advice, look at accommodation in advance. I think if you look well in advance, and if you start preparing, it shouldn't be a problem. However, if you leave it until two days before arrival day, then, obviously, that might create certain issues. So my advice would definitely be be aware of yourself, be aware of where you're going, and just have a quick checklist. As ridiculous as it may sound, have a checklist of what you need to take with you, what you need to do, and on top of that checklist, it should be securing accommodation. Yeah, I think that's very true, but I also think reaching out to your fellow students once you are here is also really important. And not just the GMSI students, but also the other students. Exactly, but also the whole university. I believe that, for example, with our program, Adam started to reach out to students, and that, from the beginning, created a really strong basis for GMSI, and that's why we are so... We have such a good community. Yeah, exactly, so that was really fruitful, I guess, from Adam's side, and I would advise that to anyone. Also, in regards to housing, I would say that I would recommend students to live with other students, because that will create a... First of all, a nice environment. You're always communicating with people, and that will make you less isolated. If you feel like... If you don't like sports, if you don't do anything, like if you're only focusing your studies, that will actually encourage you to do more things, at least with your housemates, to share a picnic, and go for one drink or a tea or a coffee, if you don't drink, like whatever. But I think living with people is definitely a way to not only get involved with your... Like, fellow bachelor students, but also with other people from, like, part... Not even... It doesn't even have to be students from Tilbury University. Like, I used to live with people from Funties or, like, from other academic, like, institutions. Other schools in Tilbury, yeah. It just makes it easier from a practical perspective, as well, if you're coming, say, from Vietnam or the United States, which is, obviously, quite far away, to this fairly small city in Europe for the first time. I think it's from a practical perspective. It's also easier if you already live with other people who are exactly on the same boat. And it just makes it easier for you. And that is also important to remember, that everyone, as a first-year student, is, in fact, on the same boat. So if someone just feels a bit lost at the beginning, and, first of all, have in mind that you're not there on your own, and second of all, there are loads of other students, just like us, who are more than happy to help, as well. As well as the universities. There is an arrival days event in August, and they also help with creating your bank account. And also, several activities that the university assists you with. And I think living with that opportunity is definitely very advantageous, because, you know, after that, you don't need to do it yourself alone. So it's all about building the network again? Definitely, yeah. Just one last question, because I think we've discussed a lot of important topics for students when they come here to Tilburg. So we can say Tilburg is a real student city. Yes. And student-friendly. Student-friendly, as well. What do you mean with student-friendly? By student-friendly, I mean that, first of all, there's a lot of students here. And that obviously creates a very student-like atmosphere. Second of all, as we said at the very beginning, there really is a lot of different activities for you to do, not just at the university, but also in town. Obviously, Tilburg is not New York City or London. We won't lie. But I honestly genuinely do believe that it is big enough for you to enjoy yourself, but small enough for you to accidentally run into someone that you weren't planning on running into. So, and I think that really defines Tilburg really, really well. I do agree with that. Something to add to that? If you don't know how to ride a bike, please learn. Learn how to ride a bike. Yeah, and don't be afraid of not being able to speak Dutch after a few years. He's going to come naturally, but before that, it's completely fine if you only speak English. Okay, then let's end this short movie clip with one important sentence that you need to know in Dutch. From a person from Venezuela, Poland, and Hungary, ladies and gentlemen. So, good luck. One sentence in Dutch. Can I just say a word, though? A word is also fine. I will say lekkr. Lekkr. Very important. I will say gezellig. Brabants. I will say dankjewel, because you should say thank you for things that you are thankful for. Well, thank you so much for your information. Thank you for watching, and good luck with everything with the studies, and everything that you do beside the studies. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, let's go to a bar now, right? Yeah. We'll leave you.