Student story Serigne

The most interesting aspect of the study is that we work through project-based learning. For each module, we directly apply in practice the theory learned in class. I would also mention the greenhouse and the garden as key learning environments, as they allow us to put all the theory into practice. In my school in France, we do not have access to such facilities, which represents a significant added value in my opinion.

One of the projects we worked on is the cultivation project. In our group, we worked on cayenne pepper, with the objective of evaluating whether water stress and additional blue light influence fruit spiciness. At this stage, the plants have started flowering, and the fruits are expected to ripen in approximately two months.

A typical day at HAS consists of two lectures of one and a half hours each, as well as either a practical session of one and a half hours or a meeting of 45 minutes. Generally, we start around 9.00 a.m., although sometimes classes begin at 8.00 a.m. We usually finish around 4.00 p.m.

What I enjoy most about studying in the Netherlands at HAS green academy is the way time is organised. In some schools, we have many projects and assignments, but there is not enough dedicated time during the week to work on them. Here, we had a free day every week in addition to the weekend, which was really helpful for me.

I discovered climate-controlled greenhouses and the technologies associated with them, as well as advanced growing skills such as developing a fertigation plan, a crop protection plan, and post-harvest management. I also gained experience in soft skills, including leading meetings, taking minutes, giving feedback, and developing a business plan.

My stay was very enjoyable overall. Compared to the first term, the second term was much heavier in terms of projects and assignments. Managing deadlines was quite challenging, but thanks to a good division of tasks within our group, we were ultimately able to handle everything successfully.

Exams were quite stressful for me because this was my first experience learning in English, and it was also my first time taking exams using software. When I took my exams and received a good grade, I was quite proud of that moment.

For people interested in horticulture, this is a comprehensive study programme that provides all the tools needed to be prepared for professional life. It is also an enriching human experience, as you will interact with students from several different countries. In addition to learning about Dutch culture, you will also gain insights into many other cultures.