Five Questions
Aboud Hamayel (21, Palestine) is a third-year Liberal Arts & Sciences student, specialising in law, history and politics.
What is Palestine’s national symbol?
"We have several, but our national flag and dishes like falafel and hummus are amongst the best-known. Our flag was established by England in the colonial times and later adopted by the Palestinians. Presently it is a symbol everyone feels strongly related to, perhaps similar to the Dutch and their football-team. "
What historic Palestinian event would you like to have been part of?
"None at all, really. Palestinian history is marked by tragedies, which I had rather not lived through. ”
How did you get to study in Utrecht?
"My best friend in Palestine is half-Dutch, and his mother advised me of UCU. I really came to Holland for your fantastic football team though, ha-ha! UCU is a wonderful place to study. The lectures are excellent, students are critical and it is lovely to be surrounded by intellectuals. Nearly everyone aims to achieve good grades, which results in a nicely competitive atmosphere which again stimulates us to gain even better grades."
What is special about the Netherlands?
"It is a shame the Dutch government puts hardly any effort into retaining international students after their graduation, for instance by offering them jobs in industry. The Netherlands attracts many international students but there is no policy towards keeping them here. Many international PhD students leave the Netherlands after they have been awarded their degrees. Such a waste, especially since any qualified employee is a bonus in these times of a strongly ageing population in the Netherlands. I am currently studying here, but as I am not at all encouraged to stay here after graduation I can’t really see why I should. "
What is funny about the Dutch?
"Your financial habits, even among friends! Where I come from, it is extremely odd to send a message on Facebook asking a friend to pay you back five euros for a meal. In Palestine you just take turns in paying for each other. I am now used to this Dutch custom but I still think it is strange!"