Siraj Ramdajal (21) is a second-year law student at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Besides his studies, he is busy organising the upcoming Pre Academic Programme which will take place in July and August. He has been involved in guiding and organising this programme for three years now. The Pre Academic Programme is meant for prospective students of the university. Prospective students who attend this training learn various tools to start their studies well prepared.
"I worked on creating a better mindset and gained soft skills"
Siraj attended the Pre Academic Programme himself in 2019. For him, this was an excellent way to prepare for the transition from college to university. When he enrolled in the Pre Academic Programme, Siraj expected something different. "I thought I would learn how to use a law book and how to write legal texts. But during this programme, I actually learned more important things. I have mainly worked on creating a better mindset and have gained more soft skills, such as networking and opening up to others."
The enthusiasm about the Pre Academic Programme did not stop after Siraj completed the training. During the programme, Siraj was already eager to sign up as a tutor to help other students. The year after he completed the programme himself, he became a counsellor. "What I want to pass on to students is the knowledge that I have gained over the last two years of my studies, I know what it is like. As a tutor, Siraj emphasises that the programme is a safe learning environment for students. "They can ask all the questions they want, during the meetings everyone is given space.
A dynamic learning environment and a starting point for new friendships
This is already the third year that Siraj has been involved in the training. Now he prepares the modules and translates them into English so that international students can also participate in the programme. The programme started with 250 students, but in the coming edition no less than 700 students will participate. This diverse group makes for a dynamic learning environment and is the starting point for new friendships for many. Siraj: "Some students have to follow the programme in China at 4 a.m. because of the different time zones, others follow the lessons on the terrace. What matters to me is that everyone makes an effort to work on themselves during the holiday." Siraj notices that students who participate in the programme are also becoming more confident about their abilities. "They come in shy, but they completely blossom." The inclusive learning environment helps them do this. Siraj: "Students learn during this programme what it is like to be in a group with different people, which is also how it will be during their studies. "
Prospective students build their network before starting the programme
In total, there are 5 modules that students follow. Through self-study and modules in groups, this programme prepares you for university, both professionally and personally. The prospective students quickly create a LinkedIn account and build their network before starting the programme. Siraj: "We realised that connection and the network you build up is very important." Friendships are also made as a result of the programme. Siraj: "I think it's great that people from the groups are still in contact with each other. They build a network even before they start the programme. All in all, Siraj finds the Pre Academic Programme a huge addition to the development of every prospective student. "I see this programme as a soft landing on university. And then it doesn't matter where you come from."
- More information
Currently, registration for the regular programme is closed. You can register for the waiting list via this link until 16 July. You will then receive a message when a place becomes available. From 25 July onwards you can register for the catch-up course of the Pre Academic Programme. This will take place between 29 August and 2 September, during which you will attend an online group meeting on 4 days (between 19.00 and 21.00 in the evening).
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