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Uncovering Student Stereotypes: international business student

Aila Kubat Uncovering Student Stereotypes

Five students from different studies share their thoughts on students they never met. ‘A social person who loves to travel and isn’t afraid to talk to strangers’ was the first thing that came to mind when our student panel thought of an international business student. But is this true? 

The stereotypical international business student
In the eyes of the interviewed students, the stereotypical international business student is a social person who:

  • ‘Loves to party with friends’
  • ‘Is passionate about travelling and different cultures’
  • ‘Wants to become a manager of a big company’
  • ‘Is too focused on international matters, and therefore no aware of the developments closer to home. For example, changes in their province or city.’

The student behind the stereotype
How much did the students get right? Siham Ouahim is a first-year international business student at Hanze UAS. She agrees with the first stereotype. ‘It’s definitely true, I am an extrovert, so I love to party and hang out with friends.’ Does she have a passion for travelling and different cultures? ‘Again, absolutely true. I love to travel and being a multicultural person myself, I love learning about different cultures. When travelling, I experience these different cultures as well.’

I love to travel and being a multicultural person myself, I love learning about different cultures

When it comes to the stereotype about international business students wanting to become managers of big companies, Siham is not so convinced. ‘I have to disagree with this one. While most of our first-year subjects are focused on the work of international managers, I personally would love to be a financial or business development analyst instead. I would, however, see myself being a manager of a national or private bank, but not of a big company.’

I  am a youth ambassador for my municipality, so I am well aware of my cities’ issues

Siham also disagrees with the final stereotype. ‘I  am a youth ambassador for my municipality, so I am well aware of my cities’ issues. Province-wise, there’s not much to know, as I live in Friesland, nothing really happens there. Or maybe the stereotype is true and there are things happening, but I’m just not aware of them…’