Frans is 18 from Heemstede, Netherlands.
What are you studying and what do you want to do after college?
At Rowan I am undeclared but I enjoy sports journalism. When I begin as a freshman at Rotterdam University I will be studying economics and law.
What was your reason for studying abroad in the U.S?
I wanted the experience of living abroad and I want to improve my English.
And it was it mandatory to learn English?
Yes. We are such a small country it is imperative that we learn English because no one can understand us.
What is different here for you?
The drinking age. I am used to going out to eat with my parents and being able to order a beer and I am not allowed to do that here. Also, there are many rules here; such as I cannot have my door open because it is a fire hazard.
What do your parents do for a living?
My mother works in a hospital as a radiographer and my father works for ING.
Where else have you traveled?
United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Morocco, Luxemburg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Libyan, Malaysia, South Africa, the Caribbean, and Turkey.
Wow, why so many places?
Well for me to go to Italy is similar to you going to Florida so it is not difficult for me. My father took us to South Africa because he wanted to go on a safari. My parents went on their honeymoon to Malaysia and they wanted us to see the country. Many of these are family trips.
Do you follow a religion?
No.
Do you celebrate Christmas and what are you doing this year?
I do celebrate Christmas. This year my family is flying into Washington and on Christmas we will be staying Philadelphia. My mother, sister, and brother have never been to the United States so over the Christmas break we will be traveling as well. In an addition to Christmas we celebrate Sinterklaas, which is when we exchange presents, Christmas is more time with family.
