Americans and Dutch people are like oil and water: completely different. The average Dutch person is direct and straight-to-the-point, while Americans always want to put a smile on your face. The Dutch are down-to-earth and pragmatic, while enthusiastic Americans bring the whole place to life. Americans like to take risks, whereas the Dutch prefer to play it safe. Where everything in the Netherlands is relatively small, Americans go big in everything – including sports and events. And that’s exactly what our student-athletes are looking for! In this article, we will give you 5 reasons why you should choose college T&F.
American facilities
In America, the facilities for T&F are truly incomparable to those in the Netherlands. This, of course, depends on the level of professionalism of the school, but overall, the facilities in America are truly breathtaking. It is essential for a student-athlete to continue growing and developing in America. When it comes to sports, the school does everything possible to help you bring out the best in yourself. Many of our Slamstox athletes here experience facilities that are more professional than what they are accustomed to at their sports club in the Netherlands.
The University of Oregon has one of the most impressive track and field facilities. Their athletics stadium, Hayward Field, also hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2022. For the student-athletes at the University of Oregon, this track is their home, and they train here daily. Can you imagine yourself sitting in one of the ice baths there?
he perfect balance between sports and school
For many student-athletes, balancing studies and elite sports is a significant challenge. In the Netherlands, many schools do not or barely take into account the athletic ambitions of students. But don’t worry, in America, it’s completely different! The system is designed to perfectly combine academics and sports. Teachers are aware of the time commitments required for training and competitions. However, you can’t neglect your schoolwork because universities expect you to be motivated to excel both academically and athletically. It’s important to maintain a strong work ethic and prioritize your responsibilities in both areas. The American collegiate system encourages student-athletes to succeed in their athletic pursuits while also emphasizing the importance of education.
Once in a lifetime experience
It’s truly amazing how they manage to combine sports and studies in America. There is no other country in the world where it is organized as well as there. For most student-athletes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they look back on with great pleasure for years to come.
It can be quite exciting to take such a big step, but once you’re settled, it’s amazing. It’s a privilege that you receive as a student-athlete – the school contributes to your education because studying in America is unaffordable for ordinary citizens. Meeting people from different nationalities is a fantastic experience, and the connections you make there are lifelong. It’s a unique opportunity that you should seize with both hands because it’s not available to everyone!
Track and field as a team sport
In America, athletics is a complete team experience. You not only play sports together but often live and study with your teammates as well. The sense of camaraderie is therefore much stronger in America than in the Netherlands. It fosters a close bond with your team.
The game experience in America also differs. While the Netherlands primarily focuses on individual performances, in America, the emphasis is more on the team’s results. However, it is still possible to achieve individual victories. The ultimate goal, though, is the success of the entire team, which motivates you even more to give your best for your school.
In addition, the coaches are also part of the team. Therefore, it is important to have a good connection with your coach. At Slamstox, we ensure that the match between the student-athlete, school, and team is optimal, so that there is a good balance between sports and academics.
Matches
In America, athletics competitions are next-level! This is not only because of the top-tier schools but also due to the coaches who are available for you 24/7. They are always ready to support and provide guidance, ensuring that you can perform at your best.
Indeed, an American athletics competition is not just a quick trip back and forth from the campus to the event. Often, it is seen as an excursion, especially when the competitions are far away. It becomes a sort of “mini-vacation” (sometimes involving air travel) with the highlight being the competition itself!
And we haven’t even mentioned the number of participants yet! In the Netherlands, the competitions are much smaller compared to America. In the US, you can have as many as 400 athletes running, jumping, and throwing. Say what?! Yes, really! But that’s not the only difference. In the Netherlands, the cross-country and indoor seasons often overlap, forcing athletes to cancel or choose between competitions. In America, you don’t have that issue, allowing you to specialize and focus on both the cross-country, indoor, and outdoor seasons. And that reduces a lot of stress!
As you have read above, there are indeed significant differences between Dutch athletics and American athletics. Are you ready to take the step towards America? We are here to assist you! Feel free to fill out this form and we will contact you without any obligation to discuss your possibilities.
