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Franclin Ngabe Ngwese
International Civil Engineering Management
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“Water is a big problem in the Netherlands”
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I come from Cameroon. After High school I studied Civil Engineering at the National Advanced School of Public Works Yaoundé. At the end of the course I received the Higher Technical Diploma in Civil Engineering. After my study I worked for two Japanese companies. I participated in a rehabilitation project of a football stadium and a project of water supply in rural areas. At the end of the second project I decided to further my studies in Civil Engineering in Europe.
Why Hanze University Groningen?
I am in the Netherlands for 16 months now. I have chosen the city of Groningen because it is a very safe city in the Netherlands. I am happy the Hanze University Groningen offers the program International Civil Engineering Management in English. The program is more practical than theory. That’s what I like most about it! I have learned a lot about different cultures from my classmates (Polish, Indonesian’s, Germans, Hungarian, Finish and of course Dutch culture). I have also learned some Dutch language such that I can now make a short conversation in Dutch.
Groningen Student Union
Last year I was admitted to be a member of the Gsb (Groningen Student Union).
I was the only coloured member and also the only African member in the group.
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I have hardly missed a group meeting! But at this moment I’m not really active. Not only because I don’t have time but also because I was demoralised after the results of the last elections to represents the student council. Personally I had the second highest votes; hence I’m very glad that I contributed greatly to achieve the 2 seats. Nevertheless I really like the inspiration of the Gsb. |
Internship
I’m currently carrying on my internship with BESIX Nederland Branch, a construction company. I’m working on the construction of a five floors underground car parking facility, situated at the heart of the city of Rotterdam. My main duty in this project is Quality Control. I check the retaining wall casted in reinforced concrete panels from water leakage as excavation proceeds and I make up a report. |
 | I also confirm that the struts between the panels are well placed with respect to the Technical Specifications. The most important thing I have learned is that water is a very big problem in Netherlands as far as construction is concerned. In our project, at least four pumps are working 24/7 to pump out water and at least six pumps when it rains.
Groningen is a place to be
At the beginning it was really difficult for me to be here (no relatives, no friends, language problem and weather conditions). Everything was very strange and quite different than I was used to. But at this moment I know lots of people, members of Gsb, my lecturers and the people I’m working with at my internship. Right now I can tell that I like this country more than I thought! The Netherlands and precisely Groningen is a place to be. Right now I’m in contact with two friends in Cameroon, encouraging them to come to Hanze University Groningen.
After my studies, I wish I have a chance to get more international working experience. After that I would like to go back home, to make use of the knowledge to develop my country.
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