Why do you have doubts about your study?
You may be wondering whether your chosen study programme is really right for you. If you want to take the first steps towards discovering what suits you best get started right away by trying to answer the question:
What suits me?Does studying take up more of your time compared to your classmates? Or are you looking for more academic depth? If you are unsure whether higher professional education is right for you, you may want to consider switching to a different level of education. See below the general differences between the various levels.
MBO (secondary vocational education)
- 'Do': a lot of practice, implementation
- Lots of explanation and guidance during your study
- Revision of study material
- Internships compulsory with extensive supervision
- Vocational education has four levels: levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
HBO (higher professional education)
- 'Thinking and doing': analysing, problem solving, applying knowledge, practical assignments, collaboration
- Greater independence during your study, study with guidance
- Faster pace of study material coverage
- Internships compulsory with more personal responsibility Internships possible with less
- Higher professional education has three degrees: Associate degree (2 years), Bachelor's degree (4 years) and Master's degree (1 or more years).
University
- ‘Thinking’: developing knowledge, theoretical assignments, analysing
- Being able to plan and organise your studies yourself is important.
- High pace of study
- Internships possible with less supervision
- The university has two degrees: bachelor's (3 years) and master's (1 or more years).
Perhaps you don't like the teaching methods or find that you have difficulty with the way the lessons are taught. Would you like more structure or, on the contrary, more freedom? Does your programme require skills that you find difficult to acquire?
In all cases, discuss your doubts and study challenges with your student coach. Every programme has its own teaching method. Many higher professional education programmes require skills such as collaboration, planning and independent working. A student coach can guide you in (further) developing these skills.
If you still want to explore whether another programme might be a better fit for you, make an appointment with a study career choice advisor.
If you notice that your motivation for studying is declining, it is important to find out whether this is due to your studies themselves or something else. Do you have personal circumstances that are preventing you from focusing on your studies? For example, financial worries? Or concerns about your family? Do you take care of a loved one? Or do you run a business alongside your studies?
At Fontys, we also help you with your personal circumstances. If you need extra help and guidance, Fontys will assist you.
Would you like to work on your motivation? Then take a look at this page on Fontys Helps.
If your personal circumstances are hindering your study progress, make an appointment with a student counsellor.
At Fontys, there are various people who can help you: your student coach or schedule a meeting with a study career choice advisor. A meeting with your student coach or a Fontys study career choice advisor can already provide you a lot of clarity.
So don't wait too long and seek help – we are here to assist you.
Make an appointment with a study career choice advisorAlso useful for you
Not sure what your next step is to get started with doubts about your study? Take a look at what Fontys has to offer to help you make a (new) choice.
Who can help you?Would you like to get started yourself? Take a look at the assignments and tips that can help you gain a better understanding of your doubts.
What can you do yourself?