Meet Gijs!

However, my program is a college-level one, so we have varied hours. Some days I am at the hotel from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., but other days I come to school from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How do you get to school? Are you allowed to go to school by yourself?:

I take the train in every morning, but then I pick up my bike at the station in Amsterdam. I ride into school or to my hotel after the train. I am allowed to go to school by myself, and I have been since I was 10 years old, back when I only needed to bike 15 minutes to my school in Alkmaar. A lot of students would ride together, though, so I was never really alone.

Where do you eat lunch? What is your favorite food?:

I often eat lunch outside with all the other students. If it is too cold or rainy, we eat inside in the canteen. My favorite food is a tosti--a cheese sandwich (sometimes with ham) that is warmed up.

What language do you speak at school? How do you say "Hello" in your language?:

At school I am doing a program that is taught 50% in Dutch and 50% in English. We also learn Spanish. In Dutch, "Hello" is "Hallo".

What are some common kids' names at your school?:

Some common kid names at my school are these for girls: Marjolijn (Mary-o-line), Roos (r-O-ss) and Willemijn (Will-e-mine). And these for boys: Floris (Floor-is), Rutger (Rut-gg-er) and Ole (O-La).

What subjects do you study in school, and which one is your favorite?:

I am studying at a vocational college, so I am learning to be an international hotel manager. At school, I also get math, English, Dutch and Spanish lessons.

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