My growth within the IFM program through projects, courses, and skill development.
I am really happy with this semester's project group. Fee, Mykyta, Evelien, Roos and I worked great together. Coming into this project, what I wanted most was to develop my communication skills and my general knowledge, because last semester I often felt like I was behind the rest of my group.
This time I did not feel that way at all, and it felt amazing to finally be equal with my group. Being on the same level changed how I worked: I was calmer, more confident, and I could focus on the project itself instead of trying to catch up.
Compared to my previous group, this semester was a completely different experience. We had no difficulties with communication, or anything else on a personal level. The atmosphere was open and respectful, and that made it easy to share ideas.
I functioned well in the team. I did what I was supposed to do, I helped others when they needed it, and I brought my own input to our discussions instead of waiting on the sidelines. It was the kind of teamwork I had been hoping for.
The main proof of how I functioned in this group is the peer assessment. My teammates' feedback reflected that I contributed equally, communicated well, and was an active and reliable member of the team.
Looking back at semester 1, my goal was to feel equal in my group and to communicate better, and I genuinely reached that this semester.
Next academic year: even though I was active enough this time, I want to take on an even more active role in my next project, now that I trust my own knowledge and voice in the group.
I understand this subject partially, and I think the level is suitable. I do need to practice some more. I had no previous knowledge of it, but I actually understood a lot in the beginning. When I fell behind, I found it more beneficial to study on my own, because the classes had become confusing for me by then.
Self-assessment: 60% · level suitable, needs more practice
This course is at the right level and I had no previous knowledge of it, but I find it really interesting, actually. I thought the classes were extremely boring, so I studied at home instead. I really liked learning about the space management part, and about temperature and light. I was honestly surprised that I enjoyed this so much.
Unfortunately, I failed the exam with a 5,4. I am getting ready for the resit now, and I feel I understand the material better every time I go through it.
Self-assessment: Failed (5,4) · preparing for the resit
Literature research has been much easier this semester, because I now understand how to look for reliable sources and it goes much faster than last semester. This is proven by me passing my report (Energy, Health & Sustainability) on the first try, instead of on the resit like last semester.
I have developed my presenting skills through several presentations where we always get feedback. From that feedback I set goals: to speak with confidence, to stop playing with my clothes, and to speak more freely without forgetting things. I believe I have reached speaking with confidence and not playing with my clothes, and I am happy with that outcome.
HRM has been more interesting this year than last semester. I failed it last semester because I wasn't there enough, which I really regret, but I am motivated to pass it next year. This semester I learned a lot about leadership and the dynamics between employees and managers, and I believe this is useful knowledge no matter what I end up doing.
Alongside the Investment and Operating Budget, the Information Dashboard is the skill I still need to practice the most, as I find it difficult. It is my main focus area going into next year.
Talents, world citizenship, and personal growth this semester.
Development in my project group: I have developed a lot this semester. I finally felt that I was on the same level as the rest of the group, and that I could help other people too, instead of being the one who always needed all the help.
Talents & leverage skills: Through this I learned that I am good at communication, that I really enjoy making floorplans, and that I have a nice presentation voice. Recognising these strengths made me more confident in how I show up in a team.
Looking back at semester 1: last semester I described my role in the group as passive and said I wanted to be more engaged. The growth between then and now is exactly the development I was hoping for.
My learning goals: based on the workshops and evidence from semester 1, I set two goals to improve my intercultural competences: to learn actively about Dutch culture, and to take a Spanish course.
Learning about Dutch culture: I have tried haring and stamppot boerenkool, and I have tried to make more Dutch friends. Experiencing the culture through food and people, instead of only observing it, has made me feel more at home here.
The Spanish course: this has been going very well, and I ended up getting a 9,7. The intercultural awareness classes are very interesting and fun to me, and I am excited for an upcoming project together with other international students.
My development: compared to semester 1, when I mostly noticed differences such as personal space and how directly Dutch people speak, this semester I have moved from observing those differences to actively taking part in another culture. I feel more curious and less held back than I did before.
Contact with fellow students: my connection with my classmates has become a lot better this semester. I feel that everyone is more secure in themselves, and the class dynamic in general feels better than last semester. I think everyone in the class is a great human being, and I am happy to be there with them.
Extra course: outside of the regular program I did A1 Spanish with my classmate Marit, two hours every Monday night. It was really fun. We made some new friends, learned about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries, and we both passed. I would like to continue and do A2 as well.
Home life: my home life has improved a lot. Last semester I didn't feel very good. I had no motivation, I missed my friends and family, and I really didn't like the study program. I made the choice to stay, and I am happy I did. I like the program better every day, and as I develop I become more and more sure that I made the right choice.
A new home: Samuel and I are moving to a new apartment of 60 m². This will be so nice, because I will have more space for myself, my friends, and for studying. In our current apartment we have to study in bed, which makes it difficult to focus.
Courses, activities, and experiences outside the regular program this semester.
Every Monday evening
Together with my classmate Marit, I took an A1 Spanish course outside of my regular program, two hours every Monday night. We learned the language and a lot about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries, and we made some new friends along the way.
It was really fun, and it went very well. I scored a 9,7 and we both passed. I would love to continue with A2 next.
Semester 2, 2026
This semester I felt much more connected to the people around me. The class dynamic feels better than last semester, everyone seems more secure in themselves, and I have built real friendships both inside and outside of my program.
Feeling part of the group, instead of only feeling close to one classmate like last semester, has made a big difference to how I experience my studies.
Semester 2, 2026
Outside of school, life has felt lighter this semester. Samuel and I travelled to Paris together, and we are now moving into a bigger apartment with much more room for friends, for myself, and for studying properly instead of working from bed.
My home life has improved a lot compared to last semester, and that stability has made it far easier to focus on my studies.
The goals I am carrying into year 2, and how I want to work on them.
Pass all of my exams in the coming academic year. This is a new goal I am adding, because as I write this I have not passed any of them yet.
It is the goal that ties everything else together. Passing my exams is the clearest proof that the development I feel is also showing in my results.
Start with the Space Management & Technology resit, keep studying at home when classes feel confusing, and stay consistent instead of catching up at the last minute.
I will know I have achieved this when I have a passing grade for every exam, starting with the ones I still need to resit.
Be more outside, sleep better, and study more, and finally do it consistently rather than only in short periods.
These were my goals from semester 1, and I haven't met them completely. I did manage to quit snus, but honestly that's the main one I kept. I am bringing the rest with me because they still matter for my health and focus.
Use the extra space in the new apartment to build a real study and sleep routine, and treat being outside and resting as part of the schedule, not extras.
I will know I have succeeded when the routine holds steady over time, and not just for a good week here and there.
Take on an even more active role in my next project group, and continue developing my language skills by moving on to A2 Spanish.
This semester I finally felt equal in my group; the natural next step is to lead and contribute even more. Continuing with Spanish supports both my career and my intercultural goals.
Volunteer for more responsibility in group work, keep giving and asking for feedback, and sign up for the A2 Spanish course.
I will know I have achieved this when I have clearly led part of a project and completed A2 Spanish.
A letter I wrote this semester to my future self.
I am rewriting this letter to myself, because i lost the first one. This letter is about me, and what i wish for my own future.
In my previous letter, i remember writing that i hoped my future self was a nurse, and maybe even a doctor if i ever was willing to put in the work. I sometimes still hope this.
I am only 19 years old. Deciding what to do in life is no easy decision. My decision to stay in facility management, was originally because i wanted to experience life abroad. I hope that future me has lived abroad for four years, and is moving back to Norway with a bachelors degree in Facility management. I also hope that ill have many new friends, that i can keep forever.
I hope my work ethic will be good, and that i will find a job that i love. I hope that if i still want to explore nursing, ill do so. And that i manage to do everything i want to in my career.
as for outside of my career, i hope to have a family in the future. A loving and supportive family without drama and judgement.
There is a few things that i wish to remind myself of, if i ever forget. First of all, put in effort! Second of all, i am smart! and lastly, stop being lazy!
Kind regards,
Myself
Supporting proof, results, and feedback from this semester.
Feedback from my project group on my communication and contribution
A1 Spanish — final grade 9,7 (passed)
Energy, Health & Sustainability — passed on the first try
Provided in appendix