New international program: Entrepreneurship as a side hustle

Whereas ‘Ondernemen als bijbaan’ focusses on selling products on the Dutch e-platform Bol.com, YOSHI will teach you to do your marketing and sales by leveraging the power of various online tools and platforms. This could be anything ranging from offering your service as a text writer to running an affiliate marketing website.

To give Dutch and international students an insight in both programs, we asked international student Ken Yeh to share his experiences from participating in the Dutch program ‘Ondernemen als bijbaan’ and what he thinks about the new international variation.

Hi Ken, what was the main reason for you to apply for the program ‘Ondernemen als bijbaan’? 

“I started this program because I wanted to gain more knowledge of the different skills you need to build your own business. I study Applied Computer Science, so I have some knowledge about hardware and software, and I was thinking I could apply my software knowledge into selling on Bol.com. The main reason I wanted to sell on that platform, is because it provides a whole dashboard that shows insights in your selling performance. Another reason I applied, was that I wanted to learn more about the business market in the Netherlands and Europe. Because I live in China, we have a quite different culture. So, I thought, let’s try and see what I can achieve.”

What does the program entail? 

“Since the program is focused on e-commerce and (digital) entrepreneurship, we learned to sell products on the Dutch platform Bol.com. We learned about becoming an (digital) entrepreneur and what skills are needed to do so. In this we received not only lessons, but also coaching which helped me a lot. I have already completed the program, but I can still go to the coaches if I have a question or need some help.”

What are the most important experiences/ (learning) insights you gained during the program? 

“Well, because I am a foreigner, it helped me a lot with things as local polices and laws which I did not know anything about. I did have some troubled experiences before I joined the program, because I started with a delivery service which requires you to have a tax number. I did not know that and at that time, I was not in the Netherlands because of Covid-19. So, when I got back to the Netherlands, I got a letter with a fine from the Dutch tax authorities for like five thousand euros. Eventually, I managed to get the fine waived, but it took me a lot of work and stress. After this I joined the program and I started to learn more about how to declare everything properly. Now I have everything in control.”

How has the program helped you further regarding entrepreneurship? 

“Before I started, I knew nothing about having a business as an international. I learned things as doing product research, how to write a product listing, ways to make a proper product image and how to attract customers. And as I said, as an international student, you basically know nothing. Maybe if you have started your business in your own country before, it helps a little bit, but then again, you know nothing about the rules and laws in The Netherlands. So, if I had not entered the program, I am convinced I would not have my own business right now.”

What is it like, as an international student, to follow a Dutch program? What do you think about the new program for international students?

“Well, when I applied for the program, I was in het understanding that it would be an English program because the Saxion e-mail was in English. But when I joined my first lesson, it was in Dutch. That was quite a surprise! But then I was like okay, no matter what, I am just going to try. With every lesson I had my translator stand next to my laptop to get a live transcript. It was not optimal, but I managed to work with it. Unfortunately, one of my fellow students did not participate when he heard that the program was Dutch. So, I think it is a real clever idea to also have an international variation.”

Would you recommend other students to follow this program?

“If you are interested in building your own business online, then I would highly recommend this program. Do not be afraid because you are an international student. You can achieve just as much as a Dutch student can in The Netherlands. You just must try your best and everything will work out!”