Studentenverhalen
Harvard Rower Joost van Asperen:
A parent’s perspective of applying to the Ivies
Ilonka Brouwer’s son Joost van Asperen has always had an independent spirit. A Gymnasium student who graduated cum laude from St. Ignatiusgymnasium and a dedicated rower at RV Willem III in Amsterdam, Joost was used to taking the initiative in order to get things done.
His approach was no different once he had decided that he wanted to combine a study with sports in the US – once he set his mind to the task at hand, the rest fell into place.
Several of Joost’s rowing friends had previously made the decision to become a student-athlete in the US and their stories and experiences influenced Joost’s decision to try it himself.
Covid-19 regulations obliged Joost to take a gap year, which he used to his advantage to perfect his application.
“Joost initiated the entire process”, according to Ilonka, “and he really worked hard for it".
His choice for UStudy Sports meant he could rely on UStudy’s extensive coach network in the US and their experience of finding the best match for student-athletes.
Harvard was one of the options and after visiting the campus, Joost was enthusiastic. He had an immediate click during chats with the Harvard rowing coach and members of the team and after checking that Joost met the academic requirements, everyone was on board.
His parents trusted him and knew that in choosing Harvard, it would be easier for him to advance his career after his studies.
“When I see how much he enjoys it at Harvard, it was the best choice”
For Ilonka, the level of education Joost would get in the US was paramount to her, she was less concerned with the sports side. Another concern was affordability – Ivy League schools do not offer scholarships but they do offer financial aid for accepted students. The decision to offer Joost financial aid was extremely important because “paying for everything yourself is not really an option.”
The financial support they could offer as parents has been worth it – “When I see how much he enjoys it at Harvard, how the university system on campus in the United States works, I can only say that it was the best choice Joost could have made. I wish every child (and parent) could experience this too.”
But once your son or daughter is in the US, what is it like for the parents? What changes has she noticed in Joost?
“Joost was already an independent young man. Studying in the US has further strengthened that.”
It was difficult to not be able to drop him off herself, due to Covid regulations but they keep in close contact through video calls, usually on Sunday. She has become adept at sensing if Joost has the time for a longer chat or not. Sometimes Joost has a lot to tell, other times it feels a bit like playing 40 Questions!
The family spends vacations together, these are special moments to connect with each other again. Ilonka has never had any concerns – “Joost heeft het enorm naar zijn zin. Hij heeft een grote vriendengroep, met wie hij intensief contact heeft en zal blijven hebben, dat merk ik nu al aan de studenten die zijn afgestudeerd in de tijd dat Joost er is. Iedereen blijft heel betrokken bij elkaar.”
“If your kid is interested in studying and playing sports in the US, encourage them”
When asked about UStudy’s role in helping Joost get accepted to Harvard, Ilonka notes:
“UStudy arranged the first contact with the coaches. They supported and advised on all administrative matters, including the financial aid application, which was really nice. There was great attention paid to making sure everything was delivered correctly and on time. Because a deadline really is a deadline when applying to US colleges. If you miss it, you will have to try again a year later.”
Looking back on this adventure, Ilonka is thankful that Joost was given this opportunity. While the higher education system in the US differs from that in the Netherlands, in her opinion it is better – “During the first two years at college/university, your study direction isn’t set which means you can try out different subjects to find out where your true interests and talents lie. Living on campus is also a lot of fun. Joost has a very large group of friends for life. I wish that kind of experience for every new college student.”
Ilonka’s advice to parents is that if your kids are interested in studying and playing sports in the US, encourage them, you won’t regret it. She also stresses that it is important to research the colleges/universities that UStudy suggests because the location and atmosphere can differ enormously. Visit if you can, talk to coaches and current student-athletes and ask questions.
She also says that “even if studying in the US doesn’t always feel like fun, the sports side is. Everything is taken care of for the athletes, the guidance and supervision is incredible, akin to what professional athletes experience. But it IS hard work, and it requires a lot of discipline. Do not underestimate this. If you put in the effort, the rewards are waiting.”
“Studying at Harvard is fantastic”, Ilonka says “but it comes with certain obligations.”
During the three-month summer vacation students are expected to conduct an internship, to polish their CV. This can be a community service internship, or something that fits their study and can be completed either in their own country or abroad.
All in all, the experience has been fabulous for everyone and Ilonka cannot believe how quickly time passes. Joost is now entering his senior year and will graduate in May 2025.
We wish him all the best!!
