“Experiences of first-generation students are essential to move the university forward”
Increasingly, faculties are showing interest in the ‘Baanbrekers’ program for first-generation students, originally started by the interdisciplinary social sciences department. Next academic year, the Faculty of Medicine will start its first pilot program for medical and health informatics students. “I hope this program gives students the confidence to excel”
First-generation students face significant challenges at university, often encountering social and financial difficulties while their cultural capital remains undervalued. The Faculty of Medicine will start a pilot programme called “Baanbrekers” next year to support this group of students.
Baanbrekers is originally an initiative of associate professor of interdisciplinary sciences (ISW) Milio van de Kamp, himself once a first-generation student. Since 2020, students in interdisciplinary social sciences have been able to join the program. “The most important aspect might be that first-generation students meet others in similar situations and realize they’re not alone. Additionally, they meet academic role models and receive further support throughout their university journey,” says Van de Kamp.
Overwhelming
Since the launch of ‘Baanbrekers’, Van de Kamp has received regular inquiries from faculty members interested in starting similar initiatives. One of them is Joanna Klopotowska, a lecturer in Clinical Informatics at the Faculty of Medicine. With support from the Amsterdam University Fund and her faculty, she is starting a pilot program next year for both medical and health informatics students. “I hope this pilot can provide the support and network I wish I had during my studies,” Klopotowska says.
Klopotowska began studying pharmacy at the University of Groningen in 1998. Her mother, who emigrated from Poland, lacked an academic background or experience with the Dutch education system. “Everything felt new and overwhelming. My mother couldn’t support me financially, so I had to combine my studies with part-time jobs. I had no understanding of student life, how to approach my studies, or the career options my degree could lead to. For example, I didn’t even know that studying pharmacy could make me a pharmacist. Many of my peers had parents who were already familiar with the field, often working as pharmacists or owning their own pharmacies. For me, everything was new, and I had to figure it all out myself. It was challenging, but I didn’t know any better; I just kept going. Looking back, I see how defining those circumstances were. What I missed back then was a network of people with similar experiences—a group where I wasn’t the only one.”
There’s often a perception that first-generation students are at greater risk of dropping out. “This view problematizes first-generation students, labelling them as a ‘risk group,” says Van de Kamp. “Yet, the University of Amsterdam can actually leverage the unique strengths of these students to advance the university. Fortunately, this is increasingly being recognized.”
Blind spots
Klopotowska agrees, noting that students with diverse backgrounds bring value to the academic environment.
“On one hand, it makes our programs more diverse and inclusive. But more importantly, the experiences and challenges faced by first-generation students are invaluable for bringing change to healthcare and education systems. The idea of the pilot is not just to discuss challenges but to help these students realize that their experiences are essential for addressing blind spots in both systems.”
The pilot program will be developed and implemented by a working group led by Klopotowska in collaboration with the “Baanbrekers” program, the directors of the medical and health informatics bachelor’s programs, the vice-dean, and the student council. Oussama Ait Abdellah (22), a first-generation medical student, will also assist in the pilot. He also endorses the valuable contributions that first-generation students can make to healthcare systems.
“I come from a lower socio-economic background. I know what poverty looks like,” Ait Abdellah explains. “This makes it easier for students like me to empathize with patients facing poverty-related issues when they visit a GP or hospital. Students from wealthier backgrounds may find it harder to relate. Many first-generation students have unique perspectives that can help improve healthcare systems as well as the university itself. It’s in everyone’s interest to provide better support to these students so they can fully realize their potential.”
Five evenings
The pilot, launching in early February, will run for five evenings. “With this program, we primarily aim to create a community where first-generation students can meet, build trust, and attend practical workshops,” says Klopotowska.
“Workshops will include topics such as setting boundaries and making healthcare more inclusive from the perspective of first-generation students. Each session will start informally, providing a chance for participants to share updates on how they’re doing. Activities will be supported by a buddy system and networking events. Our goal is to create a safe and motivating environment where these students can discover and develop their strengths. If successful, we aim to implement the program permanently next year. Ultimately, I hope this program gives students the confidence they need to excel and take pride in their own stories.”
