I had wanted to study abroad from the moment I discovered that it was possible. I was looking for change, independence, and the chance to see more of the world.
At first, I considered Denmark because of its tuition-free education. However, due to the COVID situation, studying there was not possible that year. My next option was the Netherlands, where I found several attractive programmes at relatively affordable prices.
I applied to several universities. The university that accepted me was actually near the bottom of my priority list, but looking back, that does not mean it was the wrong choice. Sometimes the opportunity you did not originally expect can lead you exactly where you need to be.
The application process itself was manageable. Some of the universities I considered required a portfolio, which meant preparing examples of my work in advance. The programme I was eventually accepted into did not require one.
Kastu helped me greatly with the documents and application requirements. Whenever I had questions about my studies or the admission process, they were usually the first people I contacted.
My first months in the Netherlands were exciting because everything was new: the people, the university, my accommodation, and everyday life in another country.
My classmates and study coaches were friendly, supportive, and always willing to help. What I enjoy most about my programme is the learning style. We work on many projects in groups, rarely have to manage everything alone, and are given a lot of freedom in how we complete our work. This makes studying more creative and helps you develop independence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
The university also organises many events, which makes it easier to meet people and become part of the student community.
I was lucky with accommodation because the university contacted me and offered me a room in a nearby village. However, finding housing in Venlo can be extremely difficult, so my strongest practical advice is to start looking for accommodation as early as possible.
Of course, living abroad is not perfect every day. I had to deal with broken bicycles, bus strikes, waiting several weeks for my BSN registration, noisy neighbours, and sharing a very small kitchen and refrigerator with many people.
But these challenges also became part of the experience. You learn how to solve problems, adapt quickly, and take responsibility for your own life. Things that seem stressful at first eventually become stories you laugh about later.
The best part of my experience is still the university itself. The people are welcoming, the projects are practical, and I feel that I have the freedom to develop my own ideas. Studying abroad has introduced me to a completely different way of learning and living.
If you are considering studying abroad, my advice is not to focus only on the country. The study programme should be the most important part of your decision.
Research how the classes are organised, what projects you will complete, what university life looks like, and what skills you want to gain. If a similar programme is available in your home country, compare them carefully and decide which approach suits you better.
Studying abroad is not automatically the right choice for everyone. But when you find a programme that matches your interests and gives you the experience you are looking for, it can become the beginning of a much bigger life than you imagined.
