I decided that I wanted to study in Denmark quite early. When I was in the tenth year of Secondary School, the Kastu team visited my school and gave a presentation about studying abroad.
Before that presentation, I had been certain that I would remain in my home country. But after hearing about the education system and opportunities available in Denmark, my plans changed completely.
My parents supported the idea, so I decided to begin preparing early rather than leave everything until the final moment.
After completing my second-to-last year of Secondary School, I enrolled in an English course to prepare for IELTS. My chosen university required a particular English result, although applicants could also take the Kastu English test.
I initially chose IELTS because I believed an internationally recognised result would give me more options when applying to other universities.
Unfortunately, the preparation course was not useful, so I decided to study independently. I found practice materials online and began preparing intensively about a month before the test.
I received the score that was required at the time and believed that the most stressful part was over.
I also spent around two weeks preparing my motivation letter. Writing it was not difficult because I had plenty to say, but reducing it to the required length became a major challenge.
Then, only one week before the application deadline, Kastu contacted me with unexpected news: the universities had changed their English language requirements that year, and my IELTS result was no longer sufficient.
The stress was enormous. I had spent months preparing, and suddenly I had only one realistic option left: taking the Kastu English test.
Fortunately, the test went even better than IELTS. I achieved a result that was sufficient for Business Academy Aarhus and could complete my application on time.
That experience taught me that even careful plans can change, but one unexpected problem does not mean that the entire dream is over.
In April, I was invited to an interview. In May, I received a conditional admission offer because I had not yet completed Secondary School and received my final diploma.
After graduation, I submitted the remaining documents and received confirmation that I had officially been accepted.
Finding accommodation became the next challenge.
I only began searching in July and received an offer approximately three weeks before the programme started. Because of this, I strongly recommend applying for student housing and exploring other accommodation options much earlier.
After three months in Denmark, I can honestly say that I enjoy living here. The environment is welcoming, people are friendly, and almost everyone can communicate in English.
Whenever I need assistance, I feel comfortable asking the people around me. So far, nobody has refused to help.
The beginning of studying abroad may feel intimidating because everything is unfamiliar. You have to manage documents, accommodation, finances, studies, and everyday responsibilities in another country.
But once you arrive, you quickly realise that you are not the only person who feels uncertain. Many new international students are equally nervous, confused, and eager to find friends.
That makes it much easier to approach others and build a new community together.
My practical advice to future students is to begin preparing documents as early as possible. Do not leave your motivation or recommendation letters until the final days, because they may require more time than expected.
Check the latest admission requirements after the New Year, even when you researched them earlier. Universities can update their rules, and relying on outdated information may create unnecessary stress.
Before an admission interview, research the university carefully. Be prepared to explain why you chose it, what makes it different, and why the programme suits your goals.
Begin searching for accommodation and part-time work before the academic year starts, but arrive with realistic expectations and enough savings to support yourself during the first months.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to take the first step.
You do not need to feel completely ready before moving abroad. You become ready by facing each challenge one at a time.
I am extremely happy that I chose to study in Denmark. Despite the changed requirements, stressful deadlines, and late accommodation offer, this became one of the best decisions of my life.
Leaving your comfort zone may feel frightening, but it can lead to independence, international friendships, and opportunities you would never discover by remaining where everything is familiar.
