When I was still quite young, I came across a section about studying abroad while browsing online forums. I started reading students’ stories and gradually realised that I wanted to create an international experience of my own.
Several years later, during my final year of Secondary School, I began completing university applications and joined a Kastu university tour around the Netherlands.
After visiting the very first university, I knew that the Netherlands was where I wanted to study.
At first, I was choosing between Denmark and the Netherlands. I carefully compared the advantages and disadvantages of both countries and ultimately chose the Netherlands because of its strong academic quality and practical approach to education.
Applying with Kastu was straightforward. Without their support, I would have had countless questions and no idea who could answer them. For more than half a year, I regularly contacted the Kastu team about different parts of the process.
Having someone explain every requirement made a major life decision feel much more manageable.
My first months in the Netherlands were exciting. I participated in the orientation week, which I would strongly recommend to every new student.
That was where I met people who later became my friends. Arriving in a new country can initially feel lonely, but orientation activities give everyone a reason to talk, spend time together, and begin building a community.
The academic work started from the very first lecture. This surprised me and quickly made me realise that I would need to devote serious time and effort to my studies.
However, the teaching environment feels open and supportive. Lecturers communicate with us almost like colleagues, and students address them by their first names.
Classes take place in small groups of around 17 students. This means everyone can participate, ask questions, and receive more personal attention.
Most importantly, the theory we learn is regularly applied to practical situations from the real world. Instead of only memorising information, we discuss, analyse, and learn how to use it.
One of my favourite things about living in the Netherlands is the local culture, especially how direct people are. At first, this communication style may feel unusual, but I learned to appreciate its honesty and clarity.
I am also happy that I chose to study in a smaller city. Accommodation is more affordable than in many larger student destinations, and everyday life feels easier to manage.
Finding a part-time job was surprisingly simple. I mentioned to one of my classmates that I was looking for work, and that same day, she showed me a restaurant that needed new employees. I applied and now work there.
Sometimes one conversation is enough to create a completely new opportunity.
I was surprised by the number of Dutch and German students in my programme. In my group of 17, only five students come from other international backgrounds, excluding the German students.
This gives me the opportunity to experience the local academic culture rather than studying only within an international bubble. At the same time, I still meet people with different nationalities, experiences, and perspectives.
To students considering studying abroad, I would recommend contacting people who already study at the universities you are interested in. Ask honest questions about the programme, workload, accommodation, city, and student life.
I would also recommend visiting the universities whenever possible. Reading descriptions online can help, but walking through a campus and imagining your own life there can make the decision much clearer.
That is exactly what happened to me during the Kastu university tour. Studying abroad stopped being only an interesting idea and became something I could genuinely see myself doing.
And one final practical tip: invest in a reliable bicycle and look for one through local second-hand websites. In the Netherlands, you will probably use it every single day.
Studying abroad requires effort, but it also gives you the chance to become more independent, meet people who change your life, and experience a completely different way of learning.
Research your options, speak to current students, visit the country and give yourself the chance to discover where you truly belong.
