I decided that I wanted to study abroad during my second-to-last year of Secondary School. That was when I began comparing the opportunities, requirements, and costs in different countries.
The Netherlands seemed like the best option for me. The tuition fees were more accessible than in many other countries, and I received a reduced tuition rate for my first year. English is widely spoken, which makes everyday life much easier for an international student.
After discovering more affordable supermarkets and learning how to manage my budget, I also found that my monthly expenses were not as different from those at home as I had initially expected.
Most importantly, people welcomed me warmly and made it much easier to feel comfortable in a new country.
The application to Radboud University was very clear, especially with Kastu’s support. The required documents were prepared and organised, so I mainly needed to upload them and follow the instructions.
This made the process feel much less stressful. Instead of constantly worrying whether I had missed something, I could focus on preparing for my studies and the move itself.
Three months after arriving, I still feel just as happy and satisfied with the quality of my studies as I did at the beginning.
Nijmegen is also a wonderful student city. It is not extremely large, so most places are easy and convenient to reach, but there are still plenty of activities and opportunities to enjoy student life.
One unexpected surprise was that Nijmegen is much hillier than I had imagined. During my first month, cycling up some of the hills was a genuine challenge. However, like many other things when moving abroad, it gradually became part of everyday life.
Finding accommodation was much more difficult.
The housing situation really is as challenging as people say. If you want to find something affordable and conveniently located, begin searching as early as possible. Do not repeat my mistake by waiting too long.
Despite this challenge, studying abroad has already given me experiences that would have been difficult to gain at home.
In only the first few months, I met people from many different parts of the world. Every new friendship introduced me to another culture, background, and perspective.
Studying internationally does not mean discovering only the country where your university is located. Through the people you meet, the whole world suddenly becomes much closer.
You may gain friends in many different countries, visit them in the future, and experience places you might never have considered travelling to before.
To anyone wondering whether they should study abroad, my answer is definitely yes.
You can always return home if the experience is not right for you. But if you never give yourself the chance to try, you may spend a long time wondering what could have happened.
Of course, moving abroad requires preparation. Accommodation can be difficult, the first weeks may feel unfamiliar, and you need to learn how to manage your own life.
But the new friendships, independence, academic opportunities, and confidence you gain can make every challenge worthwhile.
Do not let fear make you miss an opportunity that could change your life. When the motivation is there, take the step and discover where it can lead you.
