I had dreamed about studying abroad since my first year of high school. At that time, I could only imagine what it would feel like to live far away from home, but today I am actually living that dream.
My older brother was the person who encouraged me the most. While studying abroad himself, he showed me through his stories and photos that moving to another country could become a completely new beginning. Now I find myself encouraging my younger brother and other people close to me to take the same step.
When I started exploring my options, Kastu helped me discover many different study programmes. Choosing the right one was not easy—I read student experiences, researched universities, and thought carefully about my future. I knew I wanted to study business, and eventually found a programme that matched my interests.
The application process was much easier than I expected. The Kastu team guided me through the whole process, explained what needed to be done, and supported me until I received my admission decision. The hardest part was simply waiting for the university's answer.
From my very first day at university, it felt almost unreal. Surprisingly, after arriving in the Netherlands, I immediately felt at home.
My classmates come from countries all around the world, which makes everyday life much more interesting. I love learning about their cultures, traditions, and experiences. Studying in such an international environment has opened my mind and helped me see the world from different perspectives.
One of my favourite things about the Netherlands is the people. They are open, friendly, helpful, and always ready with a smile. The university environment also surprised me in a positive way. I expected studying in another language to be much more difficult, but the lecturers are supportive, and teamwork is a big part of the learning process. Working together with classmates makes it much easier to communicate and gain confidence.
My advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad is simple:
Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone.
Studying abroad is a new beginning, a new chapter, and a completely different experience from studying at home. It gives you the freedom to grow, discover yourself, meet amazing people, and build your own future.
Take the chance—you might be surprised how quickly a new place starts to feel like home.
