Until the end of my second-to-last year of Secondary School, I had never seriously considered studying abroad. I was interested in business, new opportunities, and challenges, but I planned to study Political Science in my home country.
Then I discovered Kastu online and started exploring the universities and programmes they offered.
That was when I asked myself: why not try studying Business abroad?
My biggest concern was English. I was not confident in my language skills, so I initially searched for a university that did not require IELTS. Studying entirely in English seemed intimidating, but I did not want that fear to decide my future.
I chose the Netherlands because I saw it as an open, tolerant country where international students were welcomed. Another important reason was that English was widely spoken, which made the idea of moving there feel much more manageable.
However, I later discovered that studying and working are two different situations. English was sufficient at university and in most everyday situations, but many employers expected applicants to speak Dutch.
This taught me to arrive with realistic expectations. You can build your life in English, but learning the local language may create many more employment opportunities.
I also joined a Kastu university tour. Although the trip I attended focused on Denmark, it helped me understand what international student life could look like and encouraged me to explore my options more seriously.
The practical nature of Dutch education was one of the main reasons I eventually chose the Netherlands. Internships were treated as an important part of the programme, allowing students to gain professional experience, build connections, and sometimes return to the same company after graduation.
The application process itself was straightforward.
I initially struggled to understand how to write one motivation letter that would suit several universities. In the end, I decided to apply to only one institution: HAN University of Applied Sciences.
It was a risk, but I felt confident about my choice. At the time, the International Business and Management Studies programme had received strong national recognition, which made it especially attractive to me.
I only needed to pass an English language test. Before completing my final Secondary School examinations, I already knew where I would be studying the following year.
My first months confirmed that I had made the right decision.
The quality of the studies completely matched my expectations. Classes included around 20 to 25 students, with nationalities mixed as much as possible. My class alone brought together students from twelve different countries.
This international environment made every project more interesting because everyone approached problems differently.
During the first year, we had to create a business plan. In the first days, students formed teams of six or seven and began developing their ideas together.
Working with people from different cultures and backgrounds was not always easy. Everyone had different expectations, communication styles, and ways of organising their work.
But that was exactly what made the experience valuable.
We learned how to divide responsibilities, communicate clearly, solve disagreements, and cooperate with people we had not chosen ourselves. These are essential skills for anyone planning to work in business.
The practical projects were one of the strongest reasons I chose HAN. I did not want to study management only through books and lectures. I wanted to understand how ideas are developed, how teams make decisions, and how a business plan is created in practice.
Life outside university was active as well. The city organised different events and attractions, while the student community offered plenty of opportunities to meet people and enjoy life after classes and work.
Studying abroad gave me much more than a new academic programme. It pushed me to communicate in English, become responsible for my own decisions, work with people from different cultures, and live independently.
My advice to students who are still uncertain is simple: do not decide that you are incapable before you have even tried.
You may worry that your English is not good enough, that the application will be too complicated, or that you will not manage life in another country. I had exactly the same doubts.
But when you do not apply, the answer is automatically no. When you try, you give yourself a real opportunity.
The application may be easier than you expect, while the experience can give you international friendships, practical skills, and independence that will remain valuable long after graduation.
Travelling with a friend may make the beginning feel easier, but whether you leave alone or with someone you know, the most important thing is to take the first step.
Trust yourself enough to apply and give yourself the chance to discover what you are truly capable of.
