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Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to gain knowledge, cultural awareness, and life experiences. You embrace new cultures and career opportunities and grow as an individual. However, it can be challenging to adjust to a new environment, academic system, and culture. 

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When I started looking at going to university in my home country of Cameroon, my first choice was computer science, but because I did not have any honours at the baccalaureate level, my application was refused in this field. I was directed to my second choice: physics.  

This did not discourage me. On the contrary, I was determined to prove that the lack of honours at the baccalaureate level did not define my true academic level. 

The process of choosing a university, moving there and then settling into an entirely new community is daunting for every student. For LGBTQIA+ students and anyone questioning their gender identity and sexuality, this can be especially true. 

My name is Bailey Thompson and I studied electrical engineering at Western University in Ontario, Canada. I also completed a certificate in engineering leadership and innovation to explore my interest in business and leadership.  

Throughout my academic career, I was an active member of many clubs, notably Western’s Women in Engineering student club and a variety of intramural sports.  

To prepare for my study abroad journey, I watched YouTube videos about student life in the Netherlands. These videos shared some practical tips and tricks that proved useful later, but I did not see any videos about what really matters the most: settling in a new country. In this article, I will share some tips that will hopefully help you to adapt to your new life in the Netherlands.

Growing up in Malaysia in a household of six people made overseas vacations for our family rare. My ayah (father) and grandparents would continuously remind us that education opens more doors for us to explore the world. They were correct.  

The truth about moving abroad is that sometimes it can be lonely, exhausting, intimidating and uncomfortable, but it is always invigorating. You grow to enjoy your own company and push boundaries you otherwise would not get near.

When I first became interested in study-abroad programmes, one of my biggest concerns was funding. After my first semester at the University of Texas at Austin, I had heard so many stories from my Korean professor about her students who had studied abroad.

Before attending college, going abroad had not been a goal for me. But as I studied a double major in Asian Studies and Asian Cultures and Languages, with a focus on Korea, I knew that studying abroad would help me become more immersed in my studies. 

There are lots of reasons why studying abroad might be for you.

You might find a degree course that isn’t available in your home country; you might learn to live independently; or you might network with amazing people and learn about other cultures. Whatever your reason for considering the experience, there are so many more positives. And if you don’t believe us, just look at what real students had to say about studying abroad.