What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to experience a different way of education, to see a different perspective, and frankly, to have fun in a different environment.
Why did you choose Radboud University?
I did my exchange at this university in 2008 (while still studying in Latvia) and I liked it a lot, so I decided to come back for my Master's degree.
Taking a break from her studies, Maria was able to visit Paris during her downtime
What was your favorite part about the Netherlands?
Nijmegen, Netherlands is a super fun, yet safe, student city with a lot to offer, and has a very welcoming, friendly Dutch culture. I think my favourite part of Nijmegen is the university campus and the dormitory I lived in—Hoogeveldt. It is a very green place filled with students, so it feels like one huge community of friends. Especially when the weather is nice, everyone is having BBQ outside on the grass field behind the dorm, so there are many smaller groups of students. Usually you know at least one person per BBQ, so you just wander with your drink from one to another, chatting, laughing, having drinks...I especially like that by the evening someone used to bring the guitar, and then we'd sit around the fire, listen to someone sing, or even singing all together. It still almost brings tears to my eyes to think about those times. How warm, belonging, at ease I felt back then, even if there was a study deadline coming up, hehe…
Was there a custom or tradition in the Netherlands that you found particularly interesting or challenging to adjust to?
The most typical thing for the Dutch is to cycle everywhere. And I am not very sporty, and to be honest, I am not a fan of cycling, so doing groceries by bike and having to cycle through the rain, wind, and even snow was quite a shock! I did get used to it, but in the bad weather the bus always had my preference.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The freedom to invent yourself from scratch, since no one knows you like in your homeland.
Tell us a story about your favorite day or moment while earning your degree abroad.
When I was on my exchange programme, we always waited to submit the assignments until the very last moment, and me and my friend were up all night finishing our papers. The deadline was at 10:00 am. I finished my paper at 9:15, and a British friend of mine came over to check my English language quality. He was also nice enough to do that for my friend, but she was not there. It is 9:30, she is not there, it is 9:45, she is not there...at 9:50 she runs in, all panicking, screaming “I do not have a conclusion in my paper!”... Of course there was no time to check her English anymore, and she just sent it in at 9:59 with two sentences symbolizing the conclusion. She ended up getting even a little bit higher grade than I did! We laughed a lot when the results came in!
Maria met her future husband while earning her degree abroad!
How did Radboud staff support you throughout your program?
Wonderfully! They were so helpful, and always available, and really understanding. Even when I had a personal issue and missed a deadline, I was allowed to get an extra chance.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would pay even more attention to the reading in advance! The study was very intense, and I felt it took me too long to realize the actual workload.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
My mornings started with waking up, eating, and going to the library to read some articles to prepare for my next class. Then, I would go to class, have lunch with classmates, then another class, then go home or to the gym. My nights would end with having dinner, studying a bit, and going out for a party or drinks at the pub.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Traveling around the country by train, going out to different theme parties (there are plenty in a student place like Nijmegen!), or reading a fun (not study-related) book.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
During my exchange time, I had a dorm room provided by the university. It was small but right on campus, and my corridor mates were wonderful, so we cooked together a lot, partied, and had lots of karaoke or video game fun. During my Master's I rented an apartment in the center together with my boyfriend. It was 10 minutes away from the campus—so nice! It was our first place together.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It is intense, it is challenging, and you need to do your prep-work every time really well. Take it seriously!
Would you recommend Radboud University to others? Why?
Yes, both the programme and the university. It is high-quality education, really challenging and valuable, and in a great, fun, friendly place. If you want to experience real student life, a feeling of community in a friendly and safe place, and get a high-quality degree—this is the place for you. The study is hard, the demand from the teachers is high, but you learn a lot, you change a lot, your mind opens, and you have all the support you may need while you are at Radboud University, both study-wise and in terms of social contacts.
Maria was able to travel around Europe while studying at Radboud University in the Netherlands
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Meeting very different people, and experiencing something you cannot experience at home.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My life has changed completely! I did not return to Latvia, and instead live with my boyfriend (now husband) whom I met abroad in Nijmegen.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is not only visiting tourist attractions, but finding local people to show you the real side of life and take you to someplace only locals go, and trying real (ideally home-made) local food.
