Life as an international student: an eye-opening must-do experience

Main take-aways from the experience

Charlotte: “The things I learned from my time abroad are the typical ones really. For me it was my first time to truly live on my own, where I had to combine that newly acquired independence with learning a new education system, meet new people, and learn new things (academically, but also everyday things)”. Chiara echoes this: “It’s funny, but basic things like going to the pharmacy, or buying your food in the local supermarket, are all new, and in the beginning, a bit daunting. But you soon get the hang of it of course”. Marie adds, “You do really learn to rely on yourself. And of course this is an amazing added value for your CV and career prospects later on. But from a personal perspective it’s very enriching. You end up with friends from across the world. Holidays are sorted for the foreseeable future!”. For Hira, the experience of living in the UK was a bit different. Things were a bit easier actually than when she first arrived in Brussels. “In the UK, I didn’t have that language barrier that I had when I arrived in Belgium. Also, I stayed in student accommodation on campus and shared a flat with other international students. In Brussels I live on my own. So I didn’t have any real challenges to overcome from my time at the University of Warwick.”

Being an international student

“Before I went abroad and became an international student myself, I didn’t really think too much about the international students at VUB. I knew they were there, and that was fine. Having now had that experience of being an international student myself, it’s opened my eyes. I now actually go and seek out the internationals at VUB. I realise more acutely how important it is for local students to mix with the international ones; how important it is to help them, especially those who come from outside the EU. It isn’t easy to be in a new country, with different customs, different languages,” says Marie. Chiara adds, “even though Cologne isn’t that far from Belgium and culturally not that different, I fully appreciate now much more how our own international students feel at the VUB and in Brussels. I’ve always had an international outlook but my time in Cologne really opened my eyes.”

For Hira, being an international student at VUB was initially tricky, as she had to learn new ways of doing things, there was the language barrier, and the administrative processes which aren’t always the fastest, but she didn’t come across any major issues. And having first come to Belgium at the VUB, set her up for an easier ride in the UK, as things there are very similar to Belgium, so she’d done all that adjusting already at the VUB. She adds, “I do feel there is a lack of connection at the VUB between the local students and the international ones. I felt that less at the University of Warwick, but then again, that is a massive university, with a huge campus. But they have societies and clubs that cut across the nationalities and regional differences. Their societies and clubs are based on interests, so you get a much bigger mix of local students and international ones, in say a Film Club, or a Chess Club. At VUB there is less of that.” Charlotte was in Seoul, and said something similar: “In South Korea I honestly didn’t mix that much with the local students. They were very nice and friendly but maybe shy? They did have a very good buddy programme where the locals were mixed and matched with the international students, and participated at events throughout the year, and they were there whenever you needed them, so that was very good. It worked really well. The experience made me be more open towards international students at the VUB, because I’ve been in their shoes now, and it isn’t always easy, but it is so worthwhile doing!”

Would you do it again?

“Of course!”, was the reaction of all four of our students. “It’s the best time in your life to do this, because you are well looked after, you get so much help from both the VUB and the university you are going to, and you end up meeting the best people who become friends. It’s a unique time in your life. And in the case of South Korea e.g.: I’ve never in my life felt so safe. The place is clean, safe, friendly, welcoming… What’s not to like?” says Charlotte. Chiara adds, “It’s the best time to go, while you are a student, because you get financial support, you get administrative support, you don’t really have to worry about too many things. It’s a confidence booster!”. “I would do it again if I could, but I can’t now anymore. But, there are now internships to look at and you can do those abroad as well, so that’s my next step. Seriously though, I got a grant, and I didn’t have to pay the very high tuition fees you normally have to pay in the UK. I felt so lucky that I was able to spend 2 terms there. I initially was nervous as I’m an introvert, but I have not regretted coming to Belgium or going to the UK for one minute! It’s such an opportunity, and it opens so many doors,” says Hira. Marie sums up what we’ve heard from all VUB students who have gone abroad and who’ve experienced life as an international student: “There is honestly no reason not to go abroad”.

Being an international student can maybe initially be a bit scary at first, but the experience is so rewarding, it’s genuinely a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Happy International Student Day to all our students!