The VUB is one of Belgium’s most international universities. More than a third of our students come from abroad. But who are they, what drives them, and how do they experience life in Brussels? In this new series, we introduce you to our international community. Today: Patrisia from Lodosa, Navarra, a Master’s student in Applied Computer Science.

“Although my parents are of Romanian origin, I was born and raised in Spain,” says Patrisia. “I grew up in Lodosa in Navarra (northern Spain) and studied in Pamplona. I came to VUB on an Erasmus exchange and liked both the university and the city so much that I decided to return for my Master’s.”

Patrisia Lorena Buda Buda
No time for boredom

Before moving to Belgium, she knew only the basics. “I was aware of the treats Belgium is famous for: waffles, fries, chocolate. I also knew it rains a lot and that Brussels is often called the ‘de facto capital of Europe’. So yes, the essentials,” she laughs.

Although Patrisia now feels completely at home in Brussels, the start was intense. “I even cried on the first day,” she recalls. “Luckily that feeling faded fast as I got to know the campus and met more fellow students. The VUB is much bigger than the university in Pamplona. That took some getting used to, but it also brings a lot of perks: so many activities, networking events and parties that being bored is almost impossible. Thanks to ESN (Erasmus Student Network), there’s also a strong sense of community here. That’s incredibly inspiring.”

Early mealtimes

Did the language barrier trip her up? “At first I didn’t speak French or Dutch, but now I can manage quite well in Dutch. People are genuinely helpful if you tell them you’re still learning. I don’t speak French, sadly, but because it’s similar to Spanish, I understand quite a bit.”

And are there Belgian habits she’ll never get used to? “The mealtimes! I simply can’t eat at noon or at six in the evening. In Spain, we eat much later — around half past one and again at nine. That habit is firmly stuck with me.”

In Brussels, Patrisia now shares a flat with two fellow Spanish students. “On Monday evenings we watch OT, a Spanish reality show, and on Sundays we have our weekly domingo de patata, when everyone brings a small Spanish dish.”

The ties with home remain strong, but that doesn’t stop Patrisia from exploring Belgium. “Almost every weekend I try to see a new place. I’ve already been to Hasselt, Namur, Ghent
 The best part is how close everything is, and how easy it is to get around by public transport.”

Networking

What about the future? “I’d like to stay in Belgium and find a job here,” says Patrisia. “Maybe in Antwerp, because speaking French seems less essential there.”

What will she definitely carry with her from her time at VUB? “In Spain, we don’t have oral exams — here we do. They taught me to express myself better and to defend my views. Networking is also a big thing here, and I hope it’ll help me build the right professional connections.”

Patrisia Lorena Buda Buda

Finally, is there anything she’d like to share from her own culture? “Maybe being a bit more open and a little less reserved?” she grins. “And since I have the chance, let me clear up one myth: not all Spaniards take a siesta in the afternoon.”

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