To Go on Exchange or Not To Go?
Still debating whether or not you should go on that exchange? Well, I asked some exchange students (you might recognise them from my previous post) to share whether or not they reccomend going on exchange and here’s what they have to say:
Elijah from Singapore:
YES! You really get a chance to learn more about other cultures, as well as about yourself! You discover more about yourself and what you enjoy doing. Being able to go out there and simply explore and travel is such a big plus when on exchange too! There is nothing like being able to move around so freely!
A photo taken during the exchange:
With my friends from LUMC at the Rathaus Christmas Market in Vienna. / Elijah
Julia from Sweden:
Absolutely! My exchange semester has given me so much. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, travel across Europe thanks to great train and bus connections, and study at one of Europe’s leading law faculties. Going abroad as part of an exchange semester is also an easy way to fulfill the dream of studying abroad. I don’t regret my exchange at all, and I believe very few people do in the end. So my advice is definitely: GO!!
A photo taken during the exchange:
This photo, taken in Jordaan in Amsterdam, shows some things that I have loved about the Netherlands and its culture: the canals, the cute houses (and houseboats), the bikes, and how people took advantage of the weather (when it wasn’t raining). / Julia
Ala from Poland/Sweden:
I would definitely recommend the exchange to anyone who is considering it. I had a lot of fun during my time in the Netherlands and learnt so many things! I got my first real job, made new friends and got to eat so many stroopwafels 🙂 I think being away from home also makes you appreciate it more so I’m coming back to Stockholm with new energy and excitement!
A photo taken during the exchange:
a day trip to delft with rebekah and elijah! / Ala
Bingxuan from Singapore:
Participating in an exchange not only gave me the chance to immerse myself in Dutch culture and explore the societal differences between Europe and Asia but also opened up opportunities to travel to neighboring European countries and experience their stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Moreover, collaborating with fellow exchange students and local peers helped me develop a broader perspective on global cultures, diverse viewpoints, and different approaches to problem-solving
A photo taken during the exchange:
Memories from Cologne / Bingxuan
Belinda from Singapore:
Deffo! You experience a lot of growth especially given the large amount of freedom you get on a day to day basis, which also means a lot of decisions to make. You also get the chance to try a lot of things and activities that you otherwise might not get the opportunity to and meet people u otherwise might not have met back at home.
A photo taken during the exchange:
Memories from our trip to Giethoorn / Belinda
Rebecca from the UK:
I’d definitely recommend going on exchange. It’s made me so much more confident in trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone. No one here knew me going into it so I felt less worried about judgement from other people. Also, there are challenges with moving and studying abroad but it has helped me to accept that mistakes are a part of learning and I worry about them a lot less now.
A photo taken during the exchange:
Going out to eat traditional Dutch pancakes with a Dutch student I met on my course. / Rebecca
Savannah from the UK:
I would definitely recommend everyone who can afford it, to go on an exchange programme. This opportunity will allow you to immerse yourself in a new way of life and give you a unique chance to meet some amazing people if you put yourself out there and socialise.
A photo taken during the exchange:
To new people, tastes, and experiences / Savannah
Maren from Germany
Going on an exchange is a great opportunity to get to know the world, but also yourself. You will find yourself in a new environment, making new friends and choices, changing perspectives, getting confused and still finding your way. This can be beneficial as university teaches us how to study and gives us an idea of how to form our path, but how one actually does that has to be found out by ourselves. And an exchange year is great for this because you have more freedom, you can get to know yourself with less pressure from peers and family, choose subjects that you are really interested in and also get away from the desk for some time. It will be an unforgettable experience, for sure. Remember, taking the first step is always the hardest.
A photo taken during the exchange:
Leiden canal in sunset – I was biking to my climbing session with some friends when the sun set and I stopped to take the picture thinking “life can be so beautiful sometimes”. / Maren
Jiayi from Singapore
Yes, I think it’s a good opportunity to see how different life could potentially be, and to experience a different part of the world.
A photo taken during the exchange:
Croatia was really special to me as it was a trip with a childhood friend who is studying abroad. I’ll never forget how clear and calm the waters were along the coastlines, which was something I had never seen before despite growing up on a tropical island. This was taken in Nin. / Jiayi
And for what it’s worth, I agree with everyone here! And if you’re still debating the question: to go or not to go? I say GO because why not?
There’ll be no more see you in my next entry this time, but I hope you’ve enjoyed my posts and found them somewhat helpful or entertaining! And as always, if you have any questions, you’re welcome to reach out!
Bye~
Rebekah
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