Whether you are planning to go abroad or have already moved to a foreign country to study, the process of settling in as a foreigner can be challenging. You might worry about important facts such as finding student housing, making friends, and adapting to a new environment. Luckily, I had the opportunity to interview Anneke Erens, a Dutch creative business student who went on a semester abroad in Finland. With her experiences and knowledge, we hope to inspire those who are planning to go on an exchange as well or have been struggling to fit in a foreign country.
Why did you decide to move abroad?
I have always wanted to live abroad. Ever since I was young, I wanted to explore more of the world. When I got the opportunity to go on exchange, I knew I had to take this chance! I didn’t really have a specific country in mind, so I was open to all possibilities. I was ready to see where life would take me, and this turned out to be Helsinki.
How were you able to find housing?
I studied at Metropolia in Helsinki, Finland. It was super easy to find housing since you are able to apply to HOAS, which houses exchange students across Helsinki! When you apply by a given deadline, you receive an offer on a room or apartment. You only get one offer so you can’t be picky. However, every HOAS room and apartment I have seen was actually very good! HOAS exchange rooms/apartments/houses are always fully furnished, which is ideal if you only live in a foreign city temporarily.
How were you able to make friends?
Being an exchange student gives you endless opportunities to meet friends. Usually, you live with roommates who are already a point of contact. Next to that, you will most likely have a group of exchange students at your university that will ‘automatically’ befriend each other. Moreover, the Erasmus Student Network is a big part of exchange student life. Personally, I wasn’t part of ESN, but some of my friends have met many other students through all their activities! Next to these “obvious” meeting opportunities, I have met some of my best friends in the weirdest ways possible. I met one of my closest friends on the street, literally. You don’t need to worry about making friends abroad, since there are many possibilities! Just be open and express a genuine interest in people which will make others feel welcome in your presence!
How are you able to navigate through a foreign city?
I was skeptical about this at first since I have no sense of direction and I’m terrible at navigating. However, you can always use google maps and local transport apps to help you in your first few weeks. For me, Helsinki wasn’t too bad since the city is not that big and everything is relatively close. For most students, it takes just a few weeks to navigate a new place, but you will get used to it very fast!
What is the most memorable experience that you had during your exchange?
Honestly, this is a very tough question. Everything about this exchange will stay with me for the rest of my life. In general, the exchange lifestyle is so fascinating! Especially the “exchange bubble” everyone here refers to. Pretty much every single person on an exchange wants to make the absolute most out of the (few) months they are abroad! This means that there is always at least one person that is down to do whatever you have in mind on any given day, at any given time! Everyone goes on spontaneous trips. To get to the point, if I absolutely had to choose one thing, it would be my trip to Lapland! It is a must if you are staying in Finland. My friend and I went to Saariselkä and Ivalo where we stayed in the cutest wooden cabin, as well as a glass cabin! This is a trip that neither of us will ever forget.
Do you have any tips for other students who are going on an exchange?
Arrange everything on time! BUas offers great information sources on their portal so read these carefully and follow all steps! Next to that, you should do research into your chosen country and city. Most importantly, don’t overpack! You’ll be shocked by how few items you need to live comfortably. Remember that you will most likely buy some things during the exchange, and you should take everything back home.
My biggest tip would be to say yes to everything! Someone you barely know asks you to go for a coffee? Say yes! Does someone want to go on a random spontaneous trip? Say yes! You never know what amazing memories you will create and how many lovely people you will meet on the way! Obviously, don’t trust any strangers, but listen to your intuition! If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Next to that, don’t be afraid to spend a little money on experiences! You are only on an exchange once in your life and you want to be able to experience it to the fullest. Of course, there are limits financially, but make use of the Erasmus fund and enjoy what life has to offer! I would also advise you to capture your memories in whatever form you prefer. Whether that be a diary, vlogs, photos, letters, or anything that will help you to remember this special chapter of your life! You will appreciate being able to look back at these memories and all the people you have met!
We hope that Anneke’s experiences have inspired you with some good tips for your own exchange, if you are considering going abroad. Going on an exchange can be scary but remember that you will make unforgettable memories and experiences abroad. Make sure to do your research beforehand, and if you are still hesitant, try to reach out to your teachers so that you know what you are getting into. It will be worth it :).
