#1 - Week of the international student: What is it like to study abroad?

Panna, a 22-year-old student from Budapest, is currently studying the minor Special Educational Needs at the Marnix Academie. She resides with a Hungarian family in Maarssen and has chosen to study abroad for personal development and the chance to explore new experiences. She aims to improve her English and gain insight into the Dutch education system. Panna notices a contrast between the Hungarian system- characterized by frontal teaching, where the teacher lectures and the students take notes- and the more practical and interactive approach at the Marnix Academie. She believes this method will help her improve her English.  

Thom, aged 21, also studying at the Marnix Academie but has plans to study in Budapest next semester. He is currently living in Utrecht together with seven housemates, and his motivation to study abroad originates from personal development and the desire to live in a different city. He was inspired by the stories from his dad about his work in Budapest and by the experiences of a friend who went to study abroad in Rome. Thom hopes to apply his experiences abroad to his future internship and job. He looks forward to navigating culture shocks, finding a sense of belonging in a new city, and building friendships during his journey. 

Tips for making friends abroad  

Thom: “Making friends in Utrecht, often starts by going to the same place, such as a university bar or café. Moreover, you could get involved in a buddy system in Utrecht. Lastly, try going to places where there are lots of people who are also new to Utrecht.” 

Panna: “In Budapest, you should be open and take initiative, as some Hungarians may be less approachable initially. Asking questions or inviting someone for a coffee can be a way to connect. Additionally, at party venues, there are lots of international students who are open for friendships.” 

Navigating culture shocks 

Panna: “The first week I was a bit overwhelmed with all the new experiences and I had to ask for help often. For instance, the first time I biked from Maarssen to the Marnix Academie I was afraid of how fast everyone bikes, and I didn’t know how to ride a bike in Utrecht. I expected it to be calmer but everyone was in a hurry and, therefore, I was a bit scared. However now, I am getting used to it, and it has become easier.” 

Panna: “Is there anything you are afraid of studying abroad?  

Thom: “I am a bit afraid of feeling lonely or homesick but I know I can survive and I can get along on my own. I also probably have a study mate who is going to Budapest at the same time. My biggest fear is feeling lost at the start and realizing that teachers in Budapest are less approachable than the teachers in Utrecht. They might be more authoritarian than I am used to and I need to approach them differently so I can show my respect.” 

Panna: “It's going to be fine, we don’t approach the teacher directly but we are mainly communicating via email. So it's going to be fine if you ask them for help via email.” 

Student Activities  

Thom: “Have you experienced other activities besides the ones from the Marnix Academie?” 

Panna: “Outside of the activities from the Marnix Academie, I have experienced the ESN introduction week. ESN is an organization for Erasmus students that organizes many activities for international students. The most fun activity was the ESN introduction week. Besides that, I often do activities with the other international students who study the same minor at the Marnix Academie. We are a small group and get along very well. Also last Friday we went to Dublin with four of us, because it is not so far from here to visit. I recommend also visiting other cities and places other than Budapest. Close to Budapest, I would recommend Pilis (a hilly region) and you should also visit Balaton Lake. You can reach everything by train. You could also go abroad, Vienna is not far from Budapest if you travel by train.” 

Culinary Exchanges 

Panna: “Is there any food you will miss from the Netherlands?” 

Thom: “Yes of course, there is a small sandwich place called ‘Broodje Mario’ close to Oudegracht, and I think I will miss it the most. It's been there so long, I think almost 30 years, and it is just some sentimental piece of Utrecht for me because since I was a kid I went there with my dad, and now I am going to miss it for like half a year.” 

Thom: “What kind of food have you tried in the Netherlands?” 

Panna: “I tried ‘bitterballen’, ‘stroopwafels’ and I ate a lot of sandwiches here. I also tried ‘poffertjes’ which were really good. Can you recommend something else?” 

Thom: “‘Broodje Mario’ and ‘Kibbeling’ (fried fish), you could go to the market on Vredenburg plein.” 

Panna: “Thank you, I will try that.” 

Thom: “Is there any Hungarian dish I should try?” 

Panna: “Yes you should try Hungarian food, it is a little bit spicy, but not too spicy. I think you should try the Hungarian ‘goulash’ and the sweet dessert ‘somlói galuska’ and if we are talking about desserts the ‘túró rudi’ (a sweet milky dessert with chocolate), you can buy it in the shop. I miss Hungarian soup at lunchtime. In Hungary, you first eat soup and after that, you will eat something else.” 

Encouraging others to study abroad  

Panna: “You should go abroad! It’s a good experience and you can learn a lot about yourself. It’s worth to take the opportunity!” 

Thom: “First of all do research if it is something you want to do. If you still hesitate I would recommend just going because it is a new experience and everything will be different, you will get out of your comfort zone!