My journey towards studying abroad began during the winter of my final year of Secondary School. I was talking to a friend whose sister had recently started studying at VIA University College in Denmark.
Even after only a few months, she had already discovered that Denmark was a welcoming and beautiful country with friendly people. Her university experience also sounded completely different from anything we knew at home. My friend kept telling me about her new life and how much she enjoyed studying there.
That conversation planted an idea in my mind: perhaps I should give studying abroad a real chance.
Soon afterwards, I heard about Kastu on the radio and registered on their website. I started reading student forums, researching universities, and contacting anyone who could share real experience. I spoke to friends, friends of friends, current students, and even people I had never met before.
The more stories I heard, the clearer my decision became. Students talked about becoming more independent, meeting people from different countries, and experiencing a much more open way of learning.
I realised that the biggest risk was not leaving. It was never finding out what studying abroad could have given me.
I chose Denmark partly because English is widely spoken there. Since it is also a second language for most people, I believed communication would feel less intimidating than moving somewhere where everyone spoke English as their first language.
Choosing a programme was more complicated. I was not the strongest student in natural sciences, so some of the fields I had originally considered were not realistic options. Instead of seeing that as a failure, I focused on finding a programme that suited my abilities and interests.
Looking back, I am very happy with the programme I chose.
Getting accepted to VIA University College was more straightforward than I had expected. The application required preparation, but the process itself was manageable. Finding accommodation took more effort, although being open, communicating with others, and building new connections helped me find support.
Before I had even finished my final Secondary School exams, I already knew that I had been accepted. I had found accommodation and could begin imagining what my new life would look like.
Then I arrived in Denmark, and everything became real.
The study system felt completely different from what I had expected. Students were encouraged to cooperate rather than compete, and lecturers communicated with us openly and respectfully.
The relationship between lecturers and students was one of the biggest surprises. It felt natural to ask questions, share opinions, and work together. There was much less distance and formality, which made the entire learning environment feel more comfortable and motivating.
Studying with people from different countries also gave me a completely new perspective. You do not only learn from lectures. You learn through conversations, teamwork, cultural differences, and the everyday experience of building a life somewhere new.
Of course, not every surprise was positive. The cost of living was noticeably higher than I was used to, and adapting required effort. But these challenges were part of becoming independent and learning how to manage my own life.
Looking back, I do not regret choosing Denmark for a single moment. I am deeply grateful to the people who encouraged me to consider studying abroad because they helped me discover opportunities I might otherwise have missed.
My advice to students who are still uncertain is simple: research your options, speak to people who are already studying abroad, and give yourself permission to think bigger.
Moving to another country may feel frightening before you leave. But once you arrive, meet your classmates, and begin creating your own life, you may realise that the world offers far more possibilities than you once imagined.
Do not let uncertainty keep you inside the life you already know. Give yourself the chance to discover what else could be waiting for you.
