A year at TIAS: A Sweet Honeymoon Stage

Almost two months have passed since I arrived in the Netherlands to start my MScBA at TIAS. I have discovered that people are right about the honeymoon stage you experience during the first three months of studying abroad. This is a very exciting, interesting and adventurous time. I got to know new people, a new culture and language, and of course I discovered bread and cheese!

Utrecht is a beautiful city to live in. It’s small, but it has almost everything I need. I bought a very important item on my first day in the Netherlands: a bike! Having a bike and being able to ride one is mandatory for everyone who wishes to live in the Netherlands. It’s the cheapest, fastest and most convenient way of transportation. Fortunately, it did not take long for me to take my cycling skills to the next level as I immediately went on a 26 km bike ride to Kasteel De Haar that same weekend!

Studying abroad is the ultimate learning experience. You don’t only learn new things at university, but also in your daily life. I have learned how to be independent, open-minded and how to adapt to a new environment and culture. It has been very interesting for me to get to know so many different cultures and ways of thinking as my classmates and teachers come from all over the world. The class at TIAS contains 50% Dutch and 50% international students, so it is very important to understand that every culture is unique. My strategy to deal with this situation is to be open-minded and non-judgmental at all times.

Participating in the best MScBA in the Netherlands is a serious responsibility and everyone works very hard to obtain good grades. At the same time, however, we also know how to have fun! As well as the countless events organized for international students in Utrecht, I also have great classmates who always know how to enjoy life after a hard day of studying. Barbeque, karaoke and drinks are our favorite pastimes!

The honeymoon stage of studying in the Netherlands has been a sweet experience for me so far. Despite having to be away from home for a while, learning and adapting to so many different things and having to step out of my comfort zone, it is worth all the effort. It has only been two months but I am already starting to feel myself grow on both a personal and professional level as I broaden my knowledge and perspective. I have not experienced any significant difficulties adapting so far; people are very nice and respectful to other cultures and differences. I have found that everyone is treated equally. But the journey has only just begun and I believe there are so many more adventures and challenges to come!


This blog was written by Full-time MScBa student Herlina (28) from Indonesia.

Read more about the Full-time MScBA