I wanted to do a year abroad because everyone who had previously done one had said it was the best year of their lives, and I knew that all of these people couldn't be wrong.
Allied to this, the opportunity to meet people from different countries and to discover new places and cultures, as well as living in a different country was too good to turn down.
I went to the Netherlands for my year abroad because of its reputation as a liberal country with amazing landmarks and a distinctive culture. As well as this, the university had a very good international reputation and ranking. Also, the country was in a great location, giving easy access to the rest of Europe.
I had an amazing time; from trying out new sports that I've never imagined to visiting places that I didn't even know existed, nor could I pronounce. Celebrating my birthday and New Year in foreign countries with my international friends were certainly highlights of my time there.
Getting used to the Dutch lifestyle and riding a bike everywhere was an eye opener to a different lifestyle. Also, travelling to a vast array of countries and taking modules that I wouldn't be able to take at home was also a massive plus.
I learned about new cultures and new places but more than learning about our differences, I feel I learned more about how similar everybody there was. While everybody may have come from different places and different cultures, speaking different tongues, everybody was there to make new friends, make the most of the opportunity, and have fun.
The best thing about my year abroad was all of the friends I've made and the memories that will last a lifetime.
