Studies: International Business & Management Studies
Native country: Ukraine, fourteen times the size of the Netherlands
Wants to be on cover of: Men’s Health
Addicted to: Smoking
Hero: I don’t need role models for myself
Last time you were in Ukraine?
‘August 2006 I was in Kiev. I didn’t go back last summer because I like to stay here and I want to protect myself from feeling homesick. My parents visited me here last winter and after they left I was feeling a little bit homesick. We phone or email every second day.’
What did you expect when you came here?
‘Everything was a surprise for me. I read some things about the Netherlands, but I knew nothing about Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen. I expected nice teachers and a good study programme. I chose for International Business School because it has a good mix between quality and price. And those expectations came true.’
What was your first impression?
‘I liked everything but the weather.’
What do you like about the Dutch?
‘They are funny and easy-going. Everybody is speaking English here. Only one or two percent of the Ukrainians do. I followed special courses to learn English for this studies. I have been in Den Haag, Enschede and Arnhem and visited Amsterdam several times. Amsterdam is a good city to party but it is just a bit too busy and touristy. I like Groningen better.’
What don’t you like about the Dutch?
‘Now I can understand it, but when I just arrived here I was a bit surprised Dutch people produce a broad smile and look happy when they say goodbye to you after finishing a conversation or after asking a question. I did not understand that and thought they were glad I was leaving. Shocking.’
What do you want to do when you finish your studies?
‘I don’t make plans for the long run. Next year I want to do a project in an English-speaking country. New Zealand, Australia or Canada.’
Do you have tips for new foreign students?
‘I would like to tell them to be themselves and focus mainly on their studies. Of course you must live a student life, but you must have priorities. These are the best years of your life. Don’t waste time on things you don’t want to do. I started partying five times a week but after a year I got a little bit bored. Now I go out twice a week, I like &Zo and the international evening at Rumba on Mondays.’
What are you doing in your leisure time?
‘I am working as head of a dishwashing department in a pizzeria. And I work out at ACLO.’
What is your motto in life?
‘Veni, vidi, vici. I came, I saw and I conquered.’
Source: Hanze Mag