I was born in Montreal and grew up in Warsaw and Schilde, a small village in Belgium. The multicultural character of Erasmus School of Economics was an important factor in my choice for the International Bachelor Economics and Business Economics (IBEB) in Rotterdam.
To my delight I received a scholarship from the Erasmus Education Fund of Erasmus School of Economics for the third time in a row recently. Before I started my study, I read on the university website that means-tested financial support was available. The fact that I had been president of the student council at my school and was also involved in other extracurricular activities stood me in good stead when I applied. I gather it is unusual to receive the scholarship more than once, but it turned out that based on my grades and my active participation I was considered eligible for several consecutive years, which makes me extremely grateful.
The introduction during the Eurekaweek was very helpful to settle in. It was here that I met my best friend. She found IBEB too mathematical, so she switched, but we are still inseparable and even share an apartment. At the start of this academic year, I was a guide myself. It was great to be able to help freshmen feel at home and show them what a great city Rotterdam is.
'Being outspoken used to get me in trouble during my high school years. Here people appreciate students who voice their opinion'
Being outspoken used to get me in trouble during my high school years. Here people appreciate students who voice their opinion. As a student representative for the IBEB programme I have been working with the academic staff to offer feedback and ideas for the curriculum. It was very motivating to experience that my input was welcomed.
Having several jobs is something I enjoy. I’m now working as a student assistant to Professor Mary Pieterse-Bloem. In addition, I work for Adyen, a finance company, as a screening operations analyst. On top of that I’m the Faculty Manager for AthenaStudies. As a tutor for high school students I really got to know all areas of Rotterdam. Last but not least I’m External Relations Officer and Chair of the Career Committee at the Eastern European Students Association. I form partnerships and collaborations with organisations like CAN Rotterdam or Dojoko to offer events that help students during and after their studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Our activities are open to all students, not just those with an Eastern European background. At our recent event about the job market during covid-19, we saw a true cultural mix and that worked really well. My friends and family warn me not to take on too much, but I believe it’s good to meet challenges head on. They will always support me, especially my mom, and I appreciate their opinion, but ultimately everyone should make their own choices.
I think international students will feel at home easily in Rotterdam. Having lived in Belgium since I was ten, I speak the language. That helps of course, but most people speak English anyway. In fact, I’m often teased because of my Flemish accent, but it’s all good-natured. If I had not spoken Dutch I would have tried to learn it. It’s important to realise that the Dutch directness is not just a stereotype, but also something that you are very likely to encounter in real life. I actually enjoy it; you know exactly where you stand. There is no need to search for a hidden meaning.
I’m about to start the final year of my Bachelor. Continuing with a Master’s degree is something I definitely want to do. My dream is to travel a lot and see the world. It would be great if I can do so for my job eventually.