Why this programme

I chose to study the International Bachelor in Psychology at Erasmus University mainly because of the university’s reputation and the relatively short duration of the Bachelor (3 years). Once I started the Bachelor’s programme, I realised that the Problem-Based Learning method (PBL) was of great value. As students we are responsible for finding the literature relevant to our courses with the guidance of our tutor. The PBL method simulates the reality after your studies, when you will have to find answers to questions without any guidance. You will have to be able to extract the main points of certain information. The PBL method prepares you for this and gives you enough confidence to do this yourself in the future. Another aspect of the Bachelor’s programme that I like is how it is structured. During the first year you are given an overview of all the different paths of psychology (e.g. clinical, organisational, educational, and cognitive psychology) and in the second year you acquire a deeper knowledge of each path. By the end of the second year you have enough knowledge to make an informed decision about the field of psychology you would like to specialise in.

In my opinion, the third year is the best year of the programme as you are given the autonomy to choose which courses you would like to follow. You can go on exchange or stay at the university to follow a course at a different faculty (minor). I chose to stay at the university because studying in the Netherlands already felt like an exchange to me. I do not regret my decision as I was able to study at RSM, which only confirmed my interest in business. Once the first semester of the third year was over, I started my specialisation in organisational psychology. I haven’t finished my specialisation yet. So far, I really like the courses as they are more practical than those in previous years. In short, I highly recommend studying psychology at Erasmus as it gives you a great overview of the different aspects of psychology. In addition, it gives you the chance to specialise in the field of your choice. The Bachelor’s programme requires hard work but once you are close to the finish line, you will not believe how much knowledge and experience you have acquired in such a short amount of time.

I decided to study Psychology already in high school. I would always find myself analyzing my friends’, parents’, and surrounding people’s behaviours and thoughts. However, I was only a curious teenager back then. For this reason, I was determined to dive into the science of Psychology.

After choosing a major, I still needed to opt for a university. When I started evaluating my options, I came across a term that was completely novel to me – Problem-Based Learning (PBL). After learning more and more facts about PBL, about its benefits, I made a decision and chose Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam as my ultimate ‘Plan A’.

When it comes to Rotterdam, as an international student, I did have some doubts before moving here, since it would be my first long-term departure from home. However, I have not yet regretted my choice since my very first day here, because Rotterdam gave me new experiences, new friends, new home.

When I was 22 years old, I started working at a radio station in Spain right after completing my degree in journalism. But I did not want my academic life to end there. I needed to do what I had been dreaming about for a few years: I really wanted to study Psychology at an international university. 

It took me a long time to make a decision since I already had a life plan and considered myself too "old" to start studying again... However, it was a "now or never" option. This is how my adventure at Erasmus started. 

My very first approach back then was: Where can I study in English at a reasonable price? In The Netherlands, practically everyone speaks English, despite not being an official language. Plus, the tuition for Europeans is ridiculously cheap compared to universities in English-speaking countries. 

Therefore, I knew where to go, but... To what university should I go? What was the best option in the country for Psychology? That led to another big reflection period, and here everyone would have their personal preferences: ranking position, methodology, courses, mandatory internship, the city lifestyle... There are many factors. In the end, the EUR appeared to be best suited to provide what I was asking for: a modern institution, prestigious, with a BSc in English, full of international students, and in Rotterdam (which is an awesome city full of youth and cultural activities). In addition, I had read on the website that the teaching system did not consist of regular lectures in giant lecture halls, and that's it, but there was something called PBL that allowed students to discuss the content as if it was a debate. That was pretty convincing as well, and I decided to apply.

Two years later, here I am. A journalist that learnt about how people behave in groups, the underlying mechanisms of anxiety, the impact of personality on job performance, the brain activity when we sleep. And next year, I'll learn even more during my specialization in Brain & Cognition.

Anyhow, choosing a career is a very tough decision (not eternal, though, as you can see!). Each university has its pros and cons, but I hope that, like me, you end up feeling proud of your choice when you look back in time. Ultimately, going to university is much more than exams and highlighted books; it will be one of the most exciting years of your life. University will be adapting to a new country, living in a new apartment with unknown people. University will be joining a music, volleyball or sustainable entrepreneurship association or even offer the opportunity to work part-time. In my view, here I found all that I ever wanted, and if nothing stops me, I will continue enjoying this journey. See you on campus!