The second extreme of adaptation is often referred to as a complete assimilation. In this case person is fully engaged with a new society and its trends and does not maintain past habits of their native culture. For me it was the former, which was mainly because of my introverted personality and the fact that first 2 educational years were filled with COVID-19 regulations. Of course, just as everyone I got somewhat adapted to the necessities of Dutch life. However, the true “settle down” moment happened at the end of February this year. When the war broke out in my home country of Ukraine, I realized that this place – this friendly city in the south of Netherlands is quite possibly my new home now for the extended future.

Due to the difficult situation in my country, I am in the position to reflect on how valuable it is for international students, especially ones from outside the European Union, to have opportunity to study in an international classroom such as Maastricht University. An opportunity to be in such an “alternative reality” is an extremely valuable virtue. In particular, here, 2000 km from Kiev I can fully experience a normal life without weekly shelling, blackouts and curfew, which unfortunately became a strong part of many friends and family’s life for the last 8 months. This example can be generalized for a lot of developing economies where young and passionate individuals with bright ideas and hopes for the future cannot live their life to the extent they want to only because of a currently difficult (or rather unbearable) local situation.

Universities such as, UM can provide a valuable chance for non-EU students who could possibly perform very well but lack opportunities in their home country to open up their potential. Here it is mainly possible due to the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme not only helps to meet a diploma requirement for students from outside the EU but also gives time to culturally adapt in a relaxed educational environment before the main busy bachelor’s coursework begins.

After the Foundation Programme, I continued to be in awe of the opportunities at UM to pursue my passions. Of particular importance in my UM journey, are the Honours programmes offered to the bachelor students. I have participated in the Honours program in my department by participating In MaRBLe – a one-year project with focus on research experience aspects. I never thought I would participate in something like this partially because in my home country being a researcher is not seen as an inspiring nor a secure career prospect. Working with international staff and students in a rigorous setting helped me to shift my perspectives on research.

Finally, I would like to once again express my appreciation for the time of studying here and all the educational and cultural experience I received so far. I also hope that universities in the Netherlands and especially the UM will continue to provide safe environment for the international students where everyone can expand and develop their mindsets with the help of international classroom experience.