21 year old Bea Harmston, born and raised in West Sussex, is a third year student from the University of Birmingham. She studies Liberal Arts and is currently on her exchange year in the Netherlands. Here she writes about what the experience has taught her.

“When I applied to university aged 17, I knew I wanted to do a year abroad. The thought of living in a different country for a year, as a mandatory part of my education? What could be more brilliant!

Months of admin aside, before I knew it I was packing the car with my parents, squeezing into the back seat surrounded by what felt like an insane amount of stuff for one person and heading through the channel tunnel.

Now I sit writing this on my way back to my second home, the Netherlands, for the beginning of a snowy semester two.

In an effort to resist the urge to eat my pack lunch, (seeing as it is only 10am) I contemplate what I have taken from the year abroad experience so far, and what I am excited to return to.

Without a doubt, I appreciate the Dutch straightforwardness. Their expert English helps with the communication of British sarcasm and our often dry humour, and you can mostly rely on the Dutch not to beat around the bush, so you know where you stand. While I thought this might grate with the overly apologetic and often slightly socially awkward English nature, in my experience, Dutch directness has not been at the expense of kindness and generosity. So they communicate clearly, and manage to be friendly? What a delight.

Moving to a European country that is still part of the European Union, had me braced for some level of rejection or at least disdain for no longer being part of the club. However, I quickly learned that a) no one cares, b) you can’t be held accountable for the political decisions of your country, and c) the Dutch have bigger bones to pick with other countries. However, the awareness of nationality you suddenly take on when living in a different country has its benefits. Understanding the positionality and privileges that accompany being from certain parts of the world unlocks a self-awareness which I think is vital.

Making friends from all over the world also invites conversations about school systems, TV shows you grew up on, festival and holiday traditions and much more. The elements of pop culture and the social, political landscape which is the norm in your home country, suddenly appears to be a novelty when seen from the eyes of others.

Having a group discussion in a seminar about what nationality means with a Dutch, Finnish, Australian, German and English student was a real pinch-me moment as I realised how special it was to be surrounded by such diverse experiences and understandings of the world.

I’ve also learned about the importance of balancing the study element of being an exchange student, with simply experiencing life in another country. Yes academics are important, but I learned my lesson the hard way as an A-level student who worked themselves to the bone, that having a decent work-life balance is not only more enjoyable, but fundamental to your mental health. And the Dutch seem to do it remarkably well, cycling around with friends, children, suitcases and book shelves balanced precariously on bicycles with a look of complete ease and confidence. I aspire to wizz through life with that ability to juggle and maintain grasp on such a multitude of things.

One of my new international friends told me with delight that she recently watched the film ‘About Time’, (one of Richard Curtis’ many masterpieces) and felt deeply moved by the message it conveys. The film emphasises the importance of learning to live each day with intentional appreciation for every moment, finding beauty in the mundane and in the connections we have, both fleeting and intimate.

I am only living abroad for one year, before I return to finish my degree at my home university. This time limit makes each day more precious, so I endeavour to soak up each social gathering, lecture, and new experience with the hope of holding onto their magic for as long as possible.”