Voices from Abroad: Marina Botica

Rotterdam (Netherlands), Exchange program, Erasmus UniversitySingapore (Singapore), Campus Abroad, National University

Bali, Indonesia

For the last five years I've been living the experience of studying abroad. Looking back in time and trying to realize what this experience means to me is almost impossible. It became a part of me, it shaped who I am and I cannot imagine what my life would look like otherwise. The decision to leave my home country – Croatia – and start my education at Università Bocconi taken five years ago, was one of the best I have ever made. However, this step just opened a little door to a whole new big world.Upon my arrival I was impressed by the number of opportunities offered by the university. This represented the possibility to broaden my horizons by participating in various international programs. Therefore, I decided to take part in some of them. I perceived them as an experience that could give me the insight into my own future and the environment I might be interested working in. Having spent an entire semester at the Erasmus University Rotterdam during my Undergraduate degree as part of the exchange program offered by Bocconi, and participating in the summer Campus Abroad in Singapore at the National University of Singapore during my Graduate degree, I further enhanced my social and academic skills by integrating myself into completely new environments. I developed the ability to adapt both academically and socially to the challenges of various surroundings. Moreover, I've met new people, seen various places, made friendships and shared special moments that have shaped my personality and will always remain as wonderful memories.

Rotterdam skyline

The Exchange program at the Rotterdam School of Economics in fall 2007 was a very smooth and peaceful experience. Going to countries like the Netherlands where everything functions perfectly and all problems can be solved with the help of responsible authorities gives a sensation of complete security and protection even to a foreigner. The city was beautiful, immersed with lots of green areas, and the same is true for the campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Lectures taken there were interesting and the approach to studying was different than the one at Bocconi. Courses lasted only two months and the number of lessons was inferior to the one that we were used to. The emphasis was placed on the work every individual would do by himself at home. Apart from getting to know Dutch people and culture, and traveling around the area, we spent time with other exchange students from all over the world. This gave me the possibility to get to know people from various countries, find out how education functioned in different countries, the main cultural differences shaping our perception of the world, etc...

View of the Gardens in Singapore

Campus Abroad at Singapore in the summer 2009 was a beautiful experience, something new, different and most importantly inspiring. Singapore is a marvelous city, full of life, a mixture of sounds, colors, flavors and fragrances from different Asian areas, all of which interconnected with strong Western influences. Globalization has strongly influenced the city, but local customs and traditions can still be found at any corner. Diversity is greatly represented in a multiplicity of tastes deriving mainly from Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. Therefore, every meal becomes a pleasant experience and a way of learning something more about the culture. Moreover, a part from the possibility of seeing an amazing city, Campus Abroad offers intensive and amusing teaching sessions coupled with company visits and testimonials, and once more the opportunity to get to know interesting people. To conclude, I warmly advise you to apply for all international programs that you are interested in. Accept the challenge and start your own adventure, you will not regret it! Have a nice journey!