The ESN Rotterdam Prom took place last Friday to send off the exchange students. Girls in fancy frocks and suited up guys danced the night away and said their good-byes to their friends who are departing after having completed the fall semester.
Madeline Vincent, an exchange student from University of Pennsylvania, had come to Rotterdam because she wanted to do something that wasn’t possible at her home institution. “The International Business Project was something really different yet interesting. Furthermore, all in five months, I’ve managed to travel and party a lot!” Madeline mentions that it was hard to accustom to the language and find accommodation, but nevertheless, she would love to come back. “I have friends abroad, who also have great experiences, but I think Netherlands is the best choice”.
Different standards
Other students are not so positive. Julie Hardie, a Scottish student from University of Glasgow, initially wanted to spend a year in Rotterdam, but she shortened it to half a year and will be leaving in the coming weeks. “It’s a nice enough place, but overall the experience has been disappointing and everything is not up the standard that I’m used to, including housing, prices, and food.” Having picked Erasmus University ‘from the brochure’, Julie says that she regrets her decision, but at least she has made one or two friends who she will be definitely keeping in touch with.
Pictured: Julie Hardie first from right, Gabriel Silva thid from left
No favelas
A Brazilian law student Gabriel Silva also has made some life-long friends, but unlike Julie, he likes the Netherlands for its international scope and friendly people. “This place is filled with blond, blue-eyed, rich, tall, and white people. It’s so different from Brazil – it’s crazy!” Gabriel praises Erasmus University and appreciates that there are so many foreigners. And if he were to describe the experience to his friends, he would recommend them to see for themselves. “If you want a business-oriented education – Rotterdam is your place.” MD
