Currently I am on exchange in Madrid. I am studying graphic design at UDIT, a small private school in the north-east of the city. At this school I follow several subjects, in classes ranging from first year - to fourth year.

I am taking subjects like 3d animation, technical drawing, and art history. This is beneficial for me as a designer because it broadens my skillset into more graphical branches of design. For 3d animation for example I was starting completely from scratch, meaning I have to put in more effort than my classmates to achieve the same result. This does mean I learn it a lot quicker however, and since the semester started I’ve made huge strides.

The idea of studying abroad first came to my mind while I was doing the Blended and Intensive program with international students. I noticed the foreign students were acting totally different to what I expected, and recognised, from Dutch students. The Finnish students seemed very reluctant to go out and interview people, for example.

This played a big part in my decision. Another part was that I just wanted better weather, the rain can be very demoralising. Spain was always my first choice, I had been learning Spanish for more than a year at this point. I had the choice between Madrid and Málaga, I ended up choosing Madrid because of the school. Málaga offered a more artistic experience, which I wasn’t interested in.