Audrey Achieng, Kenya

Why Groningen?

At first, Groningen might be a relatively small city, and I still remember how strange the quietness felt compared to my former home in a city with eight million inhabitants. But do not mistake the chirping of birds in your garden and the missing car horns at 5 am for boredom. The organized bicycle chaos in Groningen will become familiar with time, and a 20-minute ride will feel like a whole journey. Besides the obvious beautiful architecture and its safety, the vibrant city clearly has its charms for students, too. It is a student-friendly place, people are super outgoing, and there are a lot of exciting options to choose from. I started a new sport at ACLO, experienced King's Day in all its glory, joined a student association, had countless picnics in Noorderplantsoen, practised beer yoga at USVA, and partied on houseboats. Many people speak English and the University of Groningen offers free Dutch lesson, therefore it is not difficult to make friends easily. Overall, Groningen has a lot to offer and welcomes international students. However, be aware of the ‘Dutch directness’ when making friends and the rainy weather in winter.

Why the University of Groningen?

I decided to study at the University of Groningen, two years before finally applying when I attended the university’s Open Day. What convinced me at that time was the international study environment coupled with the high quality of education. The university is rated among the top 100 universities in the world and is the most international university in the Netherlands since many of the study programmes are taught in English. My BA in International Relations and International Organization did not disappoint. On the contrary, I was taught by leading experts and learned with people from around the globe. The intimate study atmosphere, engaging discussions with professors, and the overall critical academic perspective in my studies have contributed greatly to my personal development.

If you are looking for an extra challenge, this is the place to be. The University of Groningen provides you with enormous possibilities to aim high and reach your full potential. You can, for instance, participate in the Honours College, join a student organisation, and become a research or student assistant. Apart from this, the university also has an impressive academic network worldwide. I had the opportunity to meet my academic idols at conferences in Groningen and was able to study one semester at a partner university in Indonesia with a scholarship from the University of Groningen.

Especially since the pandemic started, the University of Groningen has demonstrated its commitment to uphold its high-quality education and the well-being of students. The interactive learning component in small classrooms still maintains, even though studies have been shifted to online environments. Furthermore, lectures at my department have been understanding of students’ struggles in these uncertain times, and the support system provided by the devoted staff is extraordinary.

Studying abroad has enriched my life with unparalleled experiences, knowledge, skills, and memories. The University of Groningen has provided me throughout the years with an excellent educational experience, and I warmly encourage you to apply.

Biography

My name is Audrey. I was born in Kenya, raised in Germany and before moving to Groningen, I lived and worked in Perú for a year. I love adventures, listening to podcasts, having brunch with friends, and talking about philosophy. Since 2017 I have been a student at the University of Groningen, where I began my BA in International Relations and International Organization. I continued my education with a MA in International Security and I am also partaking in the Honours Master ‘Leadership: Making the difference’. Apart from my studies, I founded the student initiative IDEA where we create events that go beyond the traditional academic parameters.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, studying and living in Groningen or anything else, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to help!