From Indonesia to Groningen
For as long as she can remember, Kiara has been fascinated by international law. At 20 years old, she is now pursuing that passion through a Bachelor’s in International & European Law at the University of Groningen (UG).
Kiara had already lived in the Netherlands for two years
“I already knew I wanted to study international law,” she says. “Groningen stood out because of the technology track and the mandatory exchange semester, options I didn’t find at other Dutch universities.” Positive reviews from students she knew at UG gave her extra confidence in her choice.
Unlike many new students, Kiara decided not to participate in welcome events such as KEI-Week or ESN. Having lived in the Netherlands before, she already felt comfortable with Dutch student culture and life in Groningen. Instead, she focused on settling into her programme and navigating her studies.
Living far from your family and hometown builds resilience. There’s a big Indonesian community here, so you’ll never feel too far from home
The start wasn’t always easy. “The first year was definitely challenging,” Kiara recalls. “I was still figuring out how the assessments worked and what study methods suited me best. The material gets harder with every block, but once you understand the examination style, it becomes more manageable.” Now, she has found her rhythm, knowing when to relax and when to work hard. What helps is the balance between academics and Groningen’s vibrant student life. “There are so many cafés where you can recharge with friends, and seasonal events that make the city feel alive. It’s a quaint place, but full of energy.”
Looking to the future...
Kiara knows she would like to pursue a Master’s degree after finishing her Bachelor’s. Before that, she hopes to gain experience in areas such as legal compliance or tech regulation. At the same time, she is drawn to the creative side of law. “I’m intrigued by fields where law intersects with fashion or music,” she explains. “I’d love to build a career in a space that combines structure with creativity.”
Her advice to Indonesian students? “Change is always scary, but it’s also inevitable. If you have the chance to study at the UG, go for it. Living far from your family and hometown isn’t easy. Still, it builds resilience, and that’s essential for pursuing your big dreams. There’s a big Indonesian community here, so you’ll never feel too far from home. Even if you don’t plan to live abroad forever, three years in Groningen will give you an unforgettable experience: exploring Europe, making international friends, and studying with professors renowned in their fields. Whenever it gets tough, there’s always someone you can turn to.”