A New Chapter: Moving To The Netherlands For My Masters
Still not even a quarter of a century old, and I’m on my newest version of life (v.4?)… an integrating Dutchie in the Netherlands. I’m a student again, even though I said I was over school nearly three years ago. I’ve moved to my third home, solo. And after a month of this new life, I can say with certainty, it was the right decision. This new chapter of life is one I’m looking forward to reading as I keep turning the pages. Page 1: The explanation.
Table of Contents
1.Why I’m Starting Fresh | 2.The Big Leap | 3.Making It Happen | 4.Looking Ahead
1. Why I'm Starting Fresh
I’m sure you’re curious what made me (1) sign up for a masters degree (2) in the Netherlands. Well, it’s an unusual response, which I think describes my unique perspective and handle on life quite well. In short, I wanted a long-term visa for the Netherlands, and the easiest way to do that was to become a student again. Yep. That’s my story.
After backpacking last year, I really and truly fell in love with the “motherland” of the island that holds so much of my heart - Bonaire. The Netherlands, while “gloomy, wet, and grey” 80% of the year according to all Dutchies, stole a bit of my heart as well. I can’t explain it, I just like the Dutch! Ik ben nederlander, toch? I have big plans for a start-up and know I want it to be a Dutch BV. Naturally, of course (natuurlijk). I tried finding jobs to sponsor me last year with no luck, so I did the next best thing… I applied to masters programs. And… I got in! Technically, I got accepted last November, but I’ve kept it under wraps until now. Essentially, the fact that I’m at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is purely because they were the first to accept my application. And the reason I’m doing Digital Business & Innovation is because it was the first title of a program within Business that sounded interesting when I was looking at options last fall while in SE Asia. Genuinely, didn’t do that must research about the program or the school. I just applied, got in, packed my bags, and moved.
Most would say that’s the craziest thing they’ve ever heard, but that's how I live my life now. 100% faith that it will all work out for me. One of my favorite songs right now is I Believe It (1111Hz) by Able Heart - “I speak it out loud and I receive it. It’s all working out for me.” Kind of my motto these days. It’s all lining up, so it must be true. Right? Could also be delusion, but I don’t really care.
2. The Big Leap
So, what’s the actual, tangible, real-life, every-day changes that come from this decision? Well, I packed up all of my things and moved across an entire sea onto another continent… again. Ooops. The past several months have been a lot of emails, appointment creations, financial aid hassles, visa forms, blah blah blah. Signing housing contracts sight-unseen, subscribing to a monthly bicycle rental (true Dutch experience now), and purchasing a lot more winter and rain gear. Really working op mijn nederlands nu. Creating a new schedule for myself that revolves around school, working part-time, and self-care wellness activities- like a weekly sauna appointment I’ve decided that I need to maintain my sanity.
Over the past month, I’ve reintroduced myself a million times, but instead of to people I might see for a few days (backpacking), to people I will see for an indefinite amount of time (peers, colleagues, friends). I’ve had to switch back into a formal-learning mindset again after having nearly 3 years between graduating with my B.sc and starting my M.sc. I’ve had to learn new routes to school, grocery stores, cafés, and parks. I have windows that open up like doors and let in fresh air each day as if I’ve done that my whole life. I try to balance school, work, social life, and personal time within the 168 hours we have in a week. I’m creating another (maybe my fourth adult) life for myself. One that I’m VERY happy with so far.
3. Making It Happen
New schedules, store open-hours, dinner time norms, and bike-traffic etiquette are all part of moving to the Netherlands. It’s a lot to take in, accept, adapt to… and honestly? I’m just taking it one day at a time. Some days are more for school, others work, and some just for me. I’ve been compartmentalizing my life so I don’t get overwhelmed by the bigness and newness of it all. When I’m studying, I don’t get to worry about anything else. When I’m working, nothing else matters. And when I’m meditating, doing yoga, at the sauna, socializing with friends, I remain fully present in the moment. I’m prioritizing sleep- like averaging 9 hours a night, which is insane. Drinking lots and lots of water, eating healthy with mostly whole foods, moving my body every day (even if it’s just 15 minute dance breaks in my room), and talking to my family. I’m journaling and working with a coach to build my confidence and ground down in the sensations of this silly thing called life. I’m working strategically to keep my nervous system balanced and my mental clarity sharp. I’m feeling the feelings, seeing the sights, and feeling the calf cramps from biking so much. I’m mentally exhausted at the end of most days, but I’m so damn happy that my mom comments that she can see it every time we facetime. My entire mood has shifted upwards since moving here. This masters program might just be a means to an end, but it’s worked out serendipitously well so far. I love this new life I’m building.
4. Looking Ahead
I definitely don’t have a standard or typical reason for starting a masters program. And “I don’t know, I just love it here” for a reason to move to a country isn’t usually the top of any list. But it’s my reasons. It’s my journey, my life. I’m soooooo looking forward to seeing how this upcoming year unfolds. To watch my personal growth, academic growth, and professional growth. I welcome you to tag along and follow this crazy path I’m on, as I will be sharing weekly insights into my new life as a student again. Thanks for staying to this point, and stay tuned for Page 2.
