Blog of Nikki Veldhuis

So this is it. This is how an exchange study supposed to be like. I had a great time with the Swedes and some exchange students. Quite unique actually, because exchange studies usually mean that you’re going to be with other Erasmus students. I barely had contact with other international students, except for the International Presence Exhibition project in Vasteras. Instead I was hanging around with local students in Eskilstuna. They we’re truly great friends and damn, I’m going to miss those guys. Always good for a crazy laugh and they we’re always a great help and company. I consider myself very lucky that I met them. David, Sandra, Henderson, Henrik, Oscar, Veronica, Klas, Andreas, Urban, Sophia, Andy and Robert; you are all fucking awesome.

Damn, I’m going to miss this country, the town but especially the people. If I ever have the chance to do an exchange study again, I will do it without thinking.

Of course, one of the reasons I started this blog is to report my school what I’ve done here. So here comes the official stuff.
I’ve learned especially some practical skills. I’ve learned 3d modeling and animation, got quite experienced in InDesign in a relative short time. My interaction design study at my home university is mostly about project methods and design ethics. It was very useful to learn some practical skills instead. However, from this point of view, I didn’t think I’ve learned some new methods in Sweden. I’ve learned to work in a team consisting of foreign people, but I used mostly the methods I’ve learned in Holland.

Most students (and some teachers) I talked to said that exchange studies are not about what you learn in school, but what you learn socially. You learn how to deal with difficult social situations, like languages and cultures. You learn how to fit in and use your own skills and expertise in a different environment. In this case, I learned more than enough and I think I got to know myself better. You discover things about yourself you never thought about before and look at it from a different perspective. This is the reason that everybody who has the chance has to go definitely on an exchange study. It’s a lot of work and a hassle before you go (and after) but it’s more, much more, than worth it.

At the moment I’m home with parents in the south of the Netherlands. The past few days I’ve been busy finding a room in Utrecht or Hilversum again. I really hope that I’m settled again before I have to start my last year at my school.

I was thinking to change this exchange study blog to a regular blog. It is a good way to learn writing English (I noticed that I still make terrible mistakes here and there). Also I want to keep my friends and family up to date with what I do. You will hear from me!

Finally, one more thing. I missed the dutch “quality” music!