Jorge Ratia

When I was 22 years old, I started working at a radio station in Spain right after completing my degree in journalism. But I did not want my academic life to end there. I needed to do what I had been dreaming about for a few years: I really wanted to study Psychology at an international university. 

It took me a long time to make a decision since I already had a life plan and considered myself too "old" to start studying again... However, it was a "now or never" option. This is how my adventure at Erasmus started. 

My very first approach back then was: Where can I study in English at a reasonable price? In The Netherlands, practically everyone speaks English, despite not being an official language. Plus, the tuition for Europeans is ridiculously cheap compared to universities in English-speaking countries. 

Therefore, I knew where to go, but... To what university should I go? What was the best option in the country for Psychology? That led to another big reflection period, and here everyone would have their personal preferences: ranking position, methodology, courses, mandatory internship, the city lifestyle... There are many factors. In the end, the EUR appeared to be best suited to provide what I was asking for: a modern institution, prestigious, with a BSc in English, full of international students, and in Rotterdam (which is an awesome city full of youth and cultural activities). In addition, I had read on the website that the teaching system did not consist of regular lectures in giant lecture halls, and that's it, but there was something called PBL that allowed students to discuss the content as if it was a debate. That was pretty convincing as well, and I decided to apply.

Two years later, here I am. A journalist that learnt about how people behave in groups, the underlying mechanisms of anxiety, the impact of personality on job performance, the brain activity when we sleep. And next year, I'll learn even more during my specialization in Brain & Cognition.

Anyhow, choosing a career is a very tough decision (not eternal, though, as you can see!). Each university has its pros and cons, but I hope that, like me, you end up feeling proud of your choice when you look back in time. Ultimately, going to university is much more than exams and highlighted books; it will be one of the most exciting years of your life. University will be adapting to a new country, living in a new apartment with unknown people. University will be joining a music, volleyball or sustainable entrepreneurship association or even offer the opportunity to work part-time. In my view, here I found all that I ever wanted, and if nothing stops me, I will continue enjoying this journey. See you on campus!