Arendje on her studies: the bachelor's programme in Medicine

Arendje is a second-year medical student and is also completing a bachelor's degree in English Language and Culture, which she is about to finish. Her study choice process was anything but straightforward. After an initial attempt at medicine, she dropped out and temporarily opted for English. It was only later that she realised that her true passion lay in medicine after all. She now feels completely at home in Rotterdam and is looking forward to the next steps in her studies. 

You tried several different programmes before ending up in Medicine. What was that like? 

'Yes, I've started two other programmes before, but neither of them were quite what I was looking for. First, I started studying medicine in Utrecht, but I quit after a month and a half. It was interesting, but it was too much for me at the time. Then I started studying English, but after a year I felt that wasn't the right choice either. Medicine was still in the back of my mind all that time.' 

How did you ultimately decide to return to medicine? 

'It was an intense process. I discussed it extensively with people I trust. Ultimately, I decided to reapply without anyone knowing. The first time, I felt pressure from those around me, but the second time at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, I did it purely for myself. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and see what happens. '  

What makes medicine so interesting to you? 

'It is the combination of the clinical and human aspects. I find it fascinating how one conducts research into the functioning of the human body, how diseases develop and how one can solve problems. At Erasmus MC Medical School, teaching is case-based. That means that in one week, I might have a class on lung research, a class on lung diseases, a dissection class on the anatomy of the lungs, and a class on the mechanics of the lungs. I think that's fantastic because it's so varied.'

Why is this programme a better fit than English Language & Culture? 

'I derive much more enjoyment from studying. I appreciate spending long days studying with friends and still having the energy to do other things afterwards. When I was studying English, I would become exhausted more quickly. Now, when I arrive home at the end of the day, I think to myself: it truly has been an enjoyable day.' 

Did you participate in activities that helped you feel at home here? 

'Yes, the Pre Academic Programme was extremely useful in that regard. We visited Erasmus MC, which allowed me to familiarise myself with the place. I met fellow students there who are still my friends today. I skipped the other aspects of student life, such as the Eurekaweek. It just isn't my thing, and that's perfectly fine.'

What advice would you give to other prospective students? 

'There is no such thing as a perfect degree programme. There will always be aspects you enjoy and aspects you enjoy less. I believe it is important to choose something that truly suits you and to have the courage to change if something does not work out. Dropping out of a degree programme is not the end of the world; it can actually help you discover which path is better suited to you.'