Bruno on the bachelor Management of International Social Challenges (MISoC)

Bruno is a third-year student of Management of International Social Challenges (MISoC). Originally from Brazil, he grew up in Germany before deciding to study abroad in the Netherlands. His path to Erasmus University Rotterdam started years before he applied, with a simple visit and a brochure that stuck in his mind. 

You’ve lived in several countries before coming to Rotterdam. How did your study choice begin? 

'It actually started about three or four years before I applied. I used to live in Germany, and one day I visited Rotterdam and the university. I remember taking a flyer home with. I didn’t think much of it at the time. But when I was finishing high school, I looked at it again and realised that it was, in fact, rather interesting.'

Why did you want to study abroad? 

'I always knew I wanted to study in an international environment. I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds and learn from them, not only in theory but also in everyday life. In my opinion, within Europe, the Netherlands offers one of the best environments for that. My mum encouraged me to go abroad. She understood how valuable it is to study in English and experience another culture. My dad was a bit sceptical at first, but now he sees how much I enjoy it here.' 

What made you decide on MISoC specifically? 

'I tried to imagine what I want to do in the future. I knew I wanted something international that involves working with people. MISoC combines public administration, social sciences, and international relations, so it fit perfectly. Of course, not every single topic is equally interesting, but overall, it was the right choice. I don’t regret a single second.'

What convinced you to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam? 

'It was mainly the international spirit of both the study programme and the city. In my first year, we had around 160 students with over 100 different nationalities. That’s an incredible mix of perspectives. The idea of becoming a ‘global citizen’ really resonated with me. Rotterdam itself embodies that. You hear so many languages when you walk through the city. I know some people might prefer a smaller, quieter environment, but I really like the diversity here.'

Did you attend any orientation activities before starting your studies? 

'Yes, I joined the Bachelor Open Day and later the Pre Academic Programme (PAP). The Open Day was still partly online because of COVID, but I came to campus with my dad since it’s only a four-hour drive from Germany. Talking to students who were already studying here gave me a completely different perspective. You can read all the information online, but hearing honest experiences from students makes it more human and real. It just confirmed my decision to come.'

What was it like to move to Rotterdam and start your studies? 

'At first, I didn’t feel at home yet. I had lived in a small town in Germany for years, so coming to a big city was a bit of a shock. What really helped was renting a room on campus, in the Hatta Building during my first year. Everyone there was going through the same thing: being away from home for the first time, learning to live independently. Sharing that experience and talking about it made a big difference.'

Would you recommend the Pre-Academic Programme to new students? 

'Definitely. It gives you a first taste of what university life is like. You learn about the responsibility, the structure, the self-discipline. You also meet future classmates, which makes the start of your studies so much smoother.'