Testimonials
Nov 03, 2010
Ekaterina Makhu (25), Russia
MSc in Sustainable Energy Technology,
Eindhoven University of Technology
I became interested in studying abroad long ago when I started my studies at Moscow State University of Railway Engineering (MIIT). The main reason was my good knowledge of English which I didn’t want to lose. In the last years of my studies I became interested in sustainable energy. I wanted to do something really useful in my life and see the results of my work. I consider renewable energy to be a very important issue for the wellbeing of our environment. That is why I finally chose
this area. I applied and was admitted to Finland and the Netherlands. I chose the Netherlands because the master’s programme of Eindhoven University of Technology comprised exactly the areas I wanted to study. And of course the scholarship was important too. It solves so many problems!
Good support from the university
At the same time it is a challenge to move to another country, to start life in another place with different people. But in my case all went without any difficulties. Everything was arranged by the university: visa, insurance, accommodation. The university even organizes a Summer Course which starts one month before the study period. It is really helpful in such things as getting to know your fellow students, teachers, study process and the city you are going to live in.
Adapting to Dutch way of life
Quite noticeable in daily life is the closing time of most of the shops, 17.00 hrs: it takes time to get used to it. Dutch people are very friendly and helpful and it is so nice that almost everyone speaks English, especially when you just arrive.
I really enjoyed biking in Holland! There are bike paths everywhere. And our university offers the possibility for students to buy the bike on a hire-purchase system which is also very helpful. The same system exists for notebooks which are really needed for your studies.
I am very satisfied with my studies so far. Of course sometimes I feel homesick but the first half of the year is the most difficult so for new foreign students I can suggest to cheer up if they feel the same because it will be much easier later on.