“Fortunately I already have a room”

My studies will start in Leiden, the Netherlands, in September. The campus is in neighboring Den Haag. The subject is called "International Studies" with a focus on business, politics and culture. The course is in English, I took the language as an advanced course at school, which of course helps. But since the beginning of July I've also been learning Dutch via an app.

I also owe the fact that I can study in the Netherlands to the Helmar Broich Foundation in Mönchengladbach. It supports young people from families who find it difficult to study because of their social background. For example, because money is tight. In my case, the foundation covers the tuition fees for the first year, which is about 1100 euros. If I perform well, I might be promoted afterwards, the fees will be even higher in the second year.

Preparation and orientation courses were held last week, and we will be briefed at the end of the month. Luckily I found a room in The Hague for 450 euros with a host family who, like me, is of African descent. This is quite cheap for the region, the rents are high. My family is very proud of me as I will be the first family member to go to college. Of course, they are also a little sad that I am further away now. In the holidays and on public holidays, however, I will regularly come home by train.

I did my A-levels in Mönchengladbach in the spring, with an average grade of 1.3. A teacher recommended me to the foundation. My dream would be to work for an international organization one day. But now I'm looking forward to the next few weeks in Leiden and the start of my studies.