Hello! My name is Inesa, and like many students, I eventually decided to study abroad. But my decision did not happen overnight.
I first discovered Kastu at a study-abroad fair several years before finishing Secondary School. I looked through the opportunities they offered, but at that time, studying in another country did not feel like something I truly wanted.
Everything changed when I reached my second-to-last year of Secondary School and had to start thinking seriously about my future. I remembered Kastu and began exploring international study opportunities again.
Choosing what and where to study took a lot of time. I compared different options, considered the advantages and disadvantages, and tried to understand what kind of university experience would suit me best.
Denmark gradually became the most attractive choice. Tuition-free education, practical teaching methods, group projects, independent learning, and an international environment made it very different from what I had previously experienced.
I also liked the informal culture. People are generally relaxed, lecturers and students communicate openly, and everyone addresses each other by their first names. Sometimes the Danish approach can feel almost too relaxed, but it also creates a friendly and equal atmosphere.
Even after starting my application, I was still not completely certain that I was ready to leave home. That changed when I joined a Kastu university tour to Denmark.
Seeing the country, universities, and student environment with my own eyes turned uncertainty into a clear decision. After the trip, I knew that Denmark was where I wanted to study.
Of course, the decision also had a practical side. Living costs in Denmark are high, so I had many conversations with my parents about our financial situation. My advice is to tell your family about your plans as early as possible. They may need time to understand your decision, ask questions, and prepare together with you.
Before I had even received my final admission confirmation, I started looking for roommates. Luckily, I found them quite quickly, and we now live together very well.
Finding an apartment took much longer. Accommodation can be one of the biggest challenges when moving abroad, so start searching as early as possible.
Today, I am studying Leisure Management in Denmark, and I do not regret choosing this programme.
That does not mean every day is perfect. Sometimes I feel tired, miss home, and wonder whether I still have enough energy for everything. But those moments pass, and the overall experience is something I would never exchange for staying in my familiar environment.
The lectures are taught in English, and most lecturers communicate clearly and make the subjects interesting. The study system includes a lot of practical work, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
What I value most is that you are not left alone when you need help. Lecturers, staff members, and other students are usually willing to support you.
Student life is also active. Students organise parties, gatherings, and other activities themselves, which makes it easier to meet people and feel part of the community.
Studying abroad has given me much more than academic knowledge. It has helped me discover another culture, become more independent, improve my English, and meet people I would never have met otherwise.
If you are thinking about studying abroad, remember that doubts are normal. You do not need to feel completely fearless before you leave.
Sometimes confidence only comes after you take the first step.
My advice is to keep following your goals and not give up when the process becomes difficult. Studying abroad can challenge you, but it can also show you how much more capable you are than you thought.
One practical tip: if you plan to study management, learn the basics of Excel and accounting before your studies begin. It will make your first months much easier.
Most importantly, do not stop pursuing the future you want. The experience waiting outside your comfort zone may become the beginning of your best chapter yet.
