The Netherlands: the beginning.

Hey people.

I just realised that I haven't really told the story of how did I end up being here, in Holland. I did write a post mentioning a small amount of the whole thing, but it's not enough. I guess it's because the whole thing was not a proper plan in the first place. I mean, I know I've always wanted to study abroad, but to actually be offered the chance to do so - and to decide in a fairly short amount of time - was quite overwhelming. But now that I have passed a whole study year, I think it's only fair that I tell you the whole story now.

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When I was graduating from highschool in year 2009, I haven't had a solid plan. I was already thinking of applying abroad, but it wasn't that possible at that moment. I only had one Indonesian university in mind, and that is the University of Indonesia (UI for short). Why? 1. My dad and mom are the alumnus 2. My older brother goes there 3. I was too lazy to put other universities into consideration. So I aimed for the Communication major, the bachelor degree, and just like everyone else, studied my ass off for the entrance tests. I failed twice.

I was about to give up when I heard about another program, D3 - a program lower than S1 and focuses more on the practical study than the theory. In the Netherlands, it's like hogeschool more or less. I did the entrance test, and got in. Badum tisssh.

Quick FYI: IMHO, some (I'd really like to say 'most', but yeah) people in Indonesia has a somehow distorted view in the education field, especially in the D3 program. They look down on it - I know most of you probably (and honestly) are quite cynical about the program. But honest to God, I enjoyed the program. It gives you what S1 classes won't give you. All the practical classes are suited to Communication major... Ahm, ok - a tad off topic - going back.

So, during the first months of me studying in UI, my dad got himself a new job. As blessed as I am, and it's not like I've ever heard of this before, but, the company has a sort of an 'allocation' for one of the employee's children, to be used in educational purpose - and this is the best part - to study abroad. They are literally giving a support for the child to study in a foreign land. To me, it sounds like: "Hey. If one of your kids want to, like, travel abroad to study or whatever, you know, for free, just ring us up."

Sweet lord of heaven indeed.

But it wasn't too peachy for me at that moment. I was already in college - I was not sure if ditching the school after just one year is the best thing to do. Also, at that time, I was in a relationship that I actually did like, so as stupid as it might sounds now (and yes, it does), it did hold quite a part in the decision.

So, there I was. Given a chance of a lifetime, yet still not sure about the whole thing. I did not have much time to think it over - the application deadline was too soon. I didn't know what to choose. The thought of being away from my family terrifies me. Heck, at one time, I even don't want to leave because of my cats. I wasn't sure of myself - could I really make it?

I was too afraid of it all.

Well, people, long story short, I did what I had to do; I gave up what I have to let go; and I claim what I have to, while I still can.

And here I am, not regretting a single bit of what I have chosen to do.

Oh, and I was able to choose any country I wanted. My options were of course the countries where I have relatives - Canada or the Netherlands. I chose Holland, cause, you know, hash brownies..

LOL no, joking. Although I must say, my friends were terrified by the thought of me living here. I don't know what's the fuss is all about! This country is normal, the people are nice (well, the people I know, why would you befriend meanies) and all those negative opinions about Holland - just wash it away. ;)

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So more or less, that is the story of how I ended up here. To the formspring person: I will - take my words - write another blog post about my city, Rotterdam. (Well, not really my city; I live in another city, a smaller one, but still under Rotterdam, but it's different - ahh just let me explain it in some other time.)

Oki people, I hope you like my little story. I've also been travelling a bit since I got here - I've been to France, Belgium and Norway. I did a photo post about France and Belgium, and am working on the story on the Norway one. If you don't have me on Facebook, there are some random pictures on my Flickr since I got here. K, I think that's enough of the shameless self-promotion. I'll see you guys soon. :)