“It was really hard leaving my mum, dad and brother behind in Australia two years ago so as to come and study in the Netherlands. But I didn’t want to miss the chance to see more of the world and I’d definitely make the same choice again. My mum comes from the Netherlands so I speak the language and I’ve got lots of family here. The Netherlands is kind of my home away from home, but it’s still completely different to Australia.
I grew up there on a farm between the vineyards and we had our own chickens, fruit trees and vegetable garden. I sometimes really miss the space and the quiet we had there. In Australia, I could go days without seeing other people, but now I suddenly have to work in project groups every day. And it can be quite overwhelming being in the supermarket and living in the city centre.
It’s one of the reasons I often take my tent and backpack and head out in search of peace and quiet, usually camping in one of the lovely Dutch forests. Rain or shine, I feel most at home in the middle of nature and it's when I feel alive. I also go for a swim each week in the cold, Dutch waters with friends. All in all, I’m gradually finding my love for nature in the Netherlands too.”
Zoë Mapley, Tourism Management student
