Zoë. One of our originals
“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.
“It was really hard leaving my mum, dad and brother behind in 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
