The “Hoa Sen Perspective”: First Impressions of Ghent: A Blend of Antiquity and Vibrancy
In the Fall 2024 semester, Minh Quan had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in Ghent, Belgium. After a month away from home, the senior Marketing student from Hoa Sen University has collected many memorable experiences, such as feeling the crisp autumn air for the first time and exploring Ghent (Belgium) and Bordeaux (France).
The City of Ghent at Night
A Student-Friendly City
Ghent left Minh Quan with many special feelings. The fresh air and abundance of greenery were the first things he noticed. The friendliness of the locals made the experience even more pleasant, as most were willing to help if you took the initiative to ask. The city’s architecture is a perfect blend of old and modern, featuring ancient castles, historic churches, and traditional stepped red-tiled roofs paired with comfortable modern interiors—all neatly organized and well-planned.
As the name “student city” suggests, Ghent, with more than 80,000 students living and studying there, was voted Student City of the Year for exchange students (Erasmus, 2023). This creates a vibrant, youthful, and lively atmosphere. You can feel the strong sense of connection within the student community and regularly participate in unique student activities happening every day.
In terms of language, you hardly encounter any barriers as most people in Ghent can communicate in English. Additionally, the thoughtful support from Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, a partner of Hoa Sen University, left a lasting impression. From the welcome week full of useful information to the dedication of the faculty, the process of adjusting to life in a new city seemed smoother and quicker.
Easy Travel Opportunities
With its convenient location, it’s easy to plan trips to nearby countries and cities. In just about an hour, Minh Quân could reach the capital, Brussels, while traveling to famous cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Munich is also very accessible and affordable. The train and bus systems here offer many discounts for students, making trips even more convenient. Traveling and exploring is an experience you can’t miss if you’re a student living and studying in the “heart of Europe”!
First Culture Shocks
Despite the excitement, some initial culture shocks were unavoidable. One of the biggest surprises was that most stores in Ghent close on Sundays or after 8 PM. Additionally, the weather is quite unpredictable, with constant changes between sunshine, rain, and wind. It’s important to pay attention and always check the weather forecast before heading out to dress appropriately.
Another interesting aspect is the prevalence of bicycles. In Ghent, it’s common to see everyone using bikes, regardless of gender, age, or profession. If you wish, you can also rent a bike by the month and blend in with the locals.
First Experience Studying Abroad in Europe
- Be proactive in organizing your life: Studying abroad can become a priceless “self-reliance handbook.” From eating proper meals, attending classes on time, to balancing daily expenses, everything requires learning and discipline. This is truly a journey of growth for any student who has the opportunity to experience it.
- Keep yourself healthy: Wear multiple layers to stay warm, eat nutritious meals regularly, and stay active by walking or exercising. While it’s reassuring to have insurance and the city’s modern healthcare system, when you’re far from home, it’s best not to rely too much on external help and instead take preventive measures to avoid unnecessary situations.
- Make the most of your free time: Keep yourself busy by trying new experiences, expanding your relationships, and living fully in each moment. Who knows when you’ll have another chance to return to Europe? Weekends aren’t just for resting but also an opportunity to do what you enjoy, making life abroad richer and less… homesick.
Conclusion
The student exchange program is a valuable opportunity worth experiencing if you’re a student. After each journey, everyone will have different impressions and personal lessons. What matters most is how you’ve grown through the experience. If you’re preparing to join an exchange program, I hope it will be one of the most rewarding semesters of your student life.
For more information about our initiatives and upcoming events, please visit our website and Facebook page [click ]. If you seek further details about our programs or wish to connect with us, feel free to contact the Office of Global Engagement at room 705B, located at Hoa Sen University’s Nguyen Van Trang campus in District 1, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You can also reach us via email at [email protected].
