Windesheim really helps me reach my full potential
Anastasiia had to flee when war broke out in her home country of Ukraine. She has now been living in Kampen for three years with her parents and younger brother. She is studying International Business at Windesheim in Zwolle and is currently in her third year. She misses her old life in Ukraine, but has found her place at Windesheim. What makes her feel at home here?
“The past three years have been a rough journey. Fleeing from war and starting over in a new country was something I never imagined. After we left Ukraine, we stayed in Poland for a few weeks. Then we moved to the Netherlands, a country I had barely heard of.
Once we settled, I started exploring options for further education in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Then I looked at the university rankings in the Netherlands, and Windesheim had consistently ranked in the top two in recent years. I checked the website, read the reviews, and realized Windesheim is actually a high-quality institution. So I chose Windesheim.
The Dutch education system is very different from what I was used to. It was hard, because it wasn’t my choice to move and study here. It was all because of the circumstances. But after the first year, I realized: I like it. I’m actually capable of doing this. The programme suits me and the Dutch people are very welcoming. I think I’ve already adapted to Dutch culture. I’m enjoying my time here, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I have: getting my diploma and gaining professional experience. Of course, I can’t say yet if I want to stay here for the rest of my life, but for now, I’m really happy.
Outside my studies, I make time to explore the Netherlands and other cities in Europe with friends I met at Windesheim. A few months ago, we went to Berlin. That’s something I really appreciate. It’s not just friendships within the classroom. It’s something much bigger than that.
Of course, as a refugee, there are moments of intense homesickness. Everything has changed. What I miss most is the feeling of my life before, the warm memories. It’s something I can never go back to. I know that even if I could go back, nothing would be the same. This is a new chapter in my life.
“Despite the challenges, I feel that I’m in the right place to grow. Windesheim really helps me reach my full potential. The opportunities here are amazing.”
I’ve adjusted well to Dutch culture, but there are still moments when being my full self isn’t entirely possible. In terms of cultural identity, I’ve had to adapt. It’s not bad. It’s just different. I’ve changed in small ways to fit in. Despite the challenges, I feel that I’m in the right place to grow. Windesheim really helps me reach my full potential. The opportunities here are amazing.
On Liberation Day on May 5th, many people in the Netherlands will take a moment to celebrate freedom. For me, as a Ukrainian student, freedom carries a much deeper and more personal meaning. Studying in freedom is not something everyone gets to experience.
"Appreciate the life you have. So take a step back now and then, and be grateful. It’s good to have big dreams, but never forget to appreciate what you already have.”
Around the world, many people don’t have access to education. I never realized how big this issue was until I found myself in this situation. I know I am very lucky. When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, Dutch universities offered Ukrainian students the opportunity to pay EU tuition fees. That made studying here possible for me. But I know many Ukrainian teenagers who moved here, finished high school, and now can’t go to university simply because they can’t afford it. It’s limiting their potential.
One message to all students? Appreciate the life you have. What feels like a small issue to you might be someone else’s dream. I’ve learned to deeply value safety — something most people don’t even think about until they lose it. So take a step back now and then, and be grateful. It’s good to have big dreams, but never forget to appreciate what you already have.”