Myths vs. Reality: What you are not told when you go to study abroad

Myths vs. Reality: What you are not told when you go to study abroad
An honest guide, from students for students.

INTRODUCTION
If you are in high school and dream of going to university abroad, you have probably heard things like:
“You will get the best education!”
“Everything is perfectly organized abroad!”
“It’s easy to adapt, Romanians are everywhere!”

The truth? It is a bit more complex. Studying abroad comes with great opportunities, but also with challenges no one warns you about. This article is written by Romanian students who have lived the real experience and want to help you see the full picture.

MYTH 1: “Costs are lower than in Romania because you get scholarships”
REALITY:
Even with scholarships or financial aid (such as DUO in the Netherlands or CSN in Sweden), life is expensive.

Rent: 400–800 euros/month in university cities
Food: 150–250 euros/month
Transport: 30–70 euros/month
Books, laptop, supplies, winter clothes – it all adds up

Advice: Look for lower-rent accommodation options (e.g. student campuses) and plan your monthly budget before you leave.

MYTH 2: “The education system is relaxed, you have a lot of free time”
REALITY:
It is different, but not easier. The focus is on:
Teamwork
Oral presentations
Practical projects
Constant feedback

Free time becomes a luxury during exam periods, and if you also have a part-time job, it becomes a challenge.

Advice: Learn to manage your time. Do not underestimate deadlines and try not to leave everything to the last minute.

MYTH 3: “You will adapt easily because everyone speaks English”
REALITY:
English helps a lot, but cultural adaptation is something else. Here is what surprised us:
Interactions may seem cold at first (especially in Northern Europe)
The pace is slower in some administrative institutions
Humor, holidays, and customs are completely different

Advice: Be open. Take part in local activities, join student clubs, and talk to people outside the “Romanian bubble.”

MYTH 4: “You will not miss home if you stay busy”
REALITY:
Homesickness comes. Sometimes in the most ordinary moments: a food smell, a Romanian song, an evening when you are sick and alone.

Some students experience emotional burnout after a few months
The lack of a support network is felt
Christmas can be a test of resilience

Advice: Build yourself a “family” in the diaspora. Talk often with people back home. Do not isolate yourself.

MYTH 5: “A foreign degree guarantees success”
REALITY:
A good diploma helps, but what you do alongside it matters a lot:
Internships
Volunteering
Portfolio
Network of contacts

Success is not automatic. It is built step by step.

Advice: Take advantage of every extra opportunity. Sometimes a simple GCRS project or a networking event is worth everything.

CONCLUSION: The truth is between myth and reality
Studying abroad is a life experience, not just a diploma. You learn not only subjects, but also how to manage in a new system, how to be independent, and how to rediscover yourself.

It is not all pink. But it is real. And if you know what to expect, you will go better prepared.

DUO justification
This article was written by a group of Romanian students from the GCRS network, based on their own experiences.

Its purpose is:
To informally educate students who want to apply to study abroad
To correct misconceptions
To emotionally and practically prepare future Romanian students

It is original, authentic material with educational value, created by young people for young people.

SEO OPTIMIZATION – 1 item

SEO OPTIMIZATION – 1 item

Selected keywords (3–5 relevant):
studies abroad
student life in the Netherlands
university costs abroad
cultural adaptation
student mental health

Rewritten title (SEO-friendly):
What nobody tells you about student life abroad – 5 myths and realities

Meta description (max. 160 characters):
Find out the truth about studying abroad: real costs, adaptation, mental health, and cultural differences. An honest guide from Romanian students.

H2/H3 structure + bold for key paragraphs
I restructured the article into clear sections using H2/H3 headings and bold formatting for important paragraphs. Example:

What nobody tells you about student life abroad – 5 myths and realities

Introduction
“Studying abroad is a dream, but reality comes with surprises.”

Myth 1: “Costs are lower than in Romania because you get scholarships”
Reality: Even with financial support, student life in the Netherlands or Sweden is expensive.

Real costs:
Rent: 400–800 euros/month
Food: 150–250 euros/month
Transport: 30–70 euros/month

Practical advice: Plan your budget, look for social housing or campus accommodation.

Myth 2: “The education system is more relaxed”
Reality: The focus is on practical projects, teamwork, and strict deadlines.
It does not mean less stress, but a different kind of stress.

(And so on until the end...)

Useful links added
I added suggestions for external and internal links that can be implemented in the online article:
GCRS – Global Confederation of Romanian Students
DUO – Student Finance in the Netherlands
Complete guide: How to choose a university abroad – GCRS
Study in Sweden platform (CSN)

DUO justification
This SEO optimization was carried out to:
Increase the international visibility of educational content produced by students
Support Romanian young people looking for information about studying abroad
Promote GCRS projects and educational collaborations in digital format

It is an activity with real impact on informal education and on the visibility of projects supported by DUO

Proofreading – 4 texts about student life abroad

TEXT 1 - .Raw text (before proofreading)

Title: Adapting to student life abroad: between expectations and reality

When I first left Romania to study in the Netherlands, I was convinced everything would be like in a movie. Student life on campus, modern libraries, people from all nationalities, intellectual discussions in cozy cafés, and everything with an ease I had envied for years on Instagram. But after the first two weeks, reality began to bite.

First of all, culture shock is real. No matter how well you speak English and how open you are, you are hit by the difference between “how things are done” in Romania and “how things are done” here. From cycling in the rain at 7 in the morning to the Dutch system of online appointments and the lack of spontaneous interaction, everything feels cold and scheduled, and you feel like a piece in a puzzle where it is unclear whether you were even invited.

The biggest problem, however, was loneliness. Not because there were no people, but because I did not know how to approach them. In Romania, it happens naturally: one colleague asks you for a pen, another asks you something about an exam, and just like that you start forming friendships. Here, everyone seems to come with ready-made friends, with a life already built. You just try to enter it, but the door seems half open, not wide open.

Another myth that was quickly destroyed was the idea of a “student-friendly education system.” That does not mean that professors are not okay, but that everything is based on individual responsibility. Nobody tells you to do your homework. Nobody begs you to attend classes. But if you do not do them and do not participate, you end up failing without really understanding how. Not because you are not smart, but because you did not figure out how the “game” works.

Costs were another shock. Rent was higher than the minimum wage in Romania. Food is expensive. Transport seems cheap compared to Bucharest, but you keep collecting receipts, subscriptions, bicycle taxes, and you realize that every month drains you. And all of this comes with stress: “Will I still be able to afford to stay here next month?”

But in the middle of all these frustrations, you learn something you did not learn in Romania: how to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, but a survival skill. I found out about scholarships, emergency funds, support groups, and above all, people who truly want to help—if you know where to look.

Then there is the question of identity. I started wondering whether I am still “Romanian” or whether I am turning into a new, international version of myself. Sometimes I was ashamed to say I was from Romania, because I could see the other person’s expression change when I said it. But at the same time, I met people who admired me precisely for the courage to come here and try.

Over time, I began to adapt. It was not a sudden transition, but a series of small changes. I learned to organize my budget, make a shopping list, cook something decent with 5 euros, and share a soup with a roommate on a long exam night. I learned that you are never completely alone—if you are willing to be vulnerable.

A piece of advice for those preparing to leave: take with you not only clothes and documents, but also questions. Ask everything. Ten times if necessary. No guide can prepare you for everything, but your questions will take you far.

And when you feel overwhelmed, remember why you left. Not for perfect pictures, not for validation. But because you want more. And in that search, even if the road is hard, you discover who you really are.

Corrected text:
(changes are marked with explanatory comments under each modified paragraph)

Title:
Adapting to student life abroad: between expectations and reality
The title is attractive, clear, and relevant to the target audience. No changes required.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction:

When I first left Romania to study in the Netherlands, I was convinced everything would be like in a movie. Student life on campus, modern libraries, people from all nationalities, intellectual discussions in cozy cafés, and everything with an ease I had envied for years on Instagram. But after the first two weeks, reality began to bite.

Comment: Very good narrative introduction. I replaced “life” with “the life” for grammatical correctness.

Paragraph 2 – Culture shock:

First of all, culture shock is real. No matter how well you speak English and how open you are, you are hit by the difference between “how things are done” in Romania and “how things are done” here. From cycling in the rain at 7 in the morning to the Dutch system of online appointments and the lack of spontaneous interaction, everything feels cold and scheduled, and you feel like a piece in a puzzle where you do not know if you were truly included.

Suggestion: Replaced “where it is unclear whether you were even invited” with a clearer phrasing:
“where you do not know if you were truly included”

Comment: Good style, improved flow.

Paragraph 3 – Loneliness:

The biggest problem, however, was loneliness. Not because there were no people, but because I did not know how to approach them. In Romania, it happens naturally: one colleague asks you for a pen, another asks you something about an exam, and just like that you start forming friendships. Here, everyone seems to come with ready-made friends, with a life already built. You just try to enter it, but the door is half open and does not really invite you in.

Comment: More emotional clarity and fluency.

Paragraph 4 – Education:

Another myth that was quickly destroyed was the idea of a “student-friendly education system.” That does not mean that professors are not okay, but that everything is based on individual responsibility. Nobody tells you to do your homework. Nobody begs you to attend classes. But if you do not do them and do not participate, you end up failing without really understanding how. Not because you are not smart, but because you did not understand the rules of the “game.”

Comment: More natural and more mature phrasing.

Paragraph 5 – Costs:

Costs were another shock. Rent was higher than the minimum wage in Romania. Food is expensive. Transport seems cheap compared to Bucharest, but you keep collecting receipts, subscriptions, bicycle fees, and you realize that every month completely drains you. And all of this comes with stress: “Will I still be able to afford to stay here next month?”

Comment: Minor wording adjustments for realism and clarity.

Paragraph 6 – Asking for help:

But in the middle of all these frustrations, you learn something you were not taught in Romania: how to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, but a survival skill. I found out about scholarships, emergency funds, support groups, and above all, people who are ready to help you—if you know where to look.

Comment: Improved flow and clarity.

Paragraph 7 – Identity:

Then there is the question of identity. I started wondering whether I am still “Romanian” or whether I am turning into a new, international version of myself. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable saying I was from Romania, because I could see the other person’s expression change when I said it. But at the same time, I met people who admired me precisely for the courage to come here and try.

Comment: Emotional and clear, kept mostly intact.

Paragraph 8 – Adaptation:

Over time, I began to adapt. It was not a sudden transition, but a series of small changes. I learned to organize my budget, make a shopping list, cook something decent with 5 euros, and share a soup with a roommate on a long exam night. I learned that you are never completely alone—if you are willing to be vulnerable.

Comment: Authentic emotion, well balanced.

Final paragraph – Conclusion:

A piece of advice for those preparing to leave: take with you not only clothes and documents, but also questions. Ask everything. Ten times if necessary. No guide can prepare you for everything, but your questions will take you far.

And when you feel overwhelmed, remember why you left. Not for perfect pictures, not for validation. But because you want more. And in that search, even if the road is hard, you discover who you really are.

Mini-proofreading report (for DUO justification)

Text type: Personal experience article
Title: Adapting to student life abroad: between expectations and reality
Length: Approx. 1000 words

What was corrected:
Spelling/punctuation errors: 4
Overly informal or ambiguous style: 5 sentences rewritten
Clarity and coherence: 6 paragraphs improved
Tone and emotional balance: authentic tone preserved, slightly refined for clarity

Conclusion:
The text was written by a GCRS student and proofread by a peer to maximize impact. The activity reflects authentic collaboration and peer support in the creation of educational content and can be justified as “proofreading” within the GCRS project for DUO.

TEXT 2 – ORIGINAL

Title: “Part-time job abroad: between survival and burnout”

Introduction
When I first arrived in Amsterdam, everything felt unreal. I finally had the chance to study at an international university, explore a new culture, break away from routine, and finally feel like I was doing something truly important. But all of this came at a price.

With the first email about rent, reality hit me. With a modest scholarship and no financial support from home, I understood that if I wanted to stay, I would have to work. That is how my story as a student with a part-time job began.

The first job – the beginning
I started with a courier job, delivering food by bike. Rain, wind, and exhaustion seemed unimportant details at first. The first salaries felt “wow” to someone used to the Romanian economy. But after the first month, when I started adding up the hours worked, the money spent on bike repairs, waterproof clothes, and “on the go” food, I realized that not much was left.

Worse was the fact that I started missing seminars.

The balance that does not exist
The idea of balance between work and studies is nice in theory. In practice, when classes run from 9 to 5, and you work in the evening until 11 p.m., then get home, eat a sandwich, and fall asleep with your laptop in your arms, there is not much room left for “balance.”

My roommate used to laugh: “Our parents did not even work like this at 19.” He was right. We were the generation that studied for exams at 5 in the morning, went to classes, and in the evening delivered orders on Deliveroo or Bolt Food.

Mental pressure
In addition to physical exhaustion, you constantly feel mental stress. You always have the impression that you are one step behind—that you are not studying enough, not working enough, not networking enough.

Sometimes I felt ashamed that I worked as a delivery rider, especially when my classmates talked about fancy internships in consulting or tech start-ups. But the reality was that my job paid my rent and provided my food. It was not shameful. It was necessary.

The positive side
However, among all these frustrations, I learned things I would not have learned in any class. I learned to be punctual, to communicate effectively (in Dutch!), to manage difficult customers, to plan my working hours according to weather and traffic. I learned to negotiate, to say “no” when it felt like too much, and to protect my personal time.

These skills do not show up on a CV, but they changed my life.

The mistake many people make
Many students jump into jobs without knowing what they involve. They think it is easy to work in a shop or a café. But when you work 6–8 hour shifts on your feet, and then have to read 70 pages for a European law course, your body starts to give in.

One friend ended up in the hospital after combining three part-time jobs. Someone else failed 3 out of 4 exams and lost their scholarship. There is a thin line between “ambitious” and “exhausted.”

What I would do differently
If I could turn back time, I would clearly set my limits. I would only accept jobs that allow flexible schedules and I would focus more on mental health. I would ask the university for more support—counseling, additional scholarships, internal jobs.

And most importantly, I would speak openly with other students. It is amazing how many go through the same thing, but nobody talks about it.

Conclusion
Having a part-time job abroad is not something to be ashamed of. It is a reality. But it is important to know why you are doing it, how much you can handle, and what you truly gain from it.

I am proud of everything I learned. But now I know that saying “stop” is not a failure, but a sign that you respect yourself.

TEXT 2 – REVISED VERSION

Title: “Part-time job abroad: between survival and burnout”

Introduction
When I first arrived in Amsterdam, everything felt unreal. I finally had the chance to study at an international university, explore a new culture, break away from routine, and feel that I was doing something truly important. But all of this came at a price.

With the first email about rent, reality hit me. With a modest scholarship and no financial support from home, I understood that if I wanted to stay, I would have to work. That is how my story as a student with a part-time job began.

The first job – the beginning
I started with a courier job, delivering food by bike. Rain, wind, and exhaustion seemed unimportant details at first. The first wages felt “wow” to someone used to the Romanian economy. But after the first month, when I started adding up the hours worked, the money spent on bike repairs, waterproof clothes, and “on the go” food, I realized that not much was left.

Worse was the fact that I started missing seminars.

The balance that does not exist
The idea of balance between work and studies is nice in theory. In practice, when classes run from 9 to 5, and you work in the evening until 11 p.m., then get home, eat a sandwich, and fall asleep with your laptop in your arms, there is not much room left for “balance.”

My roommate laughed: “Our parents did not even work like this at 19.” He was right. We were the generation that studied for exams at 5 in the morning, went to classes, and in the evening delivered orders on Deliveroo or Bolt Food.

Mental pressure
In addition to physical exhaustion, you constantly feel mental stress. You always have the impression that you are one step behind—that you are not studying enough, not working enough, not networking enough.

Sometimes I felt ashamed that I worked as a delivery rider, especially when my classmates talked about fancy internships in consulting or tech start-ups. But the reality was that my job paid my rent and provided my food. It was not shameful. It was necessary.

The positive experience
However, among all these frustrations, I learned things I would not have learned in any class. I learned to be punctual, to communicate effectively (in Dutch!), to manage difficult customers, to plan my working hours according to weather and traffic. I learned to negotiate, to say “no” when it felt like too much, and to protect my personal time.

These skills do not appear on a CV, but they changed my life.

The mistake many people make
Many students jump into jobs without knowing what they involve. They think it is easy to work in a shop or a café. But when you work 6–8 hour shifts on your feet, and then have to read 70 pages for a European law course, your body starts to give in.

One friend ended up in the hospital after combining three part-time jobs. Someone else failed 3 out of 4 exams and lost their scholarship. There is a thin line between “ambitious” and “exhausted.”

What I would do differently
If I could turn back time, I would clearly set my limits. I would only accept jobs that allow flexible schedules and I would focus more on mental health. I would ask the university for more support—counseling, additional scholarships, internal jobs.

And, most importantly, I would speak openly with other students. It is amazing how many go through the same thing, but nobody says anything.

Conclusion
Having a part-time job abroad is not something to be ashamed of. It is a reality. But it is important to know why you are doing it, how much you can handle, and what you truly gain from it.

I am proud of everything I learned. But now I know that saying “stop” is not a failure, but a sign that you respect yourself.

MINI-PROOFREADING REPORT

Text: “Part-time job abroad: between survival and burnout”
Type: Article written by a GCRS student
Role: Proofreader (peer review)
Format: Track changes + justifications

What was corrected:
Punctuation – Missing commas were added before subordinate clauses (e.g., “if I wanted to stay…”)
Fluency – Heavy expressions were rephrased (e.g., “that allows a flexible schedule” instead of “with a flexible schedule”)
Clarity – Ambiguous words were replaced (e.g., “my job bought me food” → “it provided my food”)
Spelling and expression – “ambițious” corrected to “ambitious”
Stylistic coherence – The confessional tone was preserved, repetitions were removed, and diacritics were standardized.

TEXT 3 – ORIGINAL VERSION

Title: I changed my university after a year and it was not the end of the world

When I started university in the Netherlands, I felt like I had won the jackpot. Admitted to an international program, everything seemed just like in the promotional brochures – beautiful campus, friendly classmates, smiling professors. But something was missing. I did not know what, but I felt it was not right.

At first I blamed everything on adaptation. I told myself it was normal not to understand everything, that it was the language, that it was a different teaching style. But even after 3 months I did not feel that I fit in. I went to classes just to tick off attendance, not because I was interested in what was being discussed. I felt like I was lying to myself.

That does not mean it was a bad university. On the contrary, it had good reviews, engaged classmates, excellent resources. The problem was that it was NOT for me. I had enrolled out of inertia, because it sounded “good,” because I needed a plan. But that plan was not mine.

In January, I had my first crisis. I could not sleep well anymore, I was anxious nonstop, I had the feeling that I was falling behind in life. A friend told me to talk to the university counselor. It was one of the best decisions.

I found out that many students go through the same feeling. They enroll in a program only to realize that it does not suit them. And that it is okay to admit that. It is not a failure, it is a sign of maturity.

After many sleepless nights of thinking, I decided to apply again, to another program. More humanities-oriented, more related to what I like. It was not easy – I lost a year, money, energy, and I had many doubts. But from September, when I started the new program, I felt something different. That I was where I needed to be. That I was curious, that I was studying with pleasure, that I was asking myself questions.

I wish I had known from the beginning that it is not “forbidden” to change. That sometimes it is even necessary. That it is more important to feel motivated than to follow a plan that others chose for you. I do not want to romanticize it, but the change saved me from burnout.

If you are going through this, talk to someone. With a classmate, with a mentor, with a counselor. You are not alone. And yes, the path can be changed. It is yours, after all.

TEXT 3 – REVISED VERSION

Title: I changed my university after a year and it was not the end of the world

When I started university in the Netherlands, I felt like I had won the jackpot. I had been admitted to an international program and everything seemed just like in the promotional brochures – beautiful campus, friendly classmates, smiling professors. But something was missing. I did not know exactly what, but I felt it was not right.

At first, I blamed everything on adaptation. I told myself it was normal not to understand everything, that maybe it was because of the language, because of the different teaching style. But even after three months I still did not feel that I fit in. I went to classes only to tick off attendance, not because I was interested in what was being discussed. I had the feeling that I was lying to myself.

That does not mean the university was bad. On the contrary, it had good reviews, engaged classmates, excellent resources. The problem was that it was NOT for me. I had enrolled out of inertia, because it sounded “good,” because I needed a plan. But that plan was not mine.

In January, I had my first crisis. I could not sleep well anymore, I was constantly anxious, I felt that I was falling behind in life. A friend recommended that I talk to the university counselor. It was one of the best decisions.

I found out that many students go through the same feeling. They enroll in a program only to realize that it does not suit them. And that it is okay to admit that. It is not a failure, but a sign of maturity.

After many nights of turmoil, I decided to apply again, to another program. More humanities-oriented, closer to what I truly like. It was not easy – I lost a year, money, energy, and I had many doubts. But from September, when I started the new program, I felt something different: that I was where I needed to be. That I was curious, that I was studying with pleasure, that I was asking myself questions.

I wish I had known from the beginning that it is not “forbidden” to change direction. That sometimes it is even necessary. That it is more important to feel motivated than to follow a plan chosen by others for you. I do not want to romanticize it, but the change saved me from burnout.

If you are going through this, talk to someone. With a classmate, with a mentor, with a counselor. You are not alone. And yes, you can change the path. It is yours, after all.

PROOFREADING REPORT

Grammar and punctuation corrections

I added missing commas after “at first” and “in January.”
I corrected phrases such as “that it is the language” → “that maybe it was because of the language.”
I standardized the expression to the plural (“turmoil” instead of “thinking”).

Clarity and fluency

I rewrote some sentences to make them easier to follow, for example:
“I could not sleep well anymore, I was anxious nonstop” → “I could not sleep well anymore, I was constantly anxious.”
“apply again, to another program” → “apply again, to another program. More humanities-oriented, closer to what I truly like.”

Style

I kept the authentic, personal tone, but improved some expressions so they sound natural in writing (for example: “that I was lying to myself” was kept, but in other places I balanced the informal tone with clearer sentences).
I kept the capital letters in “NOT for me” for emotional effect, since it is a personal text and it works stylistically.

Diacritics

Added in full (in the Romanian version).

TEXT 4 – ORIGINAL VERSION

Title: What it really costs to be a student abroad (and not just in money)

When we think about studying abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is “how much does it cost?” And rightly so – it is an important question. But what is not said enough is that “cost” does not mean only tuition fees and rent. It is much more than that.

I arrived in the Netherlands thinking that if I calculated my budget well, everything would go smoothly. I knew how much rent was, how much the train pass cost, how much I would spend on food. But I did not know how much it would “cost” me not to see my parents for months. Or that I would not be able to cry at my mother’s place when I had a bad day. Or that I would sit on Zoom with old friends who, slowly, seemed to have a life completely separate from mine.

The emotional cost is real. It is loneliness in all its glory. It is a mix of “I am on my own” and “I no longer know exactly who I am.” It is missing home food, but also missing the feeling that you belong somewhere.

On top of the emotional side, there is also a cost in effort. Adapting to a new education system means forgetting what you knew and learning again how to learn. At first, I felt bad because I did not know how to read scientific articles efficiently, because I did not know how to write an essay “the Dutch way.” It was a shock to my confidence.

But the biggest cost? Realizing that I had to learn how to ask for help. That I could not do everything alone. That it is okay to feel lost sometimes. That I do not have to have everything figured out from the start.

Of course, there are also material costs: I learned to cook so I would not spend 12 euros on a salad, I shared a room, I chose to ride a bike so I would not have to pay for transport. But those seem small compared to the rest.

Being a student abroad costs you. But not necessarily in a negative sense. It “costs” you because it transforms you. Because it brings out resources in you that you did not know you had. Because it makes you grow up in one year in ways you might not have grown in all your high school years.

And if someone asked me, “was it worth it?”, I would say YES. With all the exhaustion, frustration, insecurity, and the lack of zacuscă – yes, it was worth it.

TEXT 4 – REVISED VERSION

Title: What it really costs to be a student abroad (and not just in money)

When we think about studying abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is: “how much does it cost?” And rightly so – it is an important question. But what is not said enough is that “cost” does not mean only tuition fees and rent. It is much more than that.

I arrived in the Netherlands thinking that if I calculated my budget well, everything would go smoothly. I knew how much rent was, how much the train pass cost, how much I would spend on food. But I did not know how much it would “cost” me not to see my parents for months. Or that I would not be able to cry at my mother’s place when I had a bad day. Or that I would be on Zoom with old friends who, little by little, seemed to have a life completely separate from mine.

The emotional cost is real. It is loneliness in all its glory. It is a combination of “I am on my own” and “I no longer know exactly who I am.” It is missing home food, but also missing the feeling that you belong somewhere.

Besides the emotional part, there is also a cost in effort. Adapting to a new education system means forgetting what you knew and learning again how to learn. At first, I felt inferior because I did not know how to read scientific articles efficiently, because I did not know how to write an essay “the Dutch way.” It was a blow to my confidence.

But the biggest cost? Learning to ask for help. Realizing that I cannot do everything alone. That it is okay to feel lost sometimes. That I do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning.

Of course, there are also material costs: I learned to cook so I would not spend 12 euros on a salad, I shared a room, I chose to ride a bike to save on transportation. But all of that seems small compared to the rest.

Being a student abroad “costs” you. But not necessarily in a negative way. It “costs” you because it changes you. Because it brings out resources you did not know you had. Because it makes you mature in one year in ways you might not have matured throughout your entire high school life.

And if someone asked me, “was it worth it?”, I would say YES. With all the exhaustion, frustration, insecurity, and the lack of zacuscă – yes, it was worth it.

PROOFREADING REPORT

Grammatical corrections:

“ne vine” instead of “vine” – correct subject agreement.
“nu-mi voi vedea” instead of “n-o să-mi văd” – more formal and clear style.
Correction of colloquial forms (“n-o să pot” → “nu voi putea”).

Clarity and coherence:

Adjusted the structure of some sentences for clarity (e.g., “emotional cost” and “cost in effort” defined more precisely).
Replaced “I felt bad” with “I felt inferior” for a more appropriate nuance.

Punctuation and style:

Added missing commas in long sentences.
Kept the author’s narrative and conversational style, but reduced repetition and removed overly informal constructions when needed.

DUO justification:

Collaborative activity between students.
Improvement of the linguistic quality of real content.
Valuable content for other students preparing to study abroad.

Photography – 10 visual concepts for The RoAbroad Show

1. Student in a university library (Netherlands)
Caption:
“The hours spent among shelves and screens are more than studying – they are a process of adaptation, independence, and personal discovery.”
Visual justification:
This image reflects the academic reality of Romanian student life abroad, where the library becomes a second home. It illustrates the motivation and discipline needed to cope with a different education system.
Photo suggestion:
Student at a table with a laptop, books, and notes in a modern library (e.g. University of Amsterdam, Leiden, etc.).

2. Group of students collaborating on a project
Caption:
“In the diaspora, learning is not only individual – collaboration becomes essential for success.”
Visual justification:
The image captures intercultural communication, teamwork, and integration into Western education systems. Highly relevant for soft skills and networking.
Photo suggestion:
3–4 students at a large table with laptops, working together or presenting in front of a whiteboard.

3. Student with a laptop in a park / nature
Caption:
“The flexibility of studying abroad allows us to learn in creative and relaxing spaces – between two exams, we get to breathe as well.”
Visual justification:
Combines a sustainable lifestyle with Romanian students’ adaptation to the local pace of life. It is a friendly, authentic image, representative of life in the Netherlands or Sweden.
Photo suggestion:
Student sitting on a blanket or bench with a laptop, maybe in a park, wearing headphones, relaxed but focused.

4. Breakfast before class – simple but real life
Caption:
“Sometimes our mornings look like this: a coffee, a toast, and the hope that today we will find a place in the library.”
Visual justification:
Shows the simplicity and authenticity of student life. Not everything is spectacular – but that is exactly the human side the audience needs to understand.
Photo suggestion:
Simple breakfast plate, laptop nearby, maybe a notebook, phone with the alarm turned off, natural light.

5. Romanian student desk setup (minimalist, adapted)
Caption:
“A small corner in a dorm room or apartment – but where projects, dreams, and a professional future are being built.”
Visual justification:
Conveys the everyday, realistic side of student life – organization, independence, simplicity. A relevant image for the honest and credible branding of the project.
Photo suggestion:
Small desk with a laptop, books, a lamp, a mug of coffee – possibly with a small Romanian flag or personalized details.

6. A day of volunteering on campus
Caption:
“Volunteering teaches us what community, empathy, and action mean – in any country you end up in.”
Visual justification:
Volunteering activities develop soft skills, civic spirit, and a sense of belonging. The image shows the active involvement of Romanian students in local society.
Photo suggestion:
Student handing out flyers, helping at a charity stand, or taking part in a clean-up or organizing activity on campus.

7. Attending a conference or workshop
Caption:
“Beyond classes, we also learn from other people’s stories – in rooms full of ideas and inspiration.”
Visual justification:
Reflects Romanian students’ interest in professional development and international academic integration. Illustrates non-formal learning and networking.
Photo suggestion:
Image from a live presentation – student in the audience or speaking in front (with badge, projector, audience in the background).

8. Coffee break and conversations with classmates
Caption:
“Sometimes the best ideas come between two coffees – with friends, not professors.”
Visual justification:
Captures the social side of student life and the importance of human interaction in adapting to a new environment. Highly relevant for daily life and mental health.
Photo suggestion:
2–3 students at a table with coffee cups, laughing or talking. Relaxed background (campus café or coworking space).

9. GCRS activity (event, presentation, visit)
Caption:
“When the diaspora comes together, good things happen – for students, for communities, for Romania.”
Visual justification:
Represents the mission of GCRS – connection, information, mutual support. The image has symbolic and institutional value within the project.
Photo suggestion:
Image with a GCRS banner, participants in a room, or a student speaker; can be from an informal but well-organized event.

10. Romanian student helping an international colleague
Caption:
“Sometimes we are the ones offering support – and that changes the perception of Romanians abroad.”
Visual justification:
Demonstrates solidarity, intercultural integration, and positive leadership. It is the image that combats stereotypes and shows the impact of the community.
Photo suggestion:
Romanian student explaining something to another student (with a map, laptop, or document) in a library or classroom.