Home University:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Year of Study Abroad:
Full 2023
I am from:
Walnut Creek, United States (CA)
I study:
History (Europe and the Mediterranean) and Politics
I chose to study at VU Amsterdam because:
My family is from Amsterdam and I wanted to learn more about the city some of my ancestors came from. I wanted to connect further with Dutch culture and a study abroad provided a good opportunity to live in the region without worrying about many logistical issues. .
My favourite course at VU Amsterdam was:
Peace and Conflict Resolution Courses
Hobbies and Interests:
I love games of all sorts. Sports, board games, card games, video games. I love being outside and proximity to water/nature. My creative side is in music and photography, with a specific passion for 70s/80s stylized mediums. I enjoy all cultures and try my best to immerse myself wherever and whenever possible. I enjoy cooking a good meal for family and friends and look to be a fun and inviting host.
About me:
I am a 22 y/o recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I was born and raised in Walnut Creek, California, where I spent my childhood years. After completing high school, which was a complete mess as I am a 2020 COVID graduate, I committed to UCSC as an aerospace engineer. I very quickly realized that my passion did not lay in engineering, and decided to swap to become a history major. I fell in love with the degree and was able to complete it in nearly two years. Wanting to continue furthering my academic experience, I looked to complete a Politics degree. During this degree, I decided to study abroad and chose VU, Amsterdam to be my ephemeral home. My family had lived in Amsterdam for hundreds of years but fled Nazi persecution in 1940. Being able to return and see their homes, universities, and places of congregation was greatly impactful for me and reclaiming a sense of heritage. After my stint at the VU, I went back to Santa Cruz to complete my degree. Once I graduated, I continued my work as a waiter in Santa Cruz for another month before returning home. I now live in Washington DC and work with the EEAS Delegation of the European Union to the United States. I am a writer and reporter with my own newsletter and published articles in various outlets.
Golden tip for prospective students:
I think it is difficult for me to provide a 'golden tip' to incoming students. Everyone is different, and their wants, needs, and desires differ as well. A location or an activity that may have been profoundly meaningful to me or given me great excitement may provide no joy for another. That being said, I have two general lines of advice which I have given to others who have asked me about my experience. 1) Do not be afraid to take risks. You moving across borders, hundreds and thousands of miles, is already a massive risk. You are a select few who have decided to uproot your life, even if only temporarily, to live in a nation and culture unknown to your own. If you want to try a new food, go for it! If you want to take a plunge in a canal, why not?! Take advantage of where you are and the period of life you are in. It is a truly wonderful time, so enjoy it. To my second point, 2) Do what makes you happy. Do not feel pressure from friends, family, or even yourself, to do something that you will not enjoy out of FOMO. Some peers will travel the world, and some will be focused solely on education. Everyone's journey is their own, so be true to yours.
Any other tips to share?
Biking! I highly recommend getting a bike as it is a great way to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, as well as a great form of communication. From where I lived, I could bike for 30 minutes and reach class or bike for 30 minutes and reach downtown Amsterdam. It is fun, cost-efficient, and a good exercise. Bike infrastructure was one of my greatest joys while living in Amsterdam, please take advantage of it while you can!
Overall, I looked back at my experience at the VU and living in Amsterdam with nothing but good thoughts. My time is my own, and others will not feel the same as I do, however, I feel if you follow your aspirations and your heart you will succeed in whatever form that means to you.
Want to know more? Contact Ryan.
