Why Denmark?
I’m Laura, a Portuguese girl from the small Azores Archipelago. I came to VIA to study Software Engineering because it perfectly mixes both creativity and problem-solving, which are two things that move me a lot; and also because IT is an area in which I am sure that I’ll find a job after my studies. Not only is there lots of demand, but it is also always growing and evolving. Basically – IT is the future and I want to be a part of it!
An acquaintance once suggested to study in Denmark and just stuck in my mind ever since. Free education, financial stability, international environment? And above all, a new beginning? Coming from an island – a small world – it all just sounded so appealing.
Coming to Denmark will enable you to experience things you’ve never even dreamt of. So come, and be curious! There is so much to discover here – both about the world and yourself. Laura
What surprised you about studying in Denmark?
They talked about work-life balance and I didn’t believe it 100%. Like – no way. But then I came here, and it’s true. Everything just works! You can keep up with your studies, have a job, work out and have a social life, and it’s all totally manageable. And getting to know the points of view of people from other countries, from really far away, can also be pretty surprising.
What was the biggest challenge?
Saying goodbye to my previous home was tough – I cried a lot. Not that I was sad, it was just crazy to think that I wouldn’t be spending my days there anymore. Change can be so overwhelming, but the feeling of freedom that you get when you’re the one in charge of your life is so rewarding. If I could go back in time, I don’t think I would change a thing.
What is the best thing about living and studying in Denmark and at VIA?
The people! I think people shape our experiences a lot more than we think they do. And here, the environment is just wonderful. Even when people are so different from each other, they are open, kind and humble. Even though I am really far away from my home country, I never feel lonely here. There is always something new or exciting to do, someone to meet, somewhere to visit. Two days are rarely ever the same.
My plans for the future
I’m not big on the future – things can change so drastically and so suddenly that I’m rarely ever planning ahead of one year. But my internship is coming up and I’m definitely planning to stay in Denmark! It just sounds good. It’s the country in which the internship is more likely to be paid, that sweet work-life balance is here, and I already have a lot of connections here that I’m not ready to leave behind.