Raja, Sara

Sara Raja

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to meet people from all around the world and experience a different culture and way of life. I wanted to see what it was like to be on my own in a new place and how I would grow from that experience. I selected my program because I knew I wanted to be in Germany or the Netherlands and I chose the University of Groningen because the city looked beautiful and because Groningen has a very large international student population with a lot of programming for international students.

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I am able to connect with people and build close friendships even if we come from different cultures and walks of life. I also learned that I am capable of being independent and self-sufficient and making any place feel like home.

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my program is going with my friends and roommates to the weekly market and buying fresh produce and then cooking together in the evenings.

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
I faced some uncertainties at the beginning of my experience abroad because I was unsure how the pandemic might affect my experience and my ability to travel and make friends. I also faced some uncertainty when the war in Ukraine began as many of my friends were from countries close to Ukraine and they were very affected by the conflict. My advice would be to take things one day at a time, stay positive and make the most out of the experience you have even if it is not exactly what you expected.

How do you identify?
Student of color

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
While I am a person of color, this identity did not play a role in my time abroad.

Memories