A Chinese Girl’s Journey Abroad: Firsts, Laughter, and Experiences in the Netherlands

September 2012 will forever be etched in my memory—it was the first time I ever left China. As a girl from a rural village, this wasn’t just a trip but a childhood dream come true. 

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But before I packed my bags, there was this hilarious conversation with my older brother:  

Me: “The country is called the Netherlands.”  

Brother: “Are you sure it’s a developed European country and not somewhere in Africa?”  

Me: “Honestly, I have no idea. Probably?”  

While I could point to the Netherlands on a map, I wasn’t entirely sure it was the right place until I arrived and saw it with my own eyes. Sounds ridiculous? Maybe. But when you’re the first in your family to go that far, with no guide except your wits and a leap of faith from your brother (who funded this whole adventure), it’s all part of the story.

It Wasn’t a Trap—It Was Real

I had worries until meeting my classmates and teachers inside the institution.

After a few days of adjustment, I officially began this new chapter.

The opening ceremony was held in a gorgeous church, an entirely new setting for me. Since the ceremony was in Dutch, I was offered an English translation device. Grateful as I was, I was relieved they didn’t provide a Chinese translator—I didn’t want to look like I couldn’t understand English, even though I was starting to learn it. Small victories, right?

Leiden: A Cozy New Home

Leiden, my new city, was small yet endlessly charming. The friendly locals immediately welcomed me, but there were a few awkward moments.

Like my first dinner with classmates and professors—imagine me fumbling with utensils, missing my chopsticks, and laughing at myself. It was equal parts nerve-wracking and hilarious.

Our One Year Master (MSc) Program – Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing

A Cute Photo On Our Campus With My Classmates (Good Friends)

Our Vitality walks

Firsts at a Dutch Farm

One of the first outings with my classmates and professors was to a Dutch farm. The farm owner had many milk cows and horses. Can you imagine it was my first time seeing a milk cow so close?

There were so many of my firstimes while spending several nights on that farm: riding in a horse-drawn carriage, greeting farm animals, and making cheese for the first time. My cheese-making skills weren’t award-worthy, but the joy of trying something completely new made up for it.  

Finding a bike that fit me was another mini-adventure, but I was unstoppable once I had my trusty two-wheeler. Cruising through Leiden’s streets and discovering hidden gems gave me a sense of freedom I’d never felt before.

A Snowy Study Trip to Sweden

One of the highlights of my time abroad was a winter study trip to Stockholm. My first surprise was staying in a cozy boat hotel with a sea view. I’d never imagined such a thing, and it felt surreal.  

We had official meetings with Swedish healthcare professionals and government officials in our schedule.

But we also had plenty of free time to explore the snowy city. Stockholm, blanketed in snow, looked like something out of a postcard. Museums, stunning architecture, and endless laughs with my classmates made it magical.  

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Funny story: I got nauseous on the train ride back to our boat. My teacher later wrote me a letter during graduation and jokingly diagnosed me with “Stendhal Syndrome (best known as an aesthetic syndrome).” I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of Stockholm’s art and architecture. She might’ve been right—I’d never seen anything so stunning.

This is a simple explanation of Stendhal Syndrome I found on the internet: 

“Stendhal Syndrome is an overwhelming response to artistic beauty that can cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, and confusion.”

These symptoms were precisely what I was having. What a classic real human example of Stendhal Syndrome. 

I will never forget this humanly wonderful life experience. 

Graduation Day: A Bittersweet Farewell

Graduation day finally arrived, bringing a mix of pride, gratitude, and sadness. My amazing Chinese roommate, a Ph.D. student at Leiden University, offered to do my makeup for the occasion. Her thoughtful gesture added a special touch to an already unforgettable day.  

After the ceremony, my classmates and best friends took me to a local coffee shop in Leiden to celebrate. While they sipped on beers, I treated myself to a warm, comforting cup of hot chocolate milk. It was the perfect way to end such a significant day, full of laughter, memories, and the warmth of friendship.

Standing in my graduation gown, I reflected on how much I’d grown. I had learned to embrace mistakes, express myself without fear, and never hesitate to ask questions. Most importantly, I discovered the value of creativity and originality, carving my path instead of following others.

Lessons to Carry Forward

This journey wasn’t just about earning a degree. It was about stepping into the unknown, embracing new cultures, and finding myself. From snowy adventures in Sweden to biking through the streets of Leiden, every experience shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.  

Some moments were challenging, others joyful, but all taught me to grow and adapt. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for this adventure. It wasn’t just a chapter in my life but a prologue to a much bigger story. And I’m so glad I took that leap.