Exchange students share their Erasmus experiences at HOGENT.

Marta Santander Baños.

Spain

Marta's decision to embark on an Erasmus journey was driven by her love for languages and her curiosity about new cultures. Opting for Belgium over her initial choice of France, Marta found herself captivated by Ghent's picturesque streets, historic charm and bustling atmosphere. At HOGENT, she appreciated the practical learning, which differed from her home university's approach. The teachers' kindness and dedication created a supportive environment that encouraged her to become more open-minded. In her free time, Marta enjoyed going for a coffee, participating in ESN activities or seizing the opportunity to explore Europe from Belgium's central location. Marta’s Erasmus journey provided many enriching experiences. This allowed her to further develop her personal growth and become independent.

“While Ghent wasn’t my initial preference, a friend's recommendation convinced me to give it a chance, and I'm glad I did. I would undoubtedly choose it again. Navigating through Ghent is remarkably convenient. Everything is within walking distance and public transport is user-friendly. I was amased by the HOGENT campus. It’s really modern and has everything you need, like a library and even a gym. My advice for future Erasmus students would be to enjoy the experience because it only happens once in a lifetime and to say yes to plans, but don’t forget about your classes either. I would recommend it to everyone because it was an opportunity to learn about myself and I feel like I grew up.”

Martyna Wyrwa.

Poland

Martyna went on Erasmus to explore beyond her comfort zone and familiar social circles. During her time abroad, she enjoyed learning about cultural and academic differences. One aspect that stood out to her was the warmth and openness of the teachers at HOGENT. Martyna felt warmly welcomed, as most Belgians are fluent in English and are hospitable. She also felt very safe living in Ghent thanks to the constant presence of people in the streets and vigilant police surveillance. Building friendships came effortlessly. During the HOGENT welcoming days, she connected with fellow Erasmus students and embarked on a boat tour, capped off with shared laughter over fries and beer.

“HOGENT made me like studying. In Poland you don’t learn to understand, but to pass. At HOGENT you understand what you learn. I also enjoyed the hands-on teaching style and approachability of teachers. I was shocked when teachers joined in when students were presenting themselves. If I were to give only one piece of advice to future Erasmus students, it would be to push past the bureaucratic hurdles because it is so worth it. Embrace this opportunity to broaden your horizons, to make lifelong friendships, and to shape your own unforgettable Erasmus story in this dynamic Belgian city.”

Timo Sefcovic.

Czech Republic

Timo, a Social Work student from Prague, spent a semester at HOGENT as part of his Erasmus exchange. Looking for a destination that wasn’t a busy capital but still centrally located, he found Ghent to be the perfect choice. “You can bike around easily, it’s calm yet full of life,” he says.

At HOGENT, Timo followed a module on international and sustainable social work. He found the content engaging and appreciated the mix of perspectives from students across Europe. “It was eye-opening to see how social work is approached in a different cultural and political context,” he shares.

Timo settled into daily life in Ghent with ease. Biking through the city, discovering local parks, and exploring nearby Brussels became part of his routine. “The quality of life here is amazing. Ghent is green, peaceful, and very socially conscious.”

Although he didn’t live in student housing, he still built connections with both international and local students — through school, social events, and even his flatmate. In his free time, he explored the many options Ghent has to offer, from parks and cafés to cultural events. He also joined a local dance class, which he attends twice a week.

One of the things that left a lasting impression was Ghent’s strong commitment to sustainability and activist spirit. “It’s a very open-minded and politically aware city. You really feel that people care — about each other and about the planet.”

Timo encourages future exchange students to research their programmes thoroughly and consider learning some basic Dutch to better navigate daily life. He thinks HOGENT is a great place for students who want to grow academically and personally in a socially engaged environment.