I chose Antwerp since IMS had an Erasmus agreement with them, the course catalogue offered a variety of modules, the university had a good reputation and I had heard well of the city. Another plus was that the city looked beautiful and could offer a lot of culture. It was possible to apply for accommodation through the university and they offered housing within a 2-3 min walk from the campus and the university library. The accommodation was central with a walking distance to the Antwerp central station, several grocery stores, gyms and shopping areas. I lived in a student dorm with other students, some were exchange students as myself and others were international or Belgian students.  

I arrived to Antwerp a few days before the orientation days began and the studies began the week after. The ESN is a student organization which organizes activities for exchange students from all universities in Antwerp which was a great opportunity to meet other exchange students as well. The studies gave the possibility to view how Belgian university studies were and meet both Belgian students and exchange students. I am very pleased with my studies at Universiteit Antwerp.

University of Antwerp’s course catalogue offered a great variety of modules in media studies on both undergraduate and advanced level: interpersonal communication, television studies, photography and media and politics. The modules I studied the first semester on the M.A Program in Global Media Studies prepared me well and gave concepts and knowledge that I could apply for the exchange studies at UA. The modules suited well within the M.A Program since they supplemented each other: the global perspective at IMS together with a European and international perspective at UA. By studying global media studies at IMS and combining it with an exchange semester in Belgium, it gave a good foundation for developing further skills in analysing, critical thinking and applying concepts in different areas of media and communication.    

Antwerp is known for being both a port city and dealing with diamonds. It offers a great deal of cultural activities due to their museums (Museum Mayer van den Bergh, Rubenhuis, Museum aan de Stroom, Red Star Line Museum and the Diamond museum, just to recommend a few). Another feature is the architecture of the city (for example Antwerp Centraal) and the beautiful parks. It is easy to travel to other cities as well, Brussels (30-40 min by train), Ghent and Leuven.

Studying abroad is more than only the studies itself: it offers experiences, as a student you become more independent, can practice language skills and problem solving as well as becoming more familiar with other cultures and nationalities. Another advantage is that future employers view it as positive when an individual has studied or worked abroad. I used both English and German and learned some Dutch in Antwerp. The exchange semester in Antwerp has inspired me to continue to learn Dutch.