More and more vocational students go abroad during their studies. This can be educational and exciting, and it helps you learn new skills, meet new people, and see new places. However, taking this step is not always easy for everyone. Students who need extra support during their studies often face more challenges. Information about going abroad is not always easy to find, understand, or use. In the IMVET project, we work together with students to make information about international mobility clearer and easier to use. Students share their own experiences, stories, and practical tips about going abroad. What did they find difficult? What support did they receive? And what helped them take this step?
On this page, you can read their stories. With these interviews, photos, and other materials, we want to help other students prepare for an international experience. Because everyone should have the chance to learn and grow across borders. (Photography: Martine van den Oever)
Kia: “A small step abroad that made a big difference”
For Kia, a 17-year-old Finnish student in early childhood education and family work, going abroad started as a small step. She describes herself as independent, empathetic and creative. But also someone who can feel overwhelmed in new environments and busy social situations, and who needs to find the right balance between activity and rest. When she heard about the opportunity to join a short Erasmus+ group mobility in Málaga, she didn’t hesitate. “I signed up straight away,” she says. “I’ve always loved traveling and new cultures.”
A first step abroad
The trip lasted just a few days, but it turned out to be much more than that. Short mobilities like this are designed as an accessible first experience abroad: traveling in a group, with guidance, and in a safe environment. For Kia, it became exactly that. A first step that opened the door to more. Before leaving, she felt nervous. Speaking English and flying were the biggest challenges. Still, she decided to go with an open mind.
Feeling at ease
That nervousness quickly faded. “On the first day, when we met everyone and they were all so kind, I realized I didn’t need to be nervous.” What stayed with her most was the people. “Everyone was so open and welcoming. It felt like you could just be yourself, no one judged you.”
Stepping outside her comfort zone
One moment in particular stayed with her. During the project, Kia found the courage to speak English in front of a group. “I spoke quite a lot, actually,” she says. “I felt like I really pushed myself. I was so proud.” For someone who can find new social situations challenging, this was a big step. It showed her she is capable of more than she thought.
Growing in confidence
After the trip, something shifted. “Now I feel more confident speaking English and talking to new people,” she explains. “I also trust myself more.” The experience didn’t stop there. It gave her the confidence to take another step: she has already signed up for a new international experience – a group exchange in Denmark.
Finding your own balance
Kia also discovered what works for her. While she enjoyed meeting others, she needed time alone to recharge. “It’s important to sometimes be by yourself,” she says. Walking around the city alone, listening to music and exploring at her own pace helped her feel comfortable and grounded.
Her advice
Kia encourages other students, especially those who feel unsure, to take that first step:
- Be brave and speak up. Even if it feels scary
- Get to know others. That’s where the experience comes alive
- Prepare a little. Look into the place and transport beforehand
- Take time for yourself. Balance is important
Her message is simple:
“Even if it feels scary — just go.”
Maria: “You already have the ‘no.’ So try”
For Maria, a 26-year-old Spanish dental hygienist student, going abroad was not something she took lightly. She is someone who is very self-aware and thoughtful, and who experiences new environments, travel and daily routines quite intensely. Busy or unfamiliar situations can feel overwhelming at times, especially when combined with her health conditions and food allergies.
Still, she decided to take the step and joined an Erasmus mobility in Greece. “I’ve worked a lot on myself,” Maria explains. “So that fear doesn’t control my decisions.”
Taking that first step
To prepare, Maria approached the trip in her own way. She carefully planned everything and even visited the airport a week in advance with her husband, just to get familiar with the environment. “Knowing where to go and what to expect makes a huge difference,” she says. Despite that preparation, she still had doubts. “Airports are very stressful for me. The noise, the unpredictability… it’s a lot.” She also worried about food allergies, getting lost, or missing a flight. But she chose to go anyway.
A warm welcome
Once in Greece, those worries slowly faded. What stood out most to her was the warmth of the people. “Seeing how excited the Greek hosts were to have us there… it made everything worth it.” She enjoyed discovering the culture, the food, and the small details of daily life. “I love seeing the differences, but also realizing how similar Mediterranean countries are.” At the same time, the experience brought meaningful moments. During workshops about inclusion, Maria felt she was contributing to something bigger. “We were really working on making Erasmus more accessible. That felt meaningful.”
What made the difference
For Maria, feeling supported was essential. Having trusted teachers nearby gave her a sense of safety. “Knowing I wasn’t alone made everything easier.” Small adjustments also had a big impact. Her food allergies were taken seriously, which reduced a lot of stress. “Not having to constantly worry about food gave me so much peace.” She also learned practical strategies that helped her cope, like making detailed lists or bringing items that make her feel comfortable in unfamiliar places.
Growing in confidence
The experience changed how Maria sees herself. “I realized: I can do this too.” It was the first time she traveled without her usual support system. That made it challenging, but also empowering. “If something goes wrong, it’s part of the experience. You learn from it.” She now feels more confident about traveling and even considers going abroad again in the future — as long as the right support is in place.
Her advice
Maria encourages other students with a disability not to hold themselves back:
- Prepare in a way that works for you. Visit places in advance, make lists, and ask questions.
- Communicate your needs early. This reduces stress during the trip.
- Accept that it’s okay to feel nervous. Everyone feels that way.
- Stay open. The most beautiful part is meeting people and sharing experiences.
Her most important message?
“You already have the ‘no.’ So try.”
Chris: “Going abroad helped me believe in myself”
For Chris, a Greek student in electrical engineering, going abroad was an opportunity to challenge himself. He describes himself as someone who enjoys new experiences and always tries his best, even when things are not easy. Learning and communication can sometimes take more effort for him, especially in unfamiliar environments. Still, when he got the chance to join the IMVET project in Spain, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on improving opportunities for students with disabilities, he decided to go for it. “I was very lucky to be selected,” he says.
Taking the step
Before leaving, Chris felt nervous. Traveling abroad and communicating in a different language felt like a challenge. “At the beginning, I felt anxious and unsure,” he explains. But he didn’t let that stop him.
Feeling part of the group
Once in Málaga (Spain), things quickly changed. With support from his teacher and fellow students, Chris started to feel more comfortable. “I was able to take part in all the activities and really feel part of the team.” What stood out most to him was the connection with others. Meeting students from different countries and working together gave him a sense of belonging. “It made me feel more open and connected.”
Discovering new confidence
During the trip, Chris realized something important about himself. “Even if I have difficulties, I can still succeed,” he says. The experience helped him grow in several ways. He improved his communication skills, learned how to cooperate with others, and gained confidence in new situations.
Looking ahead
The experience motivated him to keep going. Chris now wants to continue learning, meeting new people, and showing that students who face challenges can still fully participate in international experiences. “I want to show that I can achieve my goals,” he says.
His advice
Chris encourages other students not to hold back:
- Don’t be afraid to try. Even if it feels challenging at first
- Ask for support. You don’t have to do it alone
- Stay open. New experiences help you grow
- Believe in yourself. You are capable of more than you think
His message is clear:
“Even with challenges, you can succeed abroad.”
Laura: “There’s no need to be afraid”
For Laura, an Estonian automotive painting student in her final year, going abroad was about more than just travel. She is someone who is open and energetic, but who can also experience fluctuations in energy and emotions, especially in new or intense situations. This means that social interaction and unfamiliar environments can sometimes take a lot of energy. She joined an Erasmus+ project in Spain focused on improving opportunities for people with disabilities – something she personally relates to. “I wanted to contribute so that people like me would have more opportunities,” she explains.
Stepping out of routine
The trip lasted five days, but it left a lasting impression. Laura was especially excited to meet new people, experience a different culture, and step away from her daily routine. “I was looking forward to everything being different – even something as simple as wearing summer clothes in November.” Of course, there were also doubts. “I was worried I wouldn’t have the courage to speak up,” she says. Even small, irrational fears played a role, like accidentally having something illegal in her suitcase.
Finding confidence
But once she arrived, that uncertainty quickly shifted. “After the first meeting, I already felt: this is going to be an amazing experience.” What made the biggest difference? The atmosphere. “Everyone was so positive and supportive. It felt safe to be yourself.” One moment stood out in particular. During group discussions, Laura shared her thoughts — and noticed people were truly listening. “You could see it in their faces. That gave me so much confidence.”
Feeling seen
For Laura, the experience was not just about travel, but about recognition and equality. “Seeing adults really listen to young people with disabilities, that was very special. It felt like we were treated as equals.” This helped her realize something important: she is not alone. “We all have to adapt to a world that wasn’t built for us. But we share those experiences.”
Learning and growing
The experience also taught her more about herself. “I realized I’m not as extroverted as I thought… sometimes my social battery just runs out.” At the same time, it gave her confidence. She now knows she can handle new situations, meet new people, and navigate unfamiliar environments.
Her advice
Laura encourages other students not to hold back:
- Don’t be afraid. Even if something goes wrong, it’s part of the experience.
- Be brave and speak up. Communication is key.
- Accept mistakes. They help you learn and grow.
- Ask for help if needed. You don’t have to do everything alone.
Her message is clear:
“Society may set limits – but you don’t have to stay within them.”
Wout: “It will work out”
For Wout, a Dutch student in Allround IT Systems and Devices, his international experience started in a big way. At seventeen, he traveled to Japan – his first time outside Europe, and also his first time traveling without his parents. Not for a holiday, but for work: as an expert by experience, he helped introduce products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Wout is blind himself, which allowed him to explain better than anyone how this technology works in practice. “I felt really honored to be asked for this while I was still an intern,” he says. “Most people my age have a part-time job in a shop or a restaurant. And suddenly I was going to Japan.”
Exciting, but manageable
It wasn’t all excitement, though. Before leaving, Wout also felt nervous. The unknown played a big role. “You don’t really know what to expect. Traveling that far, a different culture… that makes it exciting.” But once he arrived, that feeling quickly faded. “When you’re actually there, it’s not as overwhelming as you think. People help you, and you realize: it will work out.” That sense of trust is important to Wout. In his daily life, he is used to relying on others, for example when getting around or handling practical matters. “You naturally take that with you when you go abroad.”
New experiences
What stayed with him most were the small, everyday differences. Like food. “In Japan, they really take their time for meals. That’s so different from the Netherlands, where everything is fast-paced.” Unexpected moments also stood out – sometimes inconvenient, but often funny in hindsight.
What helps
For Wout, the key is good preparation and clear communication. “Make sure you know in advance where to go and what to expect. And ask questions if something isn’t clear.” During the trip, that remains important. “If I need something, I just say it. For example, help with a menu. People are usually happy to help – but they need to know what you need.”
More confidence
The experience mainly gave him confidence in himself. “I now know that I can manage just fine abroad. Even presenting in English went well.”
His tips
For other students with a disability, Wout has a clear message:
- Do what feels right for you. Don’t push yourself into things that don’t suit you.
- Communicate your needs. That way, others can support you better.
- Prepare well. Clarity beforehand brings peace of mind.
- Don’t feel pressured. You don’t have to go just because others say you should.
His most important lesson?
“It will often work out, but only if it truly feels right for you.”
Merlijn: “Follow your heart”
For Merlijn, a 23-year-old Media & Journalism student from the Netherlands, travelling is a way to discover new places, meet new people, and learn new things. During her studies at Koning Willem I College, she found her passion for stories, creativity, and exploring the world.
Recently, she travelled to London on her own for the first time. This was a big step because Merlijn lives with *cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
A Special trip
In February, Merlijn went to London for a weekend to attend a live recording of her favourite podcast, 13 Again. For many people, this would be a normal city trip. For Merlijn, it was much more than that. “The people who make this podcast helped me through a difficult time in my life. Their music gave me comfort when I was struggling. That is why I really wanted to be there.”
Merlijn had travelled alone before, but this was the first time she stayed by herself in another country. Her biggest worry was not her physical disability, but her epilepsy. “My most serious seizures usually happen when I wake up. That made it scary to stay alone in a hotel room. But I did not want to miss this chance.”
Look at what is possible
Merlijn has learned that many people first see what she cannot do, instead of what she can do. She already noticed this when she joined an exchange programme in secondary school. “My secondary school mainly looked at the problems. I wanted to look at the possibilities.”
Good preparation helped her. Before travelling, she looked for information and thought about possible challenges. This helped her and the people around her find good solutions. “If you prepare well, it is easier to explain what you need.”
Be open about your needs
One important lesson Merlijn has learned is that it helps to be open. “Tell people what you need. If you don’t tell them, they don’t know how they can help you.” She also advises students to involve people who know them well. These people can join meetings about support or accommodations. They can help make sure the conversation is about opportunities, not only about challenges.
The best experiences start when you try
Merlijn has one important message for students who are considering studying abroad. “Don’t be afraid of new experiences. Some of the best moments happen when you try something new.” One day, Merlijn hopes to study or work in England. She does not know yet if that dream will come true. But her experiences have shown her that more is possible than she first thought.
Merlijn’s tips for students
- Be open about what you need.
- Prepare well.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Focus on what you can do.
- Be open to new experiences.
Her message is clear:
“Follow your heart. If you really want something, don’t let one small voice tell you that you can’t do it.”
What is cerebral palsy (CP)?
* Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It affects the way the brain controls movement and muscles. People with CP may find it difficult to move, walk, speak, or use their hands and arms. Every person with CP is different. Some people have only a few difficulties, while others need more support.