Ashish Yadav, India

Why Groningen?

Groningen; known as the city of talents, is like the hidden treasure of the Northern Netherlands. It has been an amazing experience for me to have had lived here in both pre and post pandemic situations. It is virtue of this city which keeps me mentally calm without complaining about the pandemic situation in the recent times. I had so many different experiences from the very first day I came to Groningen in August 2017. Even if I read about the culture of the country or city beforehand, the things were still a surprise to me. It always gives me a proud feeling and enthusiasm to be part of this university, its city culture and especially the friendly people of Groningen. In my experiences, I believe this cozy city has something to offer for everyone, irrespective of one’s cultural background. It is less likely to feel alone or bored in such a vibrant city, surrounded by international students everywhere.

Also, in the past four years, life in Groningen would have been incomplete without participation in the GISA (Groningen Indian Student Association) and ZICS (Zernike International Cricket Stadium!!) to feel homely in this city and going for a walk in Noorderplantsoen and taking a breather at scenic Reitdiephaven. Looking back at the soggy days and adventurous experiences after my arrival in Groningen, now I am glad to have friends for life during my bachelors in an international environment. As an international alumni ambassador, I want to fill the gap which exists after reading the brochures with my own practical experiences such as how to find a good place to rent within time. As an Indian choosing to live abroad, I use my cultural background to ambitiously integrate within the Dutch society. I do this by engaging myself through social activities organized in the city, working part-time at a restaurant in order to practice the languages as well as to support myself.

Why the University of Groningen?

Having the privilege of being accepted at two other universities in the Netherlands, for me personally, it was no -brainer to choose RuG for my bachelors, a top 100 world class university with a dynamic environment. Not only this, the wide range of courses offered in my versatile degree of BSc. Economics and Business Economics helped me to suit my academic interests but also filled the interdisciplinarity gap. With strong scientific mathematical background from my higher secondary education in India, I chose an Economics track from my second year onwards and followed courses such as Asset Pricing, Economics of Banking, Monetary Macroeconomics, Econometrics for Economics to strengthen my educational knowledge. The lectures are very interactive even in the blended form of education at RuG and you have to be prepared beforehand, as the professors use challenging, but interesting activities to establish and maintain an academically robust learning environment.

Parallel to my academics, I have also been particularly active in the co-governance activities (student politics) at the university. This ranges from being a Programme Committee for E&BE and later serving in the student faction of Faculty Council at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), with as goal to represent the voice of the international students and bring them forward to the Faculty Board in order to improve different curricular agenda themes.

Moreover, practical activities and events such as attending guest lectures, company visits, and learning communities at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) helps me fill the gap between state-of-the-art academic knowledge and business practice.

Despite belonging to a middle-income family in India with the lack of financial means for higher education; I have managed to study abroad which is a dream come true. I am proud at myself when I retrospect about my past decision to pursue my bachelors from RuG. I do not regret my decision at all!

Biography

Greeting from Ashish! I was born and grew up in a heritage city called Lucknow situated in the Northern India. I completed my higher secondary education from scientific stream, conducted by CISCE (Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations). I moved to Groningen in 2017 to pursue Bachelor’s programme in Econometrics and Operations Research. However, in 2018, I switched to Economics and Business Economics programme to find a right balance between qualitative and quantitative research for myself. This summer, I will be completing my bachelor degree at the University of Groningen. Currently, I’m a sustainability consultant trainee at Greenable which is a Green Marketing &Consulting company operating within the European Union; it is important for me to pursue my working experience with sustainability in mind. After graduating, I aspire to be a Sustainability & Investment Consultant, because I have plans to create real change and concrete awareness about climatic concerns into the investment community not only in the Netherlands but in India as well.

Beyond my academics, I will be glad to share my extra-curricular experiences with the prospective students which definitely strengthened my network and made me felt more comfortable and confident to go for an extra mile.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, studying and living in Groningen or anything else, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to help! Chak De! India.