Karelis Olivo Rumpf, Venezuela

Why Groningen?

Before I started studying at the RUG, I spent one year in South Africa where I met someone who spoke highly about a charming and young little city with a vibrant study environment in the North of the Netherlands – Groningen. In my case, I had never heard of it before but as you can see Groningen’s reputation precedes itself – and rightly so. Groningen is a friendly and welcoming city in which people are outgoing as well as open-minded and curious about each other’s stories. Since I grew up between two cultures, I was especially interested in meeting and working with like-minded people during my Bachelor. I can guarantee you that you will connect with interesting and diverse people from all around the world; for instance, Groningen was the first place where I met someone with an even more complicated cultural background than mine. Even though no one in Groningen is the same, or rather especially because of that, you will for sure find your people and your place here. The city will make you feel free and independent, and the diversity of people you get to meet will broaden your horizon. Finally, something that I really love about Groningen is the fact that everything you need is close by: you only have to grab your bike and you will be at your destination in no more than 15 minutes.

Why the University of Groningen?

Studying in English was really important to me and the University of Groningen happens to be the most international university in the Netherlands with the most English-taught programs. In my case, the Psychology program at the RUG caught my eye specifically because it was (and still is!) a top ranked program with a focus on research. Do not get me wrong, studying at such a renowned university with highly skilled staff and a curriculum reflecting the quality of the education is demanding – especially the four exam periods per year, the fact that you only have one real study break each year, and the huge amount of workload. However, it is worth it – these challenges will let you grow, you will get to know yourself and your priorities a lot better, and you will discover new talents and ambitions that you were not aware of before. Especially, as a multicultural person I appreciate being surrounded by people with different cultural backgrounds and being prepared for an international career by the University as well as getting the chance to develop myself individually.

Biography

My name is Karelis, I was born in Venezuela and raised mainly in Germany. Before moving to Groningen to study Psychology in autumn 2018, I lived in South Africa for a year. Nowadays, you can either find me in the main library (UB) and the Heymans building of my faculty working on my bachelor’s thesis or taking one of my many walks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Noorderplantsoen park.

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!