מייסון שיבי , PhD בספרות ערבית, Radboud, הולנד

17/08/2020
Dear colleagues,
About Erasmus+ Summer Program Experience in Nijmegen
Hello,
My name is Maysoon Shibi, I'm a PhD student of Arabic literature at the School of Cultural Studies (TAU). I am writing this letter to everyone who is willing to hear about the experience of being a student at Radboud University in Nijmegen through the Erasmus+ Summer Program. I was one of the participants in the summer of 2018.
To tell the truth, I wasn't really sure about this experience before it started- I was mostly happy because I am visiting the Netherlands (not Holland- if you get the chance to go to Radboud University, the staff there will make sure to make clear the difference between the two with their first presentation ) for the first time. Eventually, I found out that it was a bigger experience than I've expected- it had a very big impact on me personally and academically.
Nijmegen is one of the most beautiful cities of the Netherlands, and the oldest. It is a historic place with marvelous architecture and beautiful streets. And since bikes are the basic transportation in this country, you will have a blast just wandering around in the streets (I rode the bike to Germany with a friend, which is something you should definitely try). Not to mention the Waal- the astonishing river that carries of the biggest cruises and cargo ships I have ever seen.
As for the university itself, it is wonderful. First, they will give you a bike for the whole program time, so you can ride it around all the time (it is not just for getting to the university). Second, the campus is located in a very beautiful area. Every morning, on your way to campus, you will get a glimpse of the life there. It is just a joy. Third, the courses are held in classes with small groups of students, where you can get to know all your colleagues who come from all around the world. In one of the courses that I have attended, we had students from Portugal, Montenegro, Germany, Estonia, and other countries. Thanks to the program, now I have got new friends.
Last but not least, the people there are always ready to help. They always ask you if everything is ok, and they always make sure you are having a wonderful time in their country. For them, you have to be as happy and comfortable as they are. So, get ready to see a lot of smiles!
I hope my experience encourages you to give it a try yourself.
Best of luck! Ms Maysoon Shibi PhD candidate, The School of Cultural Studies Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies Faculty of Humanities Tel-Aviv University Fellow of The Ariane de Rothschild Women Doctoral Program maisonsh@mail.tau.ac.il
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Photo 3 (photographer: Maysoon Shibi)
Photo 4 (photographer: Maysoon Shibi)