Xiang van der Boon on exchange in Bilbao: ‘A unique opportunity to step outside your comfort zone’
Xiang van der Boon, a third-year Law and Tax Law student, went to Bilbao in 2025 to study at the University of Deusto for five months. She learned a lot about herself: ‘Living abroad showed me it's important to make time to relax.’
What was it like studying at a different university?
I thought it was really cool and great fun to study at another university. It was interesting to see how the system works there and the differences compared to the Netherlands. What struck me most was that the atmosphere was far less focused on performance than I’m used to in Leiden. Here, the emphasis is often on always doing well, getting high grades, and moving on quickly. There, I noticed they also make time for other things. That more relaxed way of doing things really appealed to me.
How do you look back on the exchange?
It was a very positive experience. I’d even go so far as to say that I had the time of my life there! Not only do you learn a lot about a new culture, you also get to know yourself better. For me, it was the first time I’d left home and so it was a big step going abroad. Living with seven others took some getting used to, but it went surprisingly well. I noticed that I could adapt quite quickly.
Bilbao was also a positive surprise as a city. Three years ago, I’d never heard of it. When I landed, I thought: ‘Is this Spain?’ Everything was so green and it was raining a lot – a bit like the Netherlands! People there see themselves more as Basques (people from the Basque region, Ed.) than Spanish and they very much have their own culture. It felt really special to be a part of all their traditions and festivities.
An exchange can be a big step outside your comfort zone. How did you find it?
It all went really well actually, though there were times that I found it hard going. In the beginning everything was new and great fun. You soon get to know lots of people. But after a while, I got into a bit of a rut. Especially after long days at the university, I didn’t have the energy to be very sociable. Sometimes I also felt a bit unsure of myself. I wondered if I’d meet more new people and if the people I’d already met were right for me.
One thing that helped a lot was an information session I went to in Leiden beforehand when they explained that during an exchange you often go through a kind of cycle: first a period of enthusiasm, then a slight dip, and then everything’s fine again. That was my experience exactly. After the dip, it felt like I was experiencing a second exchange: I was more aware of what gave me energy, had settled in really well and was having lots of fun. It was definitely a big step outside my comfort zone, but also a valuable experience that taught me a lot.
Was it easy to fit in with the other students?
Generally speaking, it wasn’t a problem fitting in – especially with the other international students. It was slightly harder when it came to the local Basques because they can be quite reserved. Fortunately, the university had a buddy system that put me in touch with a local student who’d been in Leiden before. She really helped me settle in and was always available which was great.
What did you gain from the exchange?
It may sound cliché, but realising that life’s too short to only be about what you ‘have to do’ and not what you’d ‘like to do’ really got me thinking. I’m trying to hold on to that more relaxed mindset here in the Netherlands.
Would you recommend that other students go on an exchange?
I’d definitely recommend it for everyone! An exchange is a unique opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, get to know yourself, make new friends and experience a different culture. It is exciting, but I think it can be a valuable experience for everyone.
Interested in going on an exchange?
Would you like to go on an exchange in the autumn of 2026 or the spring of 2027? Then register before midnight on 10 January 2026.
More information is available here!
