Testimonials

​Testimonial by Carlos & Patricia​

I started working as a researcher for the Rice Research Institute in the Philippines after obtaining a B.Sc. in Agriculture in my home country. I soon learned that studying a master abroad would not only strengthen my knowledge and personal growth but also create more interesting job opportunities. I heard through friends of the VLIR-UOS scholarship and that’s how I ended up studying the two-year M.Sc. in Physical Land Resources (specialisation Soil Science) at Ghent University.

During my studies I learned about the Advanced Master Think Water. Being already an expert in soil management, I was really taken by this programme as it focuses on water management. Becoming an expert on both soil and water management and take this expertise back to the Philippines became my goal. I had no scholarship to support studying this advanced master though, so I started saving money. It was difficult, but somehow I managed.

The level of education is much higher compared to what I was familiar with in the Philippines. As an international student, you need to work hard and be really motivated. There are a lot of lectures and the university has a two semester system. This means you have less exam periods compared to a module system but more to study for each exam!

Excursions to e.g. wastewater treatment plants are part of the programme. I appreciate the exposure as it helped to widen my perspective. I could experience how theory is put into practice. This will make it easier for me to transport the knowledge I acquired back to the Philippines.

In the second semester an intensive and international course on integrated water management (Case River 21) was organised. Working with students from other universities/countries with different backgrounds was a truly great experience.

It helps to make an effort to get to know other students (both international and Belgian) as it is not easy having to face everything on your own. Having a part-time job helped me to get to know other people. I noticed I often had to take the first step to interact with Belgians. It’s an advantage if you are familiar with the culture, regulations, way of life of Flanders/Belgium. Belgians often prefer international people to conform with their way of living. But don’t hesitate to take the initiative or ask for help as most people are eager to offer a helping hand.