The downside of studying at Minerva

[@sassygrass8646]

Who got this in their recommended and also watch unjadedjade?

[@ottaviazwillenberg3168]

Sassy Grass meee

[@stick7884]

mhm

[@guidzoe6258]

Mee

[@TaraGruette]

meeeee

[@wallmaria6867]

Same

[@TheHollyChronicle]

It’s so nice hearing both sides of Minerva and not just the positives

[@funastacia]

Omg. I felt so... inadequate about feeling scared, uncomfortable, stressed out leaving home, leaving Europe, moving to the US, attending Harvard. Isn't it THE dream, shouldn't I be MORE excited? This video made me feel normal. Thank you, Dinara! Hold on there, it gets better. I've been over here for almost a week now and it gets better every day. I think the problem is that in our society we act as if those feelings are not normal, as if they were a sign of weakness, and it makes it only harder. "Is this not for me?". Yes, it is for us, and also it's ok to be sad and scared. HUGS

[@user-bi5gh8no6q]

Hi, I want to go to University in the US (i live in England) and was wondering if you have any tips on getting into one as prestigious as Harvard?

[@irynaheichuk5389]

Omg, I felt the same way

[@Sophie-io5kv]

@@user-bi5gh8no6q I hope you got in!

[@mnikon944]

me coming from your channel, after the video about this college

[@merlokiii]

I feel the same. I'm Swiss and I'm studying in another country. I wanted to "escape" for some years from my home, however now I realized that I can't live far away from my family and I love Switzerland, it's so beautiful. I think it is good to travel and make new experiences, but after that I want to go back home 😌

[@pageandme2101]

Merloki❧ heii 🤗 ich chumo öi üsur Schwiz🙊. Wa bisch dä dü?🤗

[@merlokiii]

pageandme Ticino 😌 Ah, I feel the need to learn German/Schwiizerdütsch 🙈

[@merlokiii]

La vie en NOIR ROSE you will, and you will appreciate everything from home thanks to your experience 🇨🇭

[@Ayaah9999]

Oh my god, you want to leave Switzerland. It's my dream country.

[@merlokiii]

La vie en NOIR ROSE tessinoise :) je parle italien

[@youtuber-tv6qu]

So honest and mature! I needed to hear this because I'm already homesick thinking about going to study abroad for the first time next week even though I'm grateful! Thank you!!

[@ciareenie]

wow thats amazing good luck! x

[@youtuber-tv6qu]

@@ciareenie Thank you!!

[@Sanneonedirection]

Hey! Just wanted to let you go that everything will be fine. I went abroad for a semester a year ago and I felt SO home sick. It got so bad I didn't even want to go anymore even though I had wanted to live in the UK my entire life. I cried a lot at the airport, then cried almost every single time I was alone during the first week. But you just have to pull through!!! After a week I had met amazing people, got to go on really cool trips and the UK already started to feel like home. Of course I still missed my family and friends from time to time, but I always feel like home sickness is mostly related to being in an environment that's unfamiliar and the great thing is that, over time, your new home abroad will feel familiar too. I honestly now feel home sick for the home I had in the UK! So yeah, my point is that it's okay to feel home sick, but that you will be okay and studying abroad will really be the best time of your life. Good luck!

[@youtuber-tv6qu]

@@Sanneonedirection Thank you for your kind words, it genuinely means a lot to me that you took the time out of your day to tell me about your own experience. All seems a little less scary now!

[@Sanneonedirection]

@@youtuber-tv6qu Of course! It would have made me feel so much better if someone had told me that it's normal to feel this way, but that everything will be fine, so if I can help someone else, I'll gladly spend some time helping a stranger on the internet :)

[@louiseparis791]

In France there is an expression that says "the finish line is often the starting line"

[@trylinguist7629]

Wow I've never heard of that but I love it

[@severine5310]

C'est pas une expression, c'est des paroles d'Orlesan ça 🤔

[@louiseparis791]

Séverine PERRIN vraiment ?😯 je pensais que c’était une expression que j’ai lu plusieurs fois sur les réseaux 😅, c’est dans quelle chanson ?

[@Dinaraxyz]

Love this

[@hiimluchi6716]

In Russian there is the same expression that says “when one door closes, the new one opens” or “every endings are new beginnings of something”

[@stellamia6476]

Can relate so much! I'm from Germany and after 19 years of living there I felt like it was boring and so decided to study in the UK. Didn't take me long to realise how much I love/miss my home and ut was always hard to go back to the UK after christmas holidays because I would have much rather stayed in Germany. I've now finished my bachelor of laws in the UK and have just moved back to germany and will continue studying at a uni 40min from my family. I finally know where I belong, but it took me 4 years to fully be able to appreciate it. ☺️

[@Dinaraxyz]

It's amazing that you've realized where you feel you belong.❤️

[@Voldemorti]

I had a similar experience in a way. I'm also from Germany and I also go to uni in the UK. I studied in Scotland for a year and dropped out in 2017, because I absolutely hated it. I missed home, I was so incredibly homesick, I hated the city I lived in and I just wanted to be back home with my friends and family. So I dropped out and moved back. That was two years ago. In those two years, I solo backpacked Oceania, parts of Asia, and Europe, and worked several jobs. I was so afraid to leave home again because I was afraid that I would have a terrible time, but it ended up being the best time of my life. So I decided to go back to uni this year - back to Scotland. And honestly - I love it. I love every minute of it and I am so grateful to be here. I am excited to go back home as well, but I don't miss home in the slightest and I genuinely enjoy every single day here. It is the same uni, the same city, but I guess the thing that changed is me. Just to show someone out there who might feel the same way, that it can also end in a positive way :)

[@user-jk4jj4nm1q]

@@Voldemorti That was so interesting to read. Could you tell kind of what exactly changed in you that made you appreciate the same place more and miss home less? Do you think it was the travel that you needed, or more time spent home? Sorry if this is an annoying question, I'm just leaving home soon too.

[@Voldemorti]

@@user-jk4jj4nm1q To be honest, it's hard to pinpoint, but I would definitely say that traveling helped me. I've always wanted to take a gap year after high school but then I was too scared to actually go through with it, and after I dropped out I was scared that I would hate traveling, just as I hated uni. But then I just did it and it turned out amazing. I met so many great people, I learned to be on my own and be happy on my own, and I think that really helped me coming back to uni. I'm a lot more confident now - I am putting myself out there, I joined sport teams and societies, and went to cooking classes and film nights. I didn't do any of that the first time around because I was just not confident enough I think. I'd say I'm pretty secure in who I am and I know what I want and I appreciate having the opportunity to go to uni. I miss traveling so much, but I'm already planning to go somewhere in the summer break. I don't know if this helps, I guess it is super specific and individual. :)

[@user-jk4jj4nm1q]

@@Voldemorti It is helpful, thank you! :)

[@audiofandoms]

thank you for your words. your vulnerability inspires me, and i hope that you can find home, no matter where you are. xx

[@Dinaraxyz]

thank you Audrey❤️

[@annabiggs3999]

Girl I completely get you! I think as we get older we appreciate the security of our home towns which don't change, because we change so much while we are away. But we are like birds leaving the nest to fly! I'm also going to Canada for a year and feel bad leaving my dearest behind. But also excited to go and make the most of it :D Nice to know we aren't the only ones feeling like this

[@wan-ligibson8156]

I totally relate to this. I love travelling and visit new places all the time and while I feel really lucky to have these opportunities, it is totally exhausting taking yourself everywhere and meeting new people and missing a constant sense of home. It's super important to take time to be grateful but also to take time to feel your feelings and understand why you feel the way you do. Thanks for making this video.

[@samueldelaet3626]

It’s so heartening to see that other people struggle with those feelings too. I’m moving abroad next week for college and it’s been really hard to deal with the feeling of leaving my friends and family 9000km away from me. Thank you so much for sharing! You are an amazing human being! 💕✨🌸

[@itssangiex]

I have studied in 2 different cities from my hometown in order to follow my dream and it made me appreciate my family and hometown so much more! Now I want to come back because it is so beautiful here and yeah, I can relate to you even though I still live in the same country. Just know that your feelings are valid and we understand and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us 💛

[@Jenskulii99]

I don't go to a university abroad but I understand your point. I have lived in the same town for 20 years, it is a quiet and a small town with a lot of nature and forests around it. I have lived in the same room my entire life. Everyone knows each other here and it is really safe. Now I am moving 6h drive away alone because of a university I was accepted into. The idea of leaving this town terrifies me. Leaving my comfort zone terrifies me. -Love from Finland❤️

[@aena5995]

Which uni in finland? I was thinking about applying to alto uni or uni of helsinki , are they good? Do they have alot of international students or do ppl speak english in finland so i wouldnt feel this whole homesickness feeling since i would be literally going half way around the world but i am not sure whether finland is good or germany,france,canada? Thoughts?

[@Jenskulii99]

@@aena5995 Everywhere in Finland people speak English really well so no worries about that and you can study in English here for some majors. I got accepted into University Of Eastern Finland to study geography and environmental politics. Both universities Helsinki and Aalto are good ones, but extremely overrated and hard to get into. So don't just look at those unis if you really want to study in Finland, there are so many other unis that are just as good. And pretty much every university in Finland have a lot of international / exchange students! Hopefully you'll consider applying here, Finland is a great country to study in 👍🇫🇮😊

[@mayamelles]

I really wanted to hug you! I TOTALLY understand what you are talking about. The feeling of home (friends, privacy, family, familiarity, etc.) can be so SO SO beautiful and comforting. You are not alone in this. I am very glad you talked about how you are feeling, because when I went abroad I felt so alone in missing home. A big virtual hug from me! I truly believe you will do great and you will thrive!

[@abdullahdelab1075]

Who's here from UnJaded Jade?

[@iRosati]

Me!! I have been doing research to see if Jade is actually wasting her time

[@alexhika]

My experience is not comparable to yours in term of stability (I moved to London 7 years ago, so I have a pretty well-established life here), but this video is incredibly relatable! I find it really hard to believe somone could see you as ungrateful, you've expressed your feelings so clearly and honestly, anyone (even if they haven't experienced it for themselves) will be able to sympathise

[@Dinaraxyz]

Love that mantra ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@ximenasoares12]

That is a very mature approach! Thank you so much for sharing that with us! I believe being sad is a part of life, and embracing it, feeling it and letting it go is the healthiest way to cope. It is so nice to hear you say you feel accepted around your family, it is so important to have a group in which you feel like you truly belong. It definitely builds you up to set your boundaries in outside relationships, which is amazing. I am truly happy you have it!

[@emmadavina]

You have no idea how much I needed this right now! Thank you so much.

[@studywithanna]

I just found your channel and I’m so glad I did. I lived in England for 13 years and decided to study for 5 years in Poland. So I’ve survived my first year, but wow it was tough. It’s been such a sad and heartbreaking time in my life. So much homesickness SO MUCH, my mental health has got so bad. I could relate to like this whole video. ❤️ this is a very overwhelming time. “Different life’s” I can relate. I’m so HAPPY I’ve stumbled upon this video, it’s like a hug watching this, that someone out there has also been feeling like this, that I’m not alone. Sending you SO MUCH LOVE ❤️❤️❤️ I wish I could hug you. It’s going to be ok. We’re going to be okay!!!! 💖💗

[@Dinaraxyz]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your feelings are valid and it'll get better. Sending you love✨❤️✨❤️✨❤️

[@peter-thinks]

Big applause for your courage in sharing your deep and personal thoughts. I really empathized with the last three things you pointed out at the end and home being a compass. See you soon Dinara! :)

[@Dinaraxyz]

I'm late on this but thank you Peter :)

[@yasmintimol3357]

Such a relatable feeling. I study in the UK but I am currently on holiday at home in Mauritius and I feel the same.

[@黒たまご-x5m]

Thank you for picking up this topic. I did see again that we need to figure out not only positive sides to get into Minerva but also kind of negative aspects. a lot of thank you and I love you ❤️

[@studywithanna]

I forgot to add, the reminders of home are tough. (I sadly can’t ever go back to my ‘home’) but find some happy things in your new life. these feelings will pass. I love your whole outlook on this. you’ll be okay. “Good reasons to be sad” I’ve never heard that before, thank you for making those sad moments sound good. that’s something I need to do more in my life. 💗💗💗💗

[@agnieszkarekawek4414]

I am yet to make a decision about whether I want to study in the UK and leave my country for around 6 years if not more... I can already tell that the homesickness is gonna be the hardest part of it and honestly don't know if it's worth it but studying abroad is also one of my biggest dreams... Guess I'll have to figure it out, thank you for sharing your story and your emotions with us x

[@VaryaCreateVA]

I can relate so much, Dinara! When I was 15, I went to Ireland and studied there for the next three years. I was so excited to go there. The funny thing is I was that goofy child as well and this made me so uncomfortable. I just wasn't used to meeting new people and making small conversations. It was so tough. It really is overwhelming getting out of your comfort zone. But this is what makes us stronger and more unique! Dinara, I admire your work and can fully understand you. Regardless of how hard it is, you should look at it from the other side. We are with you. Stay strong!

[@celinefuchs4095]

Dear Dinara, Thank you so much for sharing this. It is such an important message, and I believe many people need to hear it. While I never had as dynamic of an experience as that which Minerva offers, I just spent a year teaching abroad and am about to do it again in a new place, and while I am also very excited, I will be sad and very reluctant to leave home, where I will have only spent a few weeks. In my travels and studies (I also spent a semester abroad a couple of years ago) I’ve met so many people who are ready to leave home, and several who said they missed home but rarely someone who truly felt (or at least conveyed) a deep attachment and love of home that made traveling and experiencing new things so difficult. It has sometimes made me question the importance of the little things, even though I know importance is not being misplaced when given to them, no matter how small. I am so happy you have such an amazing home, and wish you all the best as you continue your journey, with home waiting to welcome you when you return. Céline

[@oliviabemis-driscoll834]

Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty about your situation and I am glad that you are able to acknowledge a balanced view of your experiences with Minerva. This video really helped me to reflect on my own experiences growing up in a constantly shifting international community, where I have in a sense developed the opposite problem that you have. I have no one place to call my home, and I find myself getting frustrated when I remain in one place or have similar experiences for an extended period of time. Thank you once again for all of your exceptionally thoughtful videos! ❤️❤️

[@faq5011]

Thank you for this video. I’m brazilian, lived my whole life there, next to my family, my friends, my dog (next to every person I know), probally the people watching this video don’t know how the sistem for getting in college works in Brazil but its really difficult and it sucks a lot. I’ve always wanted to go to med School and even though I tried reaally hard in my country I couldnt get in college, these past 3 yrs were the most difficult in my life. In the beggining of this year I moved to Argentina where I live now, I study medicine now and it’s everything that I always wanted BUT here’s the thing: I’m far from everyone that I know, of course I met amazing people in here but I feel so lonely most of the time and it’s soooo hard... when you said in 5:08 “I have to say goodbye again” I felted it because I know exactly how it feels, I moved country to follow my dream but I had to grow up a lot (I’m 20), learn a new language even though spanish is similar to portuguese, learn a different culture and have to deal with meeting new people and a lot of other stuff, I miss my dog so much, my parents, my siblings, my friends, etc. I writed a lot more than I thoght I would hahaha.... I just want to say that I’m really grateful for this video because I needed to hear those words... I hope you read this 🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@lirijasejdi4746]

Hey my dear, those feelings you have, are totally normal, and I also think that it's good that you feel that. As you said, nobody can be happy the hole time. As you said, meeting new people, new cultures and cities is very exiting and cool, but it's also a lot energyconsuming and so can be hard as well. Logically, when I visit my fam I never want to leave again, when I'm finally there, although I already know the date when I'll be back again. This is totally fine and totally normal! Take this feeling of love with you when you leave for Germany, it'll give you the strength and energy you need for the next semester! Good luck and success in Berlin, and if you come for a weekend to Switzerland, let me know! :-)

[@elizabethd7551]

i've recently moved and started a-levels (basically two last school years) in the uk. i rally worked hard to get there because in my country the education level is not so high and i wanted to get further. i am grateful for my parent for working with me, but there are downsides, too. i love england and everything about it, it is just a really big amount of work, stress, and, of course, loneliness, especially when you're around of people who know each other. good luck to you and hope you'll get better xx

[@MyZoe007]

“Basically my thesis is” really a true uni student

[@eloiselily9514]

thank you for opening up to us, we all love you. have fun in Berlin! ich liebe Berlin und du wirst zu!💘

[@meowmeow646]

I'm an Indian student and in a couple years (3-4) I plan on moving to the US for University and man am I excited to start that life! But… I'm scared. Scared of living alone on the other side of the planet. Probably living alone. Probably with no friends. I don't even wanna think about all the negative aspects of my life there. I'm gonna try and prep myself on all levels for that in these few years that I have left at home and hope that all goes well! Also, good luck with your future and I'm sure you can do well! Love you!

[@crazyone978]

thank youu, this video showed your raw emotion and how it feels to be homesick and living everyday like its your last

[@yourstruly7086]

This side of abroad studying is so important for students who are still young and want to study far away from home. Studying abroad sounds like fun (and it is) but it also takes an emotional toll on you. Being away from your hometown, your friends, and your family is really challenging. There’s also the language and culture barriers. If you want to study far away just make sure it truly makes you happy and you’re not only doing it to escape.

[@yonikircheva6697]

You are such an inspiration Dinara! Not only with the fact that you study at Minerva, get to travel, meet new people etc...but with your honesty also.

[@ianthebee8158]

I’m so proud of you! Never forget who you are and what you want x ❤️🌻❤️

[@whatsophissaying3213]

Thank you for this. I really needed this video. I recently moved away from my family, and I have come in from a night out feeling very homesick. Thank you SO much xxxxxx

[@NiamhAllStar21]

I go to uni in the uk and I thought I would be %100 ready for it as I moved around when I was younger. But truly going out on your own is different and you have to allow yourself to feel the things you need to feel

[@svenjameiner9532]

Hey. It is so brave of you to share this experience with KZbin. I just found your video cause I am thinking about applying to Minerva. Thank you for also showing me this side. And btw i am from Berlin and I think you will love it. It is amazing

[@merihirvonen527]

hey thank you for this video! i've been living abroad two years now and it's always so bittersweet to leave my home country so i can totally relate

[@nourhanalex1824]

That was very real and that part of minerva or of studying abroad in general is rarely shown and because I want to study abroad in the future I watched soon many videos of people exploring and enjoying their journey and that is what I want to do but now I am thinking about do I REALLT want to leave home ,my family ,my friends for just my joy I feel so selfish right now.I mean who I going to take care of my parents (I am not an only child but I can't count on mu elder brother) so I am really lost right now. Wow that was a lot of personal information shared on the Internet.

[@haniehfaani7254]

Yes and that is the lesson. Nothing is absolute in this life. Even Newtons first law states that for everything you gain you have to lose something in return. So only people like Dinera who acknowledge and accept these exchanges will eventually grow for the better and win in life. So guys accept both the pain and both the happiness. Love you all

[@salmamahili8666]

I feel the same now kinda I need this video Dinara be strong I'm really happy that there is people talking about their feelings I love you Dinara

[@zoesm8435]

Having the courage to and strength to make the decision to live abroad doesn't make you some superior being. It makes you strong but you will still want to pack up and go home sometimes. I have been living and studying in Berlin for 2 years now and been away from home for 3 and yeah sometimes i have a lot of doubts about choosing this life. I feel like i cant talk to my family and friends from home about it because they didn't support my decision to move in the first place and if i start to complain about anything in my life in Berlin they pull me down and say that it was my choice . I feel like i need to love it or im a fraud. Most people don't understand that yes while i love Berlin and would chose this path again. sometimes its really hard and i wish i lived back home. Thanks for having the courage to say that it isn't everything that people make it out to be.

[@notevenme0507]

I'll move to a different city to study film, and i'm honestly both exited and scared. I've living in this small town my whole life, i know the streets, the people, the smells, i know this place by heart and i feel safe and comfortable here where I am. Here's my grandmother, my sister, people I deeply care for and I'm scared of leaving and not being here whenever they need or whenever I need them. But my dreams are out there, my chance to grow and get myself a future. Is a bigger city, a different place with bnew smells, new streets, a clogged metro station and a chaotic lifestyle that i'm not used to. Is only 3 hrs away from my home but growing up in a small island, 3hrs is a lot. I'll get to see my family on the holidays, but i'm so scared, sad, sometimes angry. But I need to embrace the change, follow my dreams and take the chance while I still can. Thank you so much for this video and the way you opened up. You're so brave.

[@magdeleensnyman8608]

Heyy, I live in Berlin for 3years now, and I think you will love Berlin. Berlin is a open-minded, chilled place and the people are every nice and friendly. I would love to meet you! I am in high school in Berlin and would love to be your friend here. I am from South Africa and I have moved around a lot and I know what you are feeling! Love you videos!!

[@bisschenglueck4958]

Thank you for this wonderful honest video! I totally understand what you're talking about. One thing I can tell you is that you should realize one thing: You will always be able to come back to Moscau, and things will always be quite similar to how you have left them. But the cites you're going to see and the cities you already saw, they will be different when you see the again. You won't be studying, you won't be there with the same people, you won't live in the same flat, ... Embrace everything, enjoy the ride.

[@pixxie643]

I love traveling for two reason: 1. Going out and seeing the world, having new experiences. The feeling of seeing something new for the first time and being completely struck because you've never experienced anything like it. but also 2. There are few feelings like coming back home after weeks or even months of being abroad. Seeing something for the thousandth time but it's something that you've missed, it feels like a warm hug. I don't know, it's hard to explain but I just love the feeling of coming home.

[@Chococupcake1231]

I have a sandwich year in Japan for my course and this video just made me miss home... even though I'm going in 2 years. Thank you for being real about studying abroad!! Good luck with your travels in the future 💚

[@jaaaaaaannnne9112]

I’m so glad I saw this, I’m moving to Scotland today for university having never been there and I’m very excited and I’m not nervous about going but I’m nervous about missing my home and my family and my cat❤️

[@annayuryeva9326]

I feel you girl!!!

[@Dinaraxyz]

Love you!

[@2103rbhbkk]

Обожаю твои душевные видео! Ты так спокойно и приятно рассказываешь. Просто очаровательно!

[@Dinaraxyz]

Люблю!

[@nyctophilia-aaa]

dinara I'm just so incredibly happy that I stumbled upon your channel your videos just make me so happy even these sadish ones.

[@EllisGirlsFashion]

Hey! Thanks for sharing this personal story :) I think it is good to hear the other side sometimes and I totally recognize what you are saying. I myself love to travel and put myself constantly in these new situations abroad but it can come with pressure and is emotionally draining sometimes. I guess what I'm saying is, sometimes it is just good to show the bad side and just let it be.. life is not always only a happy rollercoaster. Lots of love and I hope you enjoy Berlin!:)

[@VicvicW]

It must be even scarier considering you’re going round countries you don’t even talk the language of.

[@anik6485]

I‘m from Berlin and when u said u were coming here that got me soo excited lol

[@aliciaamelie7912]

Me too

[@Dinaraxyz]

Should we do a meet up?❤️

[@aliciaamelie7912]

@@Dinaraxyz That would be amazing!

[@lenasophii7815]

Annika vb sameeee

[@Alithea282]

thank you. really thank you, cause you are such an inspiring human being and you always make me see things from different perspectives. I am in a VERY similar situation and my head is like one big mess with so different thoughts exploding in every possible way. I believe we can make it through this and something even better will come, but till then, thank you for your kindness and positivity and beautiful soul and hope you'll find happiness where ever you are, what ever you are doing, cause you deserve it.

[@ДиляГоворит]

Динара, черт возьми, прямо в сердце. С четырнадцати до девятнадцати лет я училась в английской школе, и после выпускного я поняла, что сгорела. У меня не было никакого желания двигаться дальше, учиться, думать о будущем. И я взяла gap year, чтобы побыть с семьей, впитать родной город и понять, чего хочу от себя. И даже этого года было мало. Мне кажется, что нет смысла жалеть себя или об упущенных возможностях. Это часть взросления, и будь то не переезд, было бы что-то другое. Всегда. У нас нет возможности выбирать эмоции, через которые мои проходим, но у нас есть возможность выбирать, что будет источником этих самых эмоций ❤️

[@emilykwok4044]

Please do a try on everything in your closet video ! I love your style and thank you so much for your positivity, this video was so real, raw and relatable thank you so much dinara❤️

[@joshmakesdrinksandjokes]

This! I felt this so much! I’m just about to leave berlin after studying here for a summer, and I’m going to be home for 2 days before going to college again, and I can’t wait to be home for even a bit. I didn’t expect to miss it so much but after spending a year studying and away from home, it’s hitting me for sure

[@lauverano8288]

WOW! i cant believe it. i am in the exact same situation and i understand you soo well! i have also gone on exchange at the age of 16 and i wasnt scared at all, i was just excited. now at the age of 20 i have gone on a study abroad and i just wasn’t as excited but more concerned than when i was younger. i got used to the life with my family for one month and i loved it so much so its a lot harder than expected to be away from them. i thought i was super weird for feeling that way cause its been my dream to go to this city for soo long! but having heard your story now i feel so much better and more normal 😄 thanks for sharing dinara :)

[@sjwells04]

I get what you mean. I got the major travel bug when I was seventeen and spent a year and a bit travelling - and then right at the end I felt an overwhelming pull to come home. Travelling is great but I found I did get a bit lost and didn’t get treated very well, I didn’t feel grounded anymore. Living at home again now is awesome and I appreciate it so much! I think especially when you come from a cool place like Moscow it’s harder because you know could have a good life there too. Just look after yourself, call home often and remember you are learning so much about yourself and what you want in life!

[@GeckoFM]

I'm about to travel to a few places that I know should be very fun but I'm feeling so freaking overwhelmed and stressed about how hectic everything will be. This came at a very good time and kinda made me feel less guilty about the whole thing so thank you!

[@sofia-ut3rc]

hi, i’m a russian 14 year old so my english kinda sucks but anyways! i watched your video about a day of a minerva student a while ago and now youtube recommended this video to me! i didn’t know you are russian too, and the fact that you are made me so much more confident in my dream (which is studying abroad), bc a lot of ppl tell me that i can’t do it lol. (that it’s impossible!) u seem like such a nice person! i just moved so i kind of understand that feeling u feel rn. i wish u all the best🥺💞 !! x

[@SuperRose]

I love this video so much and wish you the best!!!!!!!!!

[@Dinaraxyz]

rose thank you!! You too❤️

[@kris.candid]

Динара, мне так захотелось тебя поддержать, обнять и сказать, что все будет хорошо. Но ты и сама это знаешь, я слышу мысли здесь очень мудрой молодой девушки. И так здорово, что несмотря на грустные стороны этого опыта, ты продолжаешь идти вперёд. Мне только хочется сказать: 'keep going, girl! You can do it!' И спасибо тебе за искренность!

[@athirahkamsol]

i wish you the best of luck, truly this is just a phase and it will pass soon enough :))) take care of yourself and your mental health and remember it is definitely okay to cry if it is too hard

[@anastasiaramazzotti7323]

my degree is kind of like yours. I do an Erasmus Mundus degree in European Literature and I will be attending 3 universities in 2 years. I just moved to Thessaloniki Greece, where I'll start year 2 and it's hard. Over my 5 years of uni, I will have lived in 4 different cities (5 if you include my hometown). Like you, I've always stepped outside my comfort zone when it came to my academics. I sure know that feeling of "why am I even doing this" especially when my friends back home don't bother going very far to college. As I tried to word it to my parents, it's more like apprehension than real fear, because we know that everything is going to be alright. It's like standing on the 5m board and having to jump in the pool. However, even if it is scary (and said it in the video) we are so grateful when we then meet the people who share our lifestyle, who understand the struggles we might go through on somedays, how hard it can be to have to cook, do laundry, the groceries and then also attend classes, do homework and write essays. I've really come to appreciate the quote "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", we will always have something our friends who stayed home don't: international friendships, feeling home in more than just one country/city, knowing ourselves better even if that means we got almost lost in the process, and we are acing adulthood because of all these challenges! I wish you the very best of luck in Berlin! It's an amazing city, very dynamic and young with a awful lot of instagramable places and coffeeshops ;P

[@faustine8457]

This reminds me of the line I tell my friends whenever they tell me ‘but don’t you get homesick?’. I usually respond that I love traveling because I love to leave my country and I love to come back 🌸

[@AsheaBlack]

♥️♥️♥️ Also: congrats on your 10k!!!

[@ValiaS18]

These are such valuable lessons that you shared with us. Thank you.

[@lauramoreira4439]

im studying abroad and i feel the same way, this feeling of missing people and places is just somthing that i feel all the time now. When im in vancouver i miss my family in brazil when im in brazil i miss my friends and boyfriend in vancouver. its constant and it chips away at your energy sometimes.

[@boots484]

I wish you all the best! I live in Berlin since Birth so habe fun!!

[@haeyba]

🥺🥺💗 I’m wishing you all the best, you’re very brave to post this

[@amyv9312]

If you attend minerva, do you go to all these different countries with the same people (kindoff like one big travel group over the course of your university time)??

[@Melinda-xx8oe]

i mean if ppl just want to travel to 7 cities, it's not impossible to do it on their own vacations..? and i believe 3 months isn't long enough to understand a country thoroughly either. i've been to Japan 6 times over the years and lived in the US for two years, how can i say that i understand both countries thoroughly? its too short to get real benefits

[@sbm4235]

As an expat I totally agree with the fact that the longer you are away from home the more you miss it. You also start to idealize it and only remember the good things

[@corishim629]

hi everyone, what are some colleges that place emphasis on travel??

[@OT-uo8ws]

Who else cried watching this?😭

[@sofiaguseva2509]

Динара, это все настолько нормально, насколько может быть, вас растят лидерами, и лидер - это ежедневная нереальная нагрузка, и к ней, я так думаю, никогда не привыкнешь полностью, даже будучи зрелым. Дом - это замечательно, как и учеба в Минерве. Спасибо за честность

[@likaulianova8711]

Летом ездила в Германию буквально на 10 дней, и после этого настолько захотелось вернуться в Россию. Сейчас я даже представить себе не могу, как возможно учиться за рубежом несколько лет... Тебе удачи! Надеюсь, все будет в порядке)

[@sarastenmans5604]

That's probably my biggest fear about Minerva... I was already on an student exchange for 6 and 4 month and it was an amazing experience, especially for my personal growth, but I also missed the birth of my niece, my parents are quite "old" and I just love my big family...I will see what the future holds for me ...send you lots of love here from Germany 💓

[@trapelove405]

It also scares me. In the future I really want to study in another country, but I have to improve my English before. But what about my parents, my home, all the things that I love? 😳😓

[@salvialamiaceae7640]

Только думала о том, чтобы в будущем учиться по этой программе Спасибо за видео Будь сильной, я в тебя верю

[@strawwberryyy]

this kinda makes me sad cause I've never had that kind of an experience in my hometown :( I'm starting university in a new city next week & I hope I'll find my people there but it's a bit scary to meet new people again

[@laurenleslie1080]

I didn't have that hometown experience until I went to university. I feel like my university town is my hometown and I made friends that feel like family. I hope it happens for you too! Put yourself out there!

[@trylinguist7629]

My dream is to go on an exchange to France and Moscow. Do you have any tips on how to make the most out of exchanges (e.g. how to meet more people)?

[@DIAMONDsamoo]

Depending on the person it’s not too unhealthy to block the bad out hope you find happiness

[@rimskiy_uchitel]

Спасибо за честность. Мне кажется, понимаю твои ощущения. После 11 класса я поступил в университет за 3,5 тыс.км от дома. Без друзей, семьи, родного города вытерпел только 1,5 года, а затем принял решение перевестись в Москву (домой). Ты большая молодец, что находишь в себе силы идти за целью до конца. Всего самого доброго :)

[@MA-uo9so]

Can someone plzz tell me universities like minerva that offer travelling in UK?

[@janainamoreiraa]

hey your video was very import to me to watch, because shows a different perspective of a dream that i really want to make it happen :) im from brazil, and im still learning english so sorry if i wrote something wrong lol

[@miagomora9019]

I just got to France for a semester abroad and this made me cry lol I miss my mom

[@khadijafayyaz6184]

Bon courage !!

[@miagomora9019]

Khadija Fayyaz merci beaucoup 🤗

[@luiselanka]

I loved this!

[@tastenklopper3038]

Hi, I am thinking of applying to Minerva and currently in Berlin. Is it possible to visit Minerva in berlin?

[@1sareta]

Its just not natural to have such experience, of course you're constantly stressed. Its fun to travel but its a mental test and you go through known process of adaptation which is painful. And yes noone appreciates home more than the one who lived abroad

[@inesabella1911]

Such a beautiful soul ♥️♥️

[@JacquelineBeaulieu]

Great video! I study higher education and love watching your videos to learn about Minerva as a new type of university. A question- from your perspective, what do you think would be the ideal amount of travel for a university with a Minerva-type setup/program? How many places would students go if you were designing this type of program yourself? How long would students stay? Do you think some students would benefit from going to a smaller number of places and staying longer?

[@madlaz5795]

Hi can you do a video of how we can get into Minerva and what we would need to make our application stand out x

[@beedledub]

Love you Dinara

[@Dinaraxyz]

I love you more ❤️

[@HaHa-jl3tf]

Hey! I’m a YES alumna that is considering applying to Minerva and I am wondering, how would you compare the homesickness and culture shock you felt while on the FLEX program, to that at Minerva?