Interview | Answering the Unasked Questions [6/6]
Deciding to pursue an Advanced Masters at Solvay Brussels School is a big decision. Luckily, there’s plenty of information available about the programme, what classes you need to take, who the teachers are, etc.
But what about those questions that keep you up at night? You know, the questions that you feel might be a bit too “silly” to ask: What will my classmates be like? What’s there to do in Brussels? Will I like the programme?
Guess what? Everybody has the same questions! But as nobody seems to be asking them, we decided to do the asking for you!
Today we sit down with Dimitra Pappa, an Advanced Masters student from Greece with a background in medicine.
Solvay: What was your biggest fear about enrolling in the Advanced Masters programme?
Dimitra: The fear started the moment I sent off my application, where every day I wondered whether I would be accepted or not. As you can imagine, every step and every mail just sent my stress level higher. But then I met Bruno Wattenbergh, the programme director, during the final interview and I immediately knew I was in the right place. It was like chatting with a friend. His vibe, the questions, our discussion – all of it made me realise that not only was this something I really wanted to do, but that I felt good just imagining myself at Solvay. One week later I found out that I was accepted and had been approved for a scholarship – I must have been the happiest person on earth!
Fast-forward one week before courses started and once again fear came knocking at my door: ‘Am I going to be good enough for this programme,’ I wondered? ‘Maybe not having a business background would make it too hard for me?’ ‘Am I going to make new friends?’
What’s the most exciting part of studying at Solvay Brussels School?
Having the opportunity to meet and cooperate with so many different people, backgrounds, cultures, languages, and ways of thinking.
On the night before your first day of class, what kept you awake at night?
Nothing, I was just too excited to meet my new friends!
What was your best experience so far?
The kick-off day and the Christmas party we organised – we had so much fun!
As for the kick-off day, I must admit that at first it was a little strange to go for dinner with so many people you don’t know. It was nice that they had us change groups every 40 minutes to make sure we had a chance to meet everyone. This, along with the after party at a nearby café, really helped break the ice!
By the time we got to the Christmas party later in the year, everyone knew everyone. We prepared food and all of us brought drinks and we spent the evening eating, dancing, and playing games. We also had our AMISM Awards and did a Secret Santa gift exchange. What a night!
What advice would you give to someone considering the programme?
Go for it! I can guarantee that it will be one of the best experiences of your life.
What’s the best part of getting to live and study in Brussels?
The diversity. In terms of different cultures, nationalities, people, languages, and food, you’ll never feel bored in Brussels. Plus, there are just so many events. Brussels is the Mecca of Music, with festivals, live shows, clubs, and DJs happening all the time.
Solvay Brussels School and the city of Brussels are very international. With so many different languages and cultures, have you ever found yourself ‘lost in translation’?
No, not at all. Actually, it is because of its diversity that I have never felt like a foreigner.
When not studying, what’s your favourite activity to do or place to go in Brussels?
Walking and discovering new neighbourhoods, drinking double Americanos and eating a lemon cake at TICH, my favourite café. And of course, going out with friends to discover a new bar and try a different beer.
If you had to pick just one, would it be waffles, frites, or chocolate?
Waffles from the track guy in front of Magritte Museum, I have become friends with the owner!
Want to learn more about our Advanced Masters Programmes? Join our next online info sessions:
REGISTER HERE
READ OUR OTHER TESTIMONIALS:
→ Lena Schiller, an Advanced Masters student from Germany.
→ Ramsey Chahine, an Advanced Masters student from the USA.
→ Yan Christiaens, an Advanced Masters student from Belgium.