Studying in a foreign country is an exciting and challenging experience. For Mozhan, a Water Management student from Iran, the journey to HZ University of Applied Sciences was a leap of faith. However, through the support of the Student Success Centre (SSC) - a group of student buddies supporting the HZ community, Mozhan found more than just academic growth: she discovered an environment that helped her thrive.
From Iran to HZ
Mozhan’s decision to study at HZ was driven by a mix of intrigue and practicality. “When I was searching for universities, the Water Management program stood out. It was a completely new topic for me,” she explained. Beyond academics, the university’s environment captivated her. “I checked HZ on social media and was attracted by the professional atmosphere that I was seeing"
Feeling homesick
The transition to university life wasn’t without its struggles. Mozhan recalls feeling lonely and homesick during her first year. “I told my coach about how I was feeling, and she connected me with the Student Success Centre of HZ,” she said. The connection proved invaluable, as Mozhan’s buddy from SSC introduced her to other Persian students and offered a comforting presence. “Sometimes, just talking in my own language helped a lot,” she shared. The support went beyond addressing homesickness. “I was helped feeling more active in my student life,” Mozhan noted. “It’s reassuring to know there’s always someone to talk to.”
Personal growth through giving back
Inspired by the help she received, Mozhan decided to become a Student Buddy herself: ‘I wanted to share my positive experience so that others would not face the same difficulties as me.’ Helping first-year students with their challenges became a way for Mozhan to give something back while gaining self-confidence and building social contacts.
Becoming a buddy at SSC also changed Mozhan. ‘Because I am shy, it is difficult for me to make friends. But through the many activities organized for HZ students, I got in touch with fellow internationals from different courses,’ she says.
At HZ, you can find a support network
For Mozhan, the efforts HZ puts into supporting its students are essential. ''Thanks to the activities and the services that are out there for us at HZ, I made new friends and got a sense of belonging in this place'' - she says.
Her journey is testimony of the power of community and the importance of seeking assistance when needed. Through her experiences, Mozhan has not only grown as a student but also as a person, proving that with the right support, challenges can become opportunities for growth and connection.
