On exchange in Ghent, Tijl grows as an artist and as a person

In his second year of the Animation Design programme, Tijl first started seriously considering going on exchange. “I could also have done an internship, but that interested me less. I previously completed a vocational qualification in media design, where I gained quite a bit of experience with the practical side of the profession. Now I want to develop more on the artistic side. That’s why I chose ArtEZ University of the Arts: because creative and personal development are at the heart of the programme. You follow your own path, supported by tutors who have knowledge of and passion for their field. And by fellow students who share the same drive.”

Tijl was curious to find out where else he could find this kind of artistic inspiration. “Two enthusiastic tutors put KASK in Ghent on my radar. I also heard some great stories from alumni about the atmosphere and facilities at KASK, including a cinema. All of that really appealed to me. So I decided to go on exchange to Ghent in my third year.”

Arranging an exchange can be quite challenging, Tijl says. “It’s a fairly individual process, because you decide for yourself where you want to go and which courses you want to take. It’s also quite intense, because you have to apply to the institution abroad and then wait to find out whether you’ve been accepted. But Student Affairs at ArtEZ can help you with things like applying for an Erasmus+ grant.” The grant provides financial support towards the costs of living abroad.

Tijl also received help finding accommodation. “Through HOGENT, the institution KASK is part of, I’m now staying in the room of a Ghent student who is temporarily studying abroad herself.”

In Ghent, Tijl is taking courses from the second year of the animation programme. “It was quite exciting joining as a new student. And then I was half an hour late for my very first class. The time had been changed, but I’d missed the email ...,” he says. “Luckily, I was welcomed with open arms. People here are so friendly, open and driven. I also push myself not to retreat into my shell, but to join others for a drink, for example, or explore the medieval city together. That’s how I discovered how much is going on here!”

The institute itself is lively too, says Tijl. “It’s a huge building that houses several different programmes. So there’s always something happening, which I really enjoy. One day there’s a fancy-dress party organised by the fashion students, the next someone is creating an installation in the garden. Every morning, I wonder what KASK is going to surprise me with that day.”

At KASK, animation students take more theoretical courses than they do at ArtEZ, Tijl has noticed. “I particularly enjoy the classes on narrative strategies. They’re really interesting and relevant to filmmaking. It’s opening up a whole new world for me.”

Tijl continues: “Another big plus for me is that we regularly have classes in the cinema. We also show each other the films we’re working on there. It’s so cool. Ten years from now, I’m definitely going to remember this: seeing my film on that huge screen.”

Tijl is taking several courses and working on different projects at KASK. “On top of that, I’m working on an animated film project throughout the entire semester. That’s longer than the projects I’ve worked on at ArtEZ so far, so it does require quite a lot from me. It’s teaching me to think more carefully about planning. That experience will come in handy when I return to Zwolle and spend a year working on my own graduation film.”

Overall, Tijl is having a very positive experience on his exchange. “I’m growing through this, both as a maker and as a person. I now know that I can find my way in a new environment. More than that, even! I’ve gained new ideas, made friends for life, and I’ll be heading back to Zwolle with a backpack full of inspiration.”

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This story is part of a series about studying abroad. Read the stories of Anne-Roos Albers, Messa Mouha en Freek Domburg. Interested in going on exchange too? Find all the steps here.