Studying abroad is "More Than Studying" - it's about making new friendships, finding new hobbies, exploring yourself and pushing the boundaries! Vadim, being an Erasmus student, has collaborated with other international students to create a collection of soulful stories of stepping out of comfort zone, overcoming homesickness and bonding with people. If you what to know how we got the best out of international experience despite all the challenges, this podcast is for you! Please enjoy!
"More People - More Fun": A Recipe For Happiness, International Friends and Independence
In the More Than Studying podcast, we've been exploring the experience of international students. This episode looks at the other side of the coin: together with local student Victor, we try to understand how international students are seen by locals. What can we do to connect with each other? Does it even matter?
Victor has lived in Belgium his entire life, but for his master's program, he took a small step outside his comfort zone and moved to a new city. He shares his perspective on studying at KU Leuven, joining social activities, and making friends — something that might be as simple as bowling with new people, yet still surprisingly hard for some.
We hope this episode, with Victor's help, gives you a recipe for a great international experience in Belgium.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
29 Jul 2026
"Idealistic View on Everything": Student Job, Exams, and Humor
In the final interview for More Than Studying podcast, I have invited my friend Unaiza from Pakistan, who started her master's degree at KU Leuven. Her story perfectly reflects the common struggles international students face when they move to a new country — recalibrating to a new university's study routine, and learning how to make new friends.
Unaiza faced these challenges alongside the cracking of her "perfect student" image, changes in her personal life, and the reality of finding a student job. Fortunately, her second semester became a turning point. It was when she found her way to
study efficiently with friends,
listen to her own mind when it came to career decisions,
and rebuild her comfort zone to keep progressing.
Make yourself a cup of good tea and listen to her experience as an international student. We hope it helps you get the most out of yours, when your time comes.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
26 Jul 2026
"More People - More Fun": Recipe For Happiness, Independance and Friends
In the More Than Studying podcast, we've been exploring the experience of international students. This episode looks at the other side of the coin: together with local student Victor, we try to understand how international students are seen by locals. What can we do to connect with each other? Does it even matter?
Victor has lived in Belgium his entire life, but for his master's program, he took a small step outside his comfort zone and moved to a new city. He shares his perspective on studying at KU Leuven, joining social activities, and making friends — something that might be as simple as boiling a potato, yet still surprisingly hard for some of us.
We hope this episode, with Victor's help, gives you a recipe for a great international experience in Belgium.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
25 Sept 2025
"a GOLDEN ticket": To Europe, Latin Friends, Healthy Love, and an Ant Farm
In a new episode of the More Than Studying, Darmen from Kazakhstan shares how his ambitions and hard-working skills brought him to a European university.
He explains why he has chosen European Master program over a PhD in Korea, as well as why his initial plan of "not making new friends abroad" failed for good.
Darmen is extraverted and does not hesitate to come undone, so he shares his way of maintaining long-distance romantic relationship with his girlfriend, he talks about his feelings of accomplishing his dreams and his worries about changes within him.
This all goes along with vital advice of being an international student in terms of finances, CV and future-oriented actions.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
8 Sept 2025
"This Is Okey To Be Me": My Journey to Becoming an International Student and Accepting Myself
Thirteen is a mysterious number in many cultures—and a lucky one for some pop stars. So it feels fitting that the 13th episode of More Than Studying is something a little unusual.
This time, there are no guests—just me, Vadim, the creator and host of the podcast. I’ll share my own “yellow brick road” to a European university: from working on my CV and preparing for IELTS, to saying farewell to my family and experiencing a breakdown abroad.
Along the way, I’ll also share why I started this podcast in the first place. And for those of you, who are curious, the mystery of why I always end episodes by saying: “Live with all your heart and always do your best” will be revealed.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
7 Sept 2025
"I Am Here to Enjoy": From Work to School, Asia to Europe, Introvert to Social
In this episode of the More Than Studying, together with Cedric from pantropical Philippines we will try to understand what can drive a person to go back to studying in the university after 3 years of job.
What should you “pack” when moving to Europe—beyond the suitcase? Is homesickness something you carry with you, or leave behind? Can you bring old friendships along, or is it better to build new ones?
When it comes to studying, is it wise to "religiously follow" a study plan preparing for exams or there are other way?
It is a new, sincere story from an international student! Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
1 Sept 2025
"More than Studying": Trailer For The First Season
Studying abroad is much more than studying. It’s new friends, new places, new hobbies, a new home. But how do you get the best of it? We share our stories of being international students in the More Than Studying podcast.
Tune in to learn from our experiences and get inspired for your own adventures!
29 Aug 2025
"FOMO Is Real": Studying vs. Friends, Courses vs. Extra-Activities, Job vs. PhD
In the 11th episode of More Than Studying, Yogen takes us through his journey—from his Bachelor’s and lab work to an international Master’s program. We explore whether his bio-related path can spark fast innovation with real social impact.
Also, Yogen opens up about balancing priorities: why he sometimes chooses studying over health, or alone time over social life. He also shares funny and eye-opening moments from his adventures in Europe—from getting on the wrong bus to feeling lost in a grocery store.
Most importantly, Yogen reflects on the new truths he’s discovered, including the proud realization that he doesn’t need to hide his Indian accent.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
27 Aug 2025
"A Glue For Our Relationships": Is It Swiss Cheese, Swiss Chocolate, or Swiss Friendliness?
In a new episode, we sit down with Kate to explore not quantum states, but the well-being states of life in Switzerland. Together, we answer questions international students face:
How do you make friends in a country where people joke the mountains are AI-generated?
How do you stay active and not drown in studying?
How approachable are professors—and do they really listen?
How can students survive in Europe’s most expensive country—discounts included?
Is work-life balance actually better in Switzerland?
What’s the subconscious way to pick up a new language?
And what kinds of part-time jobs make sense for students?
Kate answers these with her usual grace and patience, sharing stories and tips.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
18 Aug 2025
“Brave Enough to Ask Stupid Questions”: approaching Europeans, keeping faith, and surviving without spicy food
In this episode, our guest is Abdiel — a true global student who studied across three continents: undergraduate studies in Mexico, a research project in the USA, an internship in Chile, and a joint master’s program in Belgium and France.
We talk about his first cultural confusions in Europe (including meeting European girls), where he found the spiciest food, and how he managed to travel so much for his studies while dealing with homesickness. As a Christian, staying connected to his faith and core values was also central to his journey — and Abdiel shares how he found support for that abroad.
And of course, how is he brave enough to ask “stupid questions”? Tune in to hear the story of a Mexican student navigating life and studies in Europe.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
26 Jun 2025
"Everything Becomes Liquid": against flow from Brazil to Poland to Belguim, from being alone to new friendships and from full experience to a broken foot
Philosopher Francisco discusses his transformative journey from engineering in Brazil to philosophy studies in Poland and Belgium, highlighting the challenges and rewards of international experiences and new friendships in an interview with Vadim Nikitin.
24 Jun 2025
"To Get on a Hype Train": from Physics to AI, from Russia to Germany, from formality to sincerity
Roma discusses his transition from physics to AI, his move from Russia to Germany, and the challenges of building sincere connections, in an interview with Vadim Nikitin.
3 Jan 2025
"Ordnung muss sein": a Way to Secure 5+ Scholarships, Study, and Work in Germany
The guest of this episode is Olga from Russia. After an exchange semester, she moved to Hamburg, Germany, where she secured more than five scholarships, found a part-time job at a major company, and experienced both the highs and lows of life in Germany. In this episode, she shares:
Key strategies for winning scholarships
Tips for finding accommodation in Germany
Navigating German bureaucracy, from healthcare to finances
Building friendships with international students
Interacting with the so-called "cold" Germans
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
15 Oct 2024
"Unlock New Strategies to See the World": Living on a Tight Budget, Passing 7 Exams in 1 Month, Doing Laundry, and Getting Free Bread
The guest of this episode is Francesco, from Rome, Italy. In this episode, he shares his experiences in:
Consciously choosing a study program
Possible ways to reduce living costs in Belgium
Important aspects to consider when looking for student housing
Keeping up with a new field of study
Surviving the first exam period
Starting drawing as a new hobby
...and much more.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
4 Oct 2024
"1% per Day is Better Than 0%": Being a Scientist, Publishing Papers, Learning Languages, and Practicing Mindfulness
The guest of this episode is Juan, from Brazil. He completed an internship in Hungary, studied in Belgium, and is currently in his second year of the EMM Nano program in France. In this episode, he shares his experiences with:
Publishing a paper in a scientific journal.
Finding motivation to learn new languages
Being a sports enthusiast.
Practicing mindfulness through yoga and meditation.
Maintaining true friendships across distances.
Separating dreams from goals, and balancing personal and professional lives.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
23 Sept 2024
"We Are United As Students": Enjoying Studying, Competing With Yourself, Becoming Better
The guest of this episode is Krishna. She worked for three years at a company in the Philippines before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in Europe. Krishna shares her experience of living abroad, including:
Becoming a student again and choosing the right study path.
Finding new friends and exploring new hobbies.
Overcoming self-comparison and dealing with feelings of inadequacy.
Moving to another country smoothly.
Choosing a job and avoiding red flags.
Please enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
1 Sept 2024
"Loneliness is an Epidemic": First Steps in International Friendships and Decision Making
The guest of the episode is Tarun. He decided to move from India for his master's program in Cellular and Genetic Engineering. In the interview, he shares his insights on:
Mastering the art of getting good sleep,
Taking those crucial first steps to make new friends,
The experience of isolating himself during exam periods,
Navigating the complex decision-making process for choosing his academic path,
Managing finances while studying abroad,
And a memorable debate with a German friend about the quality of bread in Belgium.
Please, enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
31 Aug 2024
"All Stereotypes Are Wrong": Studying in Belgium, Popping the Bubble, and Becoming Extraverted
The guest of this episode is Eliška. She studied International Relations and Diplomacy in Prague before switching to Digital Media at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. During our conversation with Eliška, we talked about:
Living in a small student city,
Breaking cultural stereotypes,
Looking for programs with a multidisciplinary approach,
Finding strong motivation for switching academic paths,
Working while studying,
Preparing for homesickness,
Stepping out of the comfort zone.
Please, enjoy!
Jingle by Roman Alyaev.
Created by Vadim Nikitin.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.8 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
21
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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