Meet Ben Bielenberg
Our student and campus reporter, Susanna Gobbo, caught up with Ben, a first-year student, to hear about his experience adapting to the city and making friends.
What is your name?
Ben Bielenberg
What bachelor’s programme are you studying?
I am studying a Double Bachelor in Politics and International Relations, as well as Business and Leadership
Outside of Forward College, what do you love to do in your free time?
My favourite thing outside of Forward is anything I am doing with my friends and is also what takes up most of my day, ranging from day trips to just studying at a café together… Travel is also one of my favourite things and we have been going on trips all around the country so many times that I lost count by now. Besides, I also love playing guitar (there’s fortunately one in the coworking space). Before I came here I used to dive and golf a lot but this has been largely replaced with a bunch of random spontaneous activities (surfing, karting, thrifting, going out and so much more).
Why did you choose to join Forward College?
I was looking around quite a lot for different universities and was really unsure about what I was even going to study. When I found Forward it immediately went to the top spot on my list purely because of the opportunity to study in three countries. For quite some time I wasn’t even aware of Forward’s other distinctive characteristics like the flipped classroom or the small class teaching. Just the ability to move and experience a new culture and environment every year sealed the deal for me.
What were you most excited (or nervous) about before starting your first year?
While moving to a new country for the first time alone was more than enough excitement, the people were both my biggest worry and anticipation. Starting over again in a new environment gives you the opportunity to find a whole new array of friends and important people in your life and was what I was most excited about before coming. And after my first 6 months I must say; I’m not disappointed!
What has been your favourite memory in Lisbon so far?
There’s honestly so much and I’m sure I’m forgetting many, many moments already, but if I had to choose one it would probably be Halloween… Pretty much the whole cohort went out and dressed up, had a party at a fellow student’s house, had a good time in the city and overall had an amazing and very special night (Lisbon is amazing on Halloween night). Other than that though there’s been so many incredible moments, not just in Lisbon but in the many trips we’ve done throughout Portugal and even outside the country in reading week.
How did you feel on your first day?
When I was in my Uber to the student residence from the airport, I realised that I had actually moved out for the first time and could’ve almost fallen into a bad mood… But then, three hours later I found myself in a bar, somewhere in a new city with a few other Forward students and when I woke up the next morning I felt nothing but excitement for spending more time with my cohort, meeting new friends and exploring the city. No bad feelings, but instead some of the most exciting and eventful days of my life.
Was there a specific moment when you felt at home in this new country?
There’s honestly been so many moments in which I completely forgot that I had a life outside of Forward… If I had to give an example I would probably count the simple things like making dinner with my friends in the student residence or watching a movie in the coworking space. While all the big excitements of college usually take the stage, it is these small things that make all the difference.
What were your first impressions of your cohort?
Before I came to Lisbon, my biggest fear was that the people might not match me well but the first time I met them I was immediately proven wrong. Everyone was incredibly outgoing and open to go out, explore the city and have a good time. It took about one or two days for me to feel among friends. We went to the beach in a bigger group on day 3 and I found new close friends in a matter of days.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
If you’re just applying: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help (the application team is great), book a student conversation and ask every possible question! Also remember that you can still switch between single, +, and double bachelor in the first weeks after induction if you’re unsure about the whole concept (I myself switched to double after the first week of classes).
If you’re about to start your first year: don’t stress yourself too much, enjoy your first semester, and go enjoy Lisbon as much as possible as it is an incredible city and the first year gives you the most time to do so.
Do you have any cool plans for after Forward College?
At the moment I am honestly more concerned about my studies… At this point my future could lead me into pretty much anything, from a social year to a master, a job or another bachelor… Only time will tell.
