Anna is a computer science graduate originally from Poland, whose academic journey reflects a bold spirit of exploration and growth. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in Poland and beginning a master’s program there, she decided to push her boundaries and experience education beyond her home country. This decision led her to Aarhus University in Denmark, where she recently completed her Master’s in Computer Science in June 2025. During her studies, she also spent a semester abroad at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an exchange student, further broadening her global perspective and academic experience.
When asked why she chose Aarhus University, Anna eagerly shares:
"I wanted to try something out of the box, to step out of my comfort zone and explore what studying abroad would look like. After finishing my bachelor’s, I still felt there was so much more to learn. Bachelor’s programs give you a strong foundation, but I wanted to dive into more advanced concepts," Anna explains.
"The university’s International Office and events like Kickstart Week made me feel really welcomed and supported—which definitely made Aarhus a more appealing choice for me," she says with a smile.
While she briefly considered pursuing a PhD, she’s currently more interested in gaining real-world experience first, but doesn’t rule out a return to academia someday.
Anna chose Aarhus University not only to experience studying abroad but also because it offered the advanced courses and research opportunities she was eager to pursue. This led her to focus her master’s studies on three key specialisations that aligned with her interests and career goals:
"I chose three main specialisations.
- The first was Cryptography and Systems Security, diving deep into protecting information and securing systems.
- The second was Data-intensive systems, exploring data mining and data visualization techniques to uncover meaningful insights.
- The third was Cloud Computing and Virtual Reality, which felt a bit more fun."
While focusing on these specialisations, Anna also faced the exciting challenge of adapting to life in a new country. Moving abroad was a big step, and she made sure to prepare well before taking the plunge. Before she even packed her bags, Anna joined a three-day visit organized by Aarhus University’s computer science department.
“It was like a sneak peek into my future life—meeting students and professors, touring the campus, and getting a real feel for what studying in Denmark would be like,” she explains.
Once she arrived, the university’s International Office became her go-to support system.
“Their Kickstart Week was packed with fun cultural events and practical tips that helped make settling in much less overwhelming,” Anna shares.
But honestly, the real game-changer was Friday Bar. Every Friday afternoon, parts of the campus turn into student-run bars; a perfect mix of socializing and affordable drinks.
“Friday Bar was a great way to meet people and unwind. I actually met my boyfriend at the biology Friday Bar!” she says with a smile.
Diving into these social scenes helped Anna turn a foreign city into a second home and made her adventure unforgettable. But her time in Denmark wasn’t just about academics and social life. Anna Maria also gained valuable professional experience during her studies by working part-time at Vestas, one of Denmark’s leading energy companies.
“I actually landed my student job even before arriving in Denmark,” she says. “The job market in Aarhus is very good. Just before my arrival in Aarhus, I started applying through LinkedIn and company websites. Vestas posted the job on LinkedIn, and after a few online interviews, I received an offer in July. So when I moved in August, my contract was already signed.”
Balancing work and studies, however, required some juggling.
“I always prioritized my studies, and if I felt overwhelmed or needed more time for exams or my thesis, I talked with my manager to adjust my work hours. For example, this semester I started working three days a week but switched to two when it became too much alongside my thesis.”
That balancing act paid off.
“It’s helped me grow professionally and made me more confident applying for full-time roles.”
Now that she has graduated, Anna Maria reflects on just how far she’s come since 2023.
“Professionally, I’ve learned so much—from technical skills to working in international teams. Personally, I’ve become much more independent. Moving abroad taught me how to manage life on my own, it made me feel like a real adult.”
Beyond academics and work, she also embraced a more balanced lifestyle, picking up new hobbies along the way—including running (she even completed a half marathon!) and cooking with her boyfriend.
When asked what advice she’d give to future international students, she smiles and says:
“Say yes to things; join events, meet people, and stay connected to home. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Give yourself time—you’ll find your rhythm.”
