Why did you opt for studying at WdKA?
This whole story started with me breaking my leg. I was applying for study programmes all over Germany at that time and didn't quite find what I was looking for. Through this accident, I got forced to stay home for days after days; a ridiculously long period in my eyes. It also gave me time to finish an application for a film school in my hometown. Through a friend I heard about the Willem de Kooning Academy and their study programme audiovisual design. I kind of surrendered with searching for Dutch schools earlier, although they have a way better study environment, facilities and equipments.. I just couldn't find one meeting my criteria.. I didn't want to study media management or something like that, I wanted to DO media.
So I took the time I was given, and applied for Willem de Kooning, but I could not finish all the application assignments perfectly because of my injury. It was hard for me to film stuff with a broken leg. But I talked everything through with the guys from WdKA and after a few weeks of waiting, I got accepted!
How is Rotterdam similar to or different from your hometown? What do you like or dislike about it?
When I came here, first I was a bit overwhelmed by the size and dynamics of the city. But after a while I really felt home here. Of course I miss my hometown, first of all because of friends and family, but since it is “only” a 3 hours drive it is well manageable. In Rotterdam, you can travel faster, go out more on the weekends and meet so many new cultures, people and lifestyles.
I like it more here than in Amsterdam, not soooooo many tourists and rip-off prices ! Still a bit more expensive than average German cities I would say.
Kralingse Bos, one of the favourite places in Rotterdam
'If you look for nice spots outside, the Kralingse Bos, an enormous lake with vast forest stripes, is the real deal.'
Name three of your favorite places in Rotterdam, your personal hidden gems.
If you look for nice spots outside, the Kralingse Bos, an enormous lake with vast forest stripes, is the real deal. Its only two/three metro stops from the center, but definitely far enough out of town to leave the whole busyness, noise and skyline behind you and watch it from the far distance :-). Otherwise I enjoy being close to Maas harbour in general, there you will always find a scenic spot at the waterside.
Name your favorite working space within WdKA.
If you can catch bliss the easiest while working with your hands, just go to the always open wood workshop station. I always use it for my own projects, made myself a cushion panel for my bed and even seen people making their own wardrobes there. Pretty neat.
Dutch people are…?
Although Dutch people really like to switch to Dutch while they are supposed to talk English, they are honest, helpful and very open minded :-)
Younes Laaguidi
as seen by Lizer van Hattem (Illustration graduate, 2016)
