For her gap year, Yaora travelled to the other side of the world: China was the destination. Learning the language, meeting new people and travelling around; it was a very complete experience. Yaora: "It made me much more independent".

Yaora studies China studies at Leiden University. This programme is mainly about Chinese culture, and slightly less about the language (Mandarin). Students are therefore encouraged to practise speaking the language independently. Yaora chose to travel to China and apply to Beijing University. English was mostly spoken during classes, but in her free time she interacted a lot with Chinese people. "That was a really good experience, also to overcome my fear of speaking: you have to speak Chinese there."

On all levels, this move was perfect for her. "From a year abroad, you become more independent and stronger. In my case, it also helped to set my goals. In China, I had a lot of time to think, for example about the thesis I still had to write for my studies. And I also know now that I would fit very well into the Chinese-Dutch business world after my studies."