Ainoa's life in Zwolle: "Living here feels like being in a movie"
- Music
For Ainoa Gonzalez Rabanal, an international student from Spain, moving to Zwolle was more than just beginning a Master’s study in Classical Music. It was an adventure she wanted to take to rediscover herself, meet new people, and explore a new culture – and she’s thriving in this vibrant city.
“It’s a pretty small city, but it has everything. I love the city centre with its nightlife and cosy pubs. On Sundays, it feels like you’re in a movie!” Her favourite spot in town is the Wezenlanden Park. “It’s near my house, so sometimes I go there to spend time by myself and relax with the animals at the Kinderboerderij. It’s so peaceful.”
From León to Zwolle
Ainoa, originally from León in Spain, completed a Bachelor’s in classical flute in Barcelona. Studying in Catalan, not her mother tongue, prepared her for navigating experiences in new languages and settings, but at 22, she was ready for a bigger challenge. Going abroad to Zwolle for her Master’s in Classical Music gave her the opportunity to develop both musically and personally. “I’m not very shy, so I just went for it!” she says.
First steps in Zwolle
When Ainoa arrived, her first priority was housing. Luckily, on her second day, she found a room through a fellow student. “I was so relieved! My new housemates welcomed me, and now we have a great relationship,” she shares. She quickly adjusted to life in Zwolle, from dining hours to the rhythm of the city.
ArtEZ's buddy programme was great, because I wasn’t figuring out everything by myself."
A welcoming community
Both at ArtEZ and in Zwolle, Ainoa felt at home almost immediately. “Everyone is so open here. There’s always someone in the canteen to chat to or have coffee with after our lessons.” She says it was also an easy transition because of ArtEZ’s buddy programme. “From your first day, you have a buddy who helps you with housing, meeting people, integrating, adjusting, etc. That was great, because I wasn’t figuring out everything by myself.”
Performances around town
Ainoa has already had the opportunity to share her music with the local community. A school organiser helped her secure a performance at Stadkamer Zwolle, where she created the programme Musical Soundscapes of the World all on her own, from initial concept to performance. “It was a great opportunity, and one of the only times I’ve done that,” she says. “I feel like the school is invested in helping me establish myself here. Where I’m from, these things are more difficult to organise.” Ainoa has also had the chance to create an interdisciplinary project along with her fellow students for her Performance Lab module, an original performance at the Museum de Fundatie based on Marianne von Werefkin’s work showcased there. She’s impressed by how different the study structure is compared to Spain. “In Spain, conservatories are more technical and structured, but here you have the time and freedom to create new ideas, organise projects, and explore yourself.”
Advice for future students
Ainoa encourages future students to approach their time in Zwolle with an open mind. “This was an adventure I wanted to take, and I’ve learned so much about myself along the way. If you’ve decided to come here, embrace it! Be open to new people, cultures, and ways of life and just go for it.”
Learn more about studying in Zwolle
