I am Karl Riparip, a first-year student at EUAS, pursuing my Bachelor’s program in Game Design and Development.
I was born in the Philippines, but my family and I lived in Qatar for many years. I spent most of my childhood in Qatar, and I also completed my school education there. When I was a young child, I enjoyed playing games on a relatively old desktop, which my father owned. When I was a teenager, I received a laptop and a mobile phone, and I installed countless games on these devices, which would keep me glued for long hours. Although I play video games, I also like my body to be active, so I joined my friends in basketball, a sport I enjoy.
As I grew up, I realized I was curious about software programs used to create games. So, I sought out universities in different countries that offered courses related to information technology at first. Eventually, I decided to pursue a course related to games development because I was passionate about learning how to make video games with different software that would entertain people when they play. I was mainly searching for affordable universities through the internet. Then I saw a Facebook post that had the heading “studying in Europe for less.” I was immediately interested in the news. There was a video of a Filipino individual that had experience traveling to different European countries and visiting various universities. As I watched the video, I learned about some affordable European universities where I could study IT programs. I eventually had Zoom meetings with the Filipino individual who was a consultant and also met him in person. I came to know that he’s a consultant who has helped other Filipino students who have been interested in going to Europe for higher studies. Through him, I found out that Estonia had more affordable universities compared to other European countries, and one of his sons was studying at EUAS itself. After that, it was an easy choice as I found my favourite of course in a university that I could afford.
I would say that EUAS, although quite a small university compared to other Estonian universities that I visited, has sufficient facilities that are the same as a typical university. The study program that I chose suited my interests, and I am interested in studying subjects that would, later on, help me understand what I have to go through to create a game. My studies are going quite well, and there are some subjects that I had difficulties understanding, but I still managed with these subjects when I reviewed concepts that I did not understand.
I knew that I was going to study in a foreign country, and the language that the people speak would be different from the languages that I understand. I also realised that my family would not stay with me in Estonia and that I had to look after myself. Although my family was not with me physically, they usually called me, which would lessen my homesickness. I also became more independent and learned how to handle duties without always relying on others. I learned some people understand and speak English quite well, which helped in practical situations like when I buy food at a store. I had a duller time with my academics and social life in Qatar. I have a better life socially in Estonia because I get to see my friends, and we go to different places. I am also freer to do the things I want. In Qatar, I usually stayed home. I would say that I am better at dealing with my academics because the lecturers I have had do not have problems with me asking questions repeatedly if I do not understand a topic.
I like that Estonia is a technologically advanced country, and the education provided is of excellent quality. I also like the clean surroundings whenever I walk around and the safe environment. I think that the e-services of Estonia are convenient. However, I am still new in the country, so I am still exploring more about e-services in Estonia.
One piece of advice I can give to international students who may potentially study in Estonia is that they should ask questions to residents or someone who has lived here for quite some time if they are unsure about something. Another is that they should try to keep an open mind as they may interact with people with different cultural backgrounds.
My parents inspire me because they have taught me valuable life lessons and helped me grow into a responsible person. I do not have any clear or solid plans for the future. I try to focus on adequately finishing tasks in the present. However, I aim to complete the three-year Game Design and Development program and look for a job. I also possibly plan to obtain a Master’s degree related to the program I am currently studying and set up a small business.