Field of study in Wageningen: Earth & Environment
Study period exchange: 01/02/2023 – 01/07/2023
Country (exchange): Austria
City (exchange): Graz
University (exchange): University of Graz
Faculty (exchange): Geoscience
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to have a different focus in my study. In Wageningen I got to learn about hydrology in delta-countries, but I wanted to get a focus on different environment and what challenges they have. So in Wageningen the topics are often about the Sea level rise. In Austria I learnt a lot about the challenges which come a long Glacier melt in mountainous areas.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
During my board year at StartHub Wageningen, my ‘boss’ recommended me the university of Graz if I have an interest in environmental sciences and climate science.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Train works perfectly. Also, the top-studierende ticket (160euros) in one semester, you can travel by public transport in the whole province of Styria.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
The structure is different from Wageningen, a lot of the courses are overlapping, which makes it impossible to do everything you want to do. Also, there are waiting lists, so be sure to register for more courses. Furthermore, all exams are in the last week, so try to spread the workload.
What is the culture of the university?
The university is very flexible for Erasmus students, so if any trouble arises with deadlines, exams etc. you can always write them.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
You can do USI courses. This are sport courses for 30 euro’s, in any field you can think of.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
They offer dorms via the university. I live in a WG (privat wohnung), which I would really recommend, since it is much more like a student house in Wageningen and you get to know students from Graz.
What is the culture of the country like?
In Graz there is a very musical culture. In every corner of the city they have live music playing, which is really nice. Furthermore I guess it is more socialistic (also there is a communist party ruling in the province).
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
It is a bit lower. I played 320 for my room in Graz, which was bigger and cleaner than my room in Wageningen where I pay 300. Also, I have the cheapest room possible in Wageningen and here in Graz I am on average.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Buy a bike! Buy a top-studierende ticket (160 euros for free traveling 5 months in Styria).
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
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- Schlossberg, Uhrturn
- Wildon Badensee
- Schokl wanderen
- Kunsthaus
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
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- Wildon badensee
- Plabutsch – nice viewpoint
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
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- Obar – nice cocktails
- Munzgrabenstrasse 126 – lustige WG partys
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
I forced myself to speak german with my housemates. In the beginning this was hard, but the learning curve was much steeper and higher, than when I would have started to speak English with them. In the start you don’t know anyone, so if you don’t feel well or something you are by yourself. Going for a hike or contacting people back home helped me overcome this.
What was your best memory abroad?
Skitouring, hiking, cycling and climbing in the mountains with my friends. Meeting new people and getting musical with my housemates.
