Field of study in Wageningen: Soil, Water, Atmosphere
Study period exchange: 15/08/2022 – 15/12/2022
Country (exchange): Iceland
City (exchange): Reykjavik
University (exchange): University of Iceland
Faculty (exchange): Engineering and Natural Sciences
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
Because I wanted to know what it is like to live abroad and to meet people from all over the world.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
Iceland is geologically very interesting with its volcanoes, plate boundaries and geothermal energy. I wanted to see whether geology is something for me.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Take the plane or ferry. Be careful in wintertime because you might end up in a snowstorm, which will cancel all flights.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
The workload is way less the in Wageningen. Academic level is lower as well, but perfect for me as geology was a relatively new topic for me.
What is the culture of the university?
The lecturers are very easy-going, even more approachable than in Wageningen.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
There is a university gym on campus and some group lessons you can take like yoga or Basketball or workouts.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There is a housing shortage, so on campus is hard to get into on the right date, but it is possible, for $850. Private rooms is another possibility. I got my room through facebook.
What is the culture of the country like?
Culture is very similar to any northwest European or Scandinavian country. People are kind and a bit more relaxed than in The Netherlands. This also means that not everything is planned as tightly as in the Netherlands.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
Where I pay 400 euros in Wageningen, I would have to pay 800 euros in Reykjavik.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Bus is the best option within Reykjavik, it is not that expensive for students. Personally, I cycled everywhere in the city.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Renting a car or camper is the best option by far (but expensive) than just explore all the attractions at the ring road. Reykjadalur is a must see. It is a hot river where you can bath.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
Go to all hot pots and swimming pools there are, because it is always worth it and relaxing and you will meet some locals.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
The pools are the best. Especially in winter when it is cold and dark outside.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Public transport is vey limited to Reykjavik. So in order to get out of the city you would have to rent a car, which is really expensive.
What was your best memory abroad?
Renting a camper in winter, drive north and see the best northern lights ever, the coolest waterfalls and the most amazing landscapes.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Wouter more questions about his exchange?
Send him a mail: wouter.vanderniet@wur.nl
