Field of study in Wageningen: International Development Studies (BIN)
Study period exchange: 25/09/2023 – 29/02/2024
Country (exchange): Italy
City (exchange): Padova
University (exchange): Università degli Studi di Padova
Faculty (exchange): School of Economics and Political Science (& School of Human and Social Sciences and Cultural Heritage)
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I chose to go on study exchange because I really wanted to have a study experience outside of the Netherlands. I think following a Study program abroad is a very good way to get to know a different culture and also emerge yourself in in a way that you wouldn’t during a vacation trip for example.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I especially wanted to do an Erasmus semester at a university outside the Netherlands. I then chose Padova because I really like the Italian culture and I could find many nice subjects at this university. There was no offer for me to do a minor at the University of Padova. I also really enjoy being able to choose my own subjects because it allows me to really delve into the topics that I find important and interesting.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I took the Flixbus from Amsterdam to Padova. Taking the bus took very long but it is a good cheap and sustainable option to reach your exchange destination if it is not too far. For me the trip was not to bad because I travelled together with two friends so we actually had a lot of fun. Because I travelled by bus I could also apply for the Green top up of the Erasmus grant which is also good to take into account when deciding on the way you want to travel.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
What is it like to study there?
All of this very much differs per course but one thing that I noticed in general is the lack of structure and preparation. Multiple times there were not enough chairs in the rooms for students. We also received the exam dates very late which was a bit of a problem because the exam period lasted about a month so you could have an exam right at the beginning of the month or at the end and it was a bit hard to prepare for that if you do not know the exam date yet.
Overall the exams were fine and pretty regular. However, oral examination is pretty common in Italy which does not have to be a problem, but for the course ‘international relations’ this was very difficult and the professor was really harsh during the examination which made it a very stressful experience for me (I also had to do a resit).
What is the culture of the university?
This also differs for every course. Most courses I felt were similar to courses in the Netherlands but some professors were more approachable and other had a more ‘authoritarian’ role. But, you were always free and encouraged to ask questions which was good.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
I don’t know exactly. I know there are university canteens but I never went there. I did make use of the libraries. I specifically liked one of the libraries so I mostly studied in there or I would go to a café in the city centre.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
When I signed up for UNIPD I received an email with all different options to find housing. There are UNIPD housing options but they are usually not available for EU students. There are various websites to find housing that are reliably. There are also Facebook pages but I did hear multiple stories of people who got scammed by Facebook advertisers, so I would not recommend that as a first choice.
I found an apartment together with other WUR students through contacts from a former student. So, if you know someone who studied in the same city I would recommend asking them for housing tips.
What is the culture of the country like?
As you can imagine the Italian cuisine was very good and I enjoyed a lot of pizza and pasta during my exchange period. Also, Padova is the origin city of Aperol, which means a lot of Aperitivo afternoons with Aperol Spritz! I realised that Italians are very relaxed in their manners which is nice but at times this could become a bit irritating when you need to get something done.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Public transport is very affordable and Padova is a very central place to visit other cities by train. In the city there are a lot of busses, however still after 5 months I was confused as to when they would go and how everything worked. It felt as though they would just come and go when the driver felt like it, as they did not follow the time on google maps, in the app, or on the boards at the bus station. But this was not a big issue because Padova is a very nice city for bikes! I would definitely recommend buying a bike as soon as you arrive in Padova because there are a lot of bike lanes (do not expect Dutch bike lanes 😉) and the city is very accessible by bike.
6. Expenses
Can you give an indication of your expenses for/during your exchange?
Ticket there: basically nothing when you include the green top up grant
Visa if applicable: x
Vaccinations if applicable: x
Insurances (extra, if applicable): x (I could just keep my current insurances)
Housing costs per month & type of housing/accommodation: 500 a month for a double room (this was relatively expensive compared to other students in Padova)
Groceries: prices similar to the Netherlands
Public transport: I only used public transport to go on trips (Roughly 5 euro to get to Venice from Padova) and I bought a second hand bike to get around in the city (60 euro with ESN membership discount)
Restaurant/going out for dinner: x
Daytrips/sight-seeing: You can easily go on trips by train which is not expensive depending on were you go. For sightseeing you don’t need a lot of money, most cities are just beautiful to walk through, museums often have student discounts so they are only a few euros.
Additional remarks regarding expenses?
Aperol spritz in Padova is anywhere between 3 and 6 euros!!
7. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
You can easily take the flixbus or train to various cities in Italy. I went to Venice, Verona, Treviso, Milano, Florence, Rome. I also recommend hiking in the dolomites. It is so beautiful, you could rent a car to get there and if you go with a few friends it is not expensive.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Portello is really nice and a lot of students come here for drinks. I liked ‘Il Chiosco’ which is like an outside restaurant/bar/club/music place, but this is only opened in summer. I liked ‘Steam power’ as a café/coffee bar to study. But you will find all the right spots when you get there because Padova is not that big.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
I lived together with Dutch WUR students so I was never really lonely which was the main thing that I was afraid of. Everything is different and takes getting used to but in my experience it will all be fine and you will have an amazing time.
I would recommend to get out there and do the introduction activities with ESN to first meet people, you probably find a lot of friends here and if not you will get to know new people everywhere you go.
What was your best memory abroad?
Mostly just sitting outside a café with Aperol spritz and friends.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Lieke more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: Lieke.ermers@wur.nl