Field of study in Wageningen: BSc Biology
Study period exchange: 01/01/2024 – 03/06/2024
Country (exchange): Norway
City (exchange): Stavanger
University (exchange): University of Stavanger
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
It was something I came across through the University of Wageningen. It is an amazing opportunity to experience live in another country. Because of the fact that you study there, you experience the county on a much more day-to-day level. You get emerged in another culture, much more than you would when you are on vacation. And on top you can do anything you could do when you are a tourist. Moreover, the Erasmus grant makes it possible for students with less financial freedom. Even Norway, which in itself is very expensive.
What is the reason you chose for this country?
The nature in Norway is amazing. I really like the contradiction of nature with Norway and the Netherlands, with Norway having a lot more mountains. The prospects of experiencing the different ecosystems and learning about them was very exciting to me.
What is the reason you chose for this university?
It was one of the options to go to Norway. No more no less.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
I would not recommend a (flix)bus/train unfortunately, even with the green travel bonus. It is more expensive and takes much longer. With pain in my heart I say that the plane is the way to go.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses that were taught in English:
Yes, there are a lot of English courses available. However, not many courses were suitable for my bachelor Biology. In this university, the focus is more about oil acquisition and engineering based courses.
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses in my field of interest:
No, as explained above, there was a very limited selection of biological based courses.
I am satisfied with the level of the courses that I followed:
Yes, I am satisfied with the level of the courses. The level was a little less then the level at which courses are taught at the WUR. This gave me more time to experience the riches of the Norwegian nature. That is originally why I went on an exchange.
I am satisfied, in the end, with the selection of courses I followed:
Yes, I am satisfied. I don’t believe that this exchange period gave me more knowledge in the biological field. However, it gave me much more insight into different cultures, because the level of education was a little less and I met a lot of new people.
What is it like to study there?
Not too much different than at the Wageningen University, although the workload was significantly less. The Norwegian professors had a lot more patience of their students and gave us a lot more space and free time which I used create more memories.
What is the culture of the university?
The lecturers are during the lectures really approachable, and are actively seeking feedback from the students. However, because of jobs my lecturers had on the side, there were some instances where there was no contact with the lecturers. Outside of lecture hours, the lecturers were less approachable than at the WU.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
The University of Stavanger has excellent sport facilities at the campus. With a little effort, you can go to the gym or find a basketball, football, squash team and much more. There are enough laundry facilities at the student houses. There are catering possibilities at the campus. However, it is expensive (of course) and it closes at 5.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are enough student houses on and around campus. There is also enough variety between private rooms, rooms with shared kitchens and even rooms for couples. The rent rates are not too much more than in Wageningen.
What is the culture like?
The Norwegian people are much more laid back than people on The Netherlands. They value quality time with friends and family much more than in The Netherlands, which results in more free time. I think the best way to describe the Norwegian people is that they are much more ‘private’. They usually don’t start conversations, but are very friendly and helpful if you are the one to start a conversation. However, this result is that you won’t be seeing much of the Norwegian in the common room eating together. As for food, Norway is the county where the most frozen pizza are consumed per capita. Furthermore, salmon is relatively cheap and easily accessible everywhere. However, I did not really experience the Norwegian cuisine, aside from the salmon.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
The public transport in Norway is very good! You should get a monthly bus ticket for your region, which is affordable.
6. Expenses
Can you give an indication of your expenses for/during your exchange?
The price levels were in general [higher; lower; equal] in comparison to in the Netherlands:
Higher, much higher because of groceries and expensive beer prices.
7. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
There are a lot of hikes nearby; for example Preikestolen, Dalsnuten, Trolltunga, Flørli 4444 and Kjerag. Most of these hikes are best reached with a car, especially off season. Also the museums are good and mostly free.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was to bring myself to come to the university on time and regularly. Because of the non-mandatory part of the lecture, it was really easy to just stay in bed. But in the end, I created more intrinsic motivation to get myself to the campus.
What is your best memory of your time abroad?
We went to the Lofoten islands for two weeks after the semester was over. That was insane, so many beautiful sceneries and lots of nature. We were camping in the wild and just living the live.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Joost more questions about his exchange?
Send him a mail: leejoostvander@gmail.com