Elise in Athens

Field of study in Wageningen: Nutrition and Health
Study period exchange: 23/02/2023 until 14/07/2023
Country (exchange): Greece
City (exchange): Athens
University (exchange): Agricultural University of Athens
Faculty (exchange): Department of Animal Biosciences, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Crop Science

2. Motivation for exchange

Why did you choose to go on study exchange?

I wanted to travel and learn how to be more independent.

What is the reason you chose for this country/university?

This country was leftover and I wanted to go to a warm place, but I also liked that it was close to the sea.

3. Accessibility to reach destination

Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?

I went by plane.

4. University and studying

Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?

How is the study formalized?

The level and workload were low, the study materials were limited. Examinations were except from evolution presentations or writing.

What is the culture of the university?

They had separate courses for Erasmus students, other courses were in Greek.

What does the university offer the student additionally?

Free meals and gym.

5. Housing-travelling-living

What are the possibilities for housing?

I had a room with roommates, they gave a website. Everything worked perfectly.

What is the culture of the country like?

Greek people are super nice and have good foods, especially good salads.

Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?

It is a little bit cheaper so maybe if you do everything x 0,8.

Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?

Public transport was very cheap for students and it is a big city so it had metro’s, busses and trams.

6. Free time

What are must-sees in the area? 

Beach, musea, cultural areas, monastiraki, national gardens, hiking. Everything is reachable by metro.

What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?

The train bike riding, it is a bike on old train places. It is also possible to hike and sleep in the mountains, close to the center.

Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?

 The university also host parties and every area has a super cheap and cute fruit market weakly. Also the area called excarchia has cheap local bars. And a place near omonia sells super cheap fresh orange juice.

7. Challenges & best moment abroad

What was a challenge you have experienced?

In the beginning sometimes it was lonely. Try to go to ESN and it is also possible to go to activities from other ESNs!

What was your best memory abroad?

We randomly organised our own Zagori trip and we went rafting, every time the boat turned around. We sang turn around and also the guide started singing with us. Also my random trip to Jordan with friends from Athens, but that was not in Greece of course.