Field of study in Wageningen: International Development Studies (BIN)
Study period exchange: 01/09/2022 – 01/07/2023
Country (exchange): Italy
City (exchange): Perugia
University (exchange): University of Perugia
Faculty (exchange): Social Sciences
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to have an experience abroad where I would practice my English.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
Half of my family is from Italy so I wanted to have the experience of living here in Italy as well.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Think for example about going with the flixbus. However does Perugia have an airport as well.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses? 
How is the study formalized?
Above courses where master degree courses, so most classes were with a small amount. This created space for open discussion and an more informal interaction. The academic level was okay but not to hard. Further were most examinations oral with an presentation and essay during the semester attached to it.
What is the culture of the university?
Because of the small amount of people in my classes the engagement with local students was not much but once talking with them they all were very friendly and interested. The differences with the WUR is the scale of people attending the courses. Besides is the community of accepting exchange students in the classes not really there. In other words there is a bigger separation at the WUR then here in Perugia.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
Actually nothing.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are many ways to get an house/apartment in Perugia. I found it on facebook and from the girl who went to two years ago to Perugia. Besides within the ESN group I have seen that people really help each other with offering places and giving different contacts.
What is the culture of the country like?
Italian culture is way more relaxed. The high pressure of succeeding and the individual mindset is not really there. This however does not say Italians are lazy, they just have an different approach towards life. Either way I do think you can easily adapt when coming to Italy.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
The rent prices are between 250 and 300. In Wageningen prices of a room now start (if you are lucky) from 300 and more. So the prices in general are lower.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
I had an region bus ticket for a year which I paid 60 euro for. This means that I could travel the whole year for ‘free’ in the region Umbria with the bus and the regional train. Further is Perugia not made for bikes. It is really a city where you have to walk which will finally also be your workout because of the many hills and steps.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Umbria itself is the area you have to see. Normally tourist travel around this region because of the bigger cities like Bologna, Firenze and Roma. But actually once in Perugia you should take the regional trains and discover the rare nature places which are amazing.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
Take the train to Narni and start walking next to the river and with nice weather even swim in the river.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Perugia is not the biggest city but trust me you will discover it once your there. The recommendations on the internet of little bars etc. are not that good in general. But that is just because Perugia itself is not that famous. Once walking around you will discover amazing spots which will make your time perfect. Besides, the nightlife mostly happens on the steps in the square. Sounds now maybe a bit weird but once there you will see that I am right.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
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What was your best memory abroad?
That there is more then just the Dutch mentality and that the more you broaden your horizon the more life gets exciting!
