Field of study in Wageningen: Tourism
Study period exchange: 01/09/2022 – 28/02/2023
Country (exchange): Poland
City (exchange): Warsaw
University (exchange): Collegium Civitas
Faculty (exchange): International Relations & Security Studies
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
To experience life abroad and to get the opportunity something completely different than tourism.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
It was the university which offered security studies in the best and most professional way, and I wanted to see if I liked it.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Just go by plane, its cheap and other transport modes are not doable.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
Only 3 days of class. The classes were way more intense than in the Netherlands (Classes of 1,5 hours without break and sometimes 4 classes on a day), and the knowledge was way more practical than in the Netherlands, not so focusing on irrelevant and abstract theories that you will not remember. The examination was very easy. Workload was quite high since there were eight courses and they all involved an exam presentation and/or essay.
What is the culture of the university?
A lot of engagement with students. Classes are also very small.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
Very limited additional facilities. There only was a library that was connected to the university itself. There also was a program that hosted activities once every month for new coming students.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Rents are considerably lower than the Netherlands and via Erasmus U it was very easy to find housing.
What is the culture of the country like?
People in Poland are way more closed off and it was hard to make real Polish friends. Furthermore, the cuisine was not my preference of taste and the supermarkets were of lower quality than in the Netherlands.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
I don’t live in Wageningen, but the price in Poland was 450 euros for around 22 m2 for what I paid.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
In Warsaw, public transport was super. Low prices and public transport drove very intensively and even at night.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
The old centre, the Palace of Culture.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
Gardens of Milanow at night with lights.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Find some cool techno parties, there are a lot of them and it is still very underground there.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Cooking with the products in the supermarkets there.
What was your best memory abroad?
My Spanish housemates.