Field of study in Wageningen: Biology
Study period exchange: 23/02/2023 – 30/06/2023
Country (exchange): Italy
City (exchange): Milan
University (exchange): University of Milan
Faculty (exchange): Agriculture and Food Science
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I choose to go on study exchange mostly because I was interested in living abroad. I wanted to experience studying and living in another country.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I choose for Italy because I like the Mediterranean culture and environment. I preferred Italy because of this, and specifically Milan because I wanted to study in a big city.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
A flixbus is a good option to travel to Milan. It is relatively cheap, and it only takes around 15 hours with a possibility of a direct bus without transfers.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
The study mostly consists of lectures. The workload is not too high or too low, although a bit lower compared to Wageningen University. The examination mostly consisted of oral exams and presentations. Although 2 examinations were written.
What is the culture of the university?
A difference with the WUR is that the courses mostly consist of only lectures with little exercises. The lecturers are very approachable, although they give less feedback on the students. Local students work together a lot. There are also activities created by the university where lots of students engage and interact with each other.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
The university offers a sport day and catering facilities. The university also offers events for the students.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There is an availability to sign up for rooms at campus, although this is for a limited amount of students and far away from the university. For private rooms the rent is very high, and rooms are hard to find. Housing is very expensive and hard to find in Milan.
What is the culture of the country like?
The local cuisine is very good and people are very friendly and welcoming in Italy.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
A general price indication for housing is around 600-800 euros. Which is almost twice as high as in Wageningen.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
The public transport infrastructure is very good. There are trams, busses and metro’s. It is very cheap to buy a public transport cart, and then it is only 20 euros per month to travel by all types of public transport within Milan. The university is easily reachable by bus or metro or tram.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Must-sees in the area are places like Como and Lecco around lake Como. It is easily reachable by train (and cheap). You can visit the little villages there and swim in the lake. It is nice to do in the weekends.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
The monumental Graveyard in Milan is a very beautiful place to visit.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
A very nice place to get drinks is the Spritzeria next to the campus. When going out the Tunnelclub is nice. And in the spring months May and June there are nice events of “APE” outside in the city.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
A challenge was finding a good and not too expensive place to stay.
What was your best memory abroad?
Having a picknick with all my friends in the parc, enjoying the sun and some drinks.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Emma more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: emma.koopman@wur.nl