Field of study in Wageningen: Bsc Food Technology
Study period exchange: 05/01/2023 – 25/04/2023
Country (exchange): Canada
City (exchange): Guelph
University (exchange): University of Guelph
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I needed to change of place, discover new horizons. Leaving to come back and appreciate WUR and Europe back. I wanted to get out of my routine.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I wanted to do some business courses and North America is well known for that. I was not thrilled about U.S so I chose Canada as I also had no expectations and was curious to see if it was really like U.S. Spoiler: it is not, the culture is different, less fake and more multi-cultural.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Plan with other people and get a taxi with other to come, it will be cheaper. But you can also get there by Bus but might be less handy of you have a huge suitcase.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
If you can take the least course possible like 3-4. I took 5 which was still manageable but a quite some workload. It is really different from WUR because you have a lot of weekly quiz, papers, presentation to do that will count in your final grade. There is also midterms up to 2 in for a certain courses. But is easier to get a good final grade.
What is the culture of the university?
It is like Wageningen, the lecturers are very friendly and helpful. Local students as well but you might want to start the conversation because otherwise the room are so big that there is enough space for student to sat with an empty sit between them.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
Laundry was free and in the rent. There is a huge sport centre. Creelman hall and the University center are the place to eat.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
I was in West residence; I highly recommend it. The location is perfect, you are surrounded with international, you have your own room and a proper kitchen to cook. For the rent I paid 854 euros per month but in that the health insurance and bus pass is counted.
What is the culture of the country like?
Probably, I should start by the fact that I’m French. The tipping culture is really weird even if you are expected to tip at least 10-15%. Food is more expensive without mentioning cheese … Bread as well, there is not really “healthy” options. Overall, just be more careful on what you buy because everything has more sugar and salt compare to in the Netherlands.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
I attached my spending for January. “Extra” is more like going out and so. “House” was for the cleaning supply, but I also bought a light to make the room cosier. “Sport” is for the all semester once you get the membership for the gym. “Taxi from airport” I shared it with 3 other people that were coming from WUR. “Classes” is what I spent on books, e-books, and online access. Unfortunately, some classes required me to purchase these access as I was doing my weekly quiz on that. But depending on which course you plan to take it might be cheaper.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
For the university you usually go by foot and then there is the bust pass that get your around Guelph. To travel further e.g. Toronto, I used the GO bus or train on weekend there is a pass to use all GO transport for 10$.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Of course, the Niagara Falls. But if you have time and can travel, I highly recommend Banff, it is worth the hype. Montreal and Quebec are also close by and worth checking, it is a nice opportunity to get the famous Canadienne dish “Poutine”. Side note, I have not been there but heard a lot of good things about Vancouver (more generally British Columbia), New York, L.A and Las-Vegas. It is true that it’s cheaper to travel to U.S to compare inside Canada. Travelling by plane is the easiest but train works as well. Side notes for the plane, avoid taking Porter airline, yes, the price is really cheap but regularly plane get cancelled or delayed and there is no compensation for that. There are several airports around Guelph so check the Pearson airport in Toronto but also Billy Bishop in Toronto or Region of Waterloo International Airport.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
The Ranch, it is a country club/restaurant. I think it is worth go to do with friends even if you are not a fan of country music. I really felt as a Canadian there. The vibe is great and it’s a live band singing. One tip though is gone early since it’s busy quickly. Plus, I would add the food and drinks are quite expensive so you might want to have eat properly and drink before to limit a bit the expense.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
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- Clubs: Royal Electric, Palace, Trappers (most of the time there on Thursday it is the 1$ beer night) BRING CASH (no possibility to pay with card) and ID
- Farmer market is cute but disappointing compared to WUR one.
- Do not buy a meal plan, just do some batch cooking that will be way more less expensive. I spent in average 300 euros per month on food.
- Metro (supermarket) has a discount for student from Tuesday-Thursday.
- Better to do the groceries at Walmart and No Frills.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Some cultural differences but it is always the case. Being scared, lonely and overwhelmed at the beginning. But probably the biggest challenge is accepting that I have changed through that exchange and that will probably have some consequences on my choices/relationship when I go back in Europe.
What was your best memory abroad?
I have a lot of them. I loved hanging out with my other exchange friends, going to party even though it was snowing heavily outside, having a 11 PM snow fight with warm hot chocolate after, seeing the Frosty Mug (hockey team). But also, more generally visiting Canada, I went to Banff for the reading week (it was -30C) and went to Montreal to meet a friend that I haven’t seen in 7 years.