Field of study in Wageningen: Bsc Economics and Governance Studies
Study period exchange: 25/08/2022 – 24/11/2022
Country (exchange): Australia
City (exchange): Sydney
University (exchange): University of Sydney
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
After studying in Wageningen for three years I was looking for a new experience. I wanted to broaden my horizons within and outside my study and gain experience in what it’s like to live and study abroad. In addition, I wanted to explore a new country and even a whole new continent. The opportunity of meeting people from all over the world end making international friends seemed very appealing to me.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
An English-speaking country appealed to me since I thought this would make an exchange a little easier. In addition, I knew that I wanted to go far away to a country I have never been to before since I haven’t been travelling a lot in my life. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to travel and study in one. The country, the culture and the city of Sydney appealed to me because of the sunny weather, the chill vibe and a rich history.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Since Australia is so far away the only way to reach Sydney is by plane unfortunately.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
What is the culture of the university?
The University of Sydney has very approachable lecturers, they are very engaged with the students. In the eyes of the local students, the international students are seen as brave people and have a very cool status. However, the interaction was quite low. There is a big Asian community, but there is kind of a divide between the Asian community and the western community, which is sad. The biggest difference with the WUR is that the university is way bigger, and has a little less facilities in my opinion.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
There was always the opportunity to join a sports society, which you sometimes had to pay for, and sometimes not. My building provided some facilities, like a gym, music room and laundry facilities. However, all these facilities were kind of underwhelming and expensive (laundry).
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There is a possibility to live on campus, which is quite expensive. That’s what I did because this is a nice opportunity to meet other students. If you don’t really reach out and find connections, this can also be a bit lonely. In my building, we did not really have shared areas. In addition, you can apply for Scape which is even more expensive, but the facilities are nicer and sometimes you love with roommates. Sometimes you can find a good deal when you try to rent a private room. This can be stressful since you usually don’t know what you sign up for, and a lot of people start looking after arrival. The rental rates are very high.
What is the culture of the country like?
Australian people are very nice and polite. They are always very welcoming to travelers and internationals. The culture has some similarities with the American and British culture. The food is a little unhealthier and more meat-based than in the Netherlands. The culture in Sydney is based on the beach and sun, which makes people very relaxed.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
You will pay euro’s a month in Sydney, in Wageningen I think the average is about €350.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Public transport is pretty good. Students can get an Opal card which gives you 50% off public transport. Taxis are quite expensive but there is always the option to Uber or Deedee. Another recommendation is to take the ferry to manly for example, or the train to the blue mountains which you can both do with public transport.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
One recommendation is to go to the Blue Mountains. You can go there by train, or book a trip but public transport is cheaper. Another recommendation is to visit beaches like Bondi Beach Manly beach or Coogee beach which you can reach by bus or ferry. Some people take trips to Melbourne by plane which is a little further, you would have to fly there. In Sydney, another recommendation is the Harbor bridge, the opera house and Newtown.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I’m not sure if the Glebe markets or the fish market are in the travel guide. However, these markets are worth a visit for food or vintage shopping.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
If you study at the University of Sydney, there is a cafe very close which is called Hoochie Mamma. They serve lunch breakfast and coffee (and I used to work there so it’s my favorite place in Sydney). In addition, Scary Canary is a very nice place if you go out with the big group on a Wednesday night. You can also go to bigger clubs like Ivy, Cargo or the Argyle. However, you do have to pay an entrance fee. Hotel Newtown is nice for drinks.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
The biggest challenge for me was being alone in a country where you don’t know anyone. The first two weeks I struggled a little bit with homesickness, but after a while when you make friends, it gets easier. The other struggle I had a little bit was financial because I was traveling and studying at the same time, so I had to work to pay for it. Even though I really enjoyed working, working in addition to having a lot of social activities made my time for study limited.
What was your best memory abroad?
I think my best memories are my making so many good friends and just really enjoying my time there. I loved the traveling and experiencing a new country. I think the last month of my exchange was the best month since the weather was good and I had my friend group. Also, I didn’t have to study and I could travel a lot and I did some diving which was one of my best experiences!
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Sabine more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: Sabinesanders25@gmail.com
