Field of study in Wageningen: Msc Food Technology
Study period exchange: 09/01/2023 – 29/04/2023
Country (exchange): Canada
City (exchange): Vancouver
University (exchange): University of British Columbia
Faculty (exchange): Land and Food Systems
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
For personal growth; mainly to experience what it is like to live in a different country. Additionally, I wanted to improve my English.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
Vancouver is close to mountains/beautiful nature. UBC has a relatively high standard of education compared to other universities abroad.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
You need to travel by plane, the earlier you book the cheaper. I booked via KLM which has the option of rescheduling your flight, which I found very useful in postponing my flight back to able to travel around with friends.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
The workload is higher, but the level is slightly easier. You need to keep up with the course all semester due to many midterms/assignments/homework. This does lift a bit of the pressure from the final, which is usually around 35% of your grade. The biggest difference is the fact that courses run the whole semester, and your schedule is the same all semester.
What is the culture of the university?
The lecturers hold office hours regularly at which you can ask questions. No time is scheduled for group work/assignments/tutorials, so you’re expected to do these assignments in your own time. It really depends on which class and the students how approachable they are.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
I was offered on campus housing, but this is a lottery for which you need a bit of luck. You could signup for meal plans, but I would not recommend this. I did not sign up for this, and I heard from other students that the food is overpriced and not worth it. On campus housing has laundry facilities for which you need to pay separately. In the student fees a public transportation card is included, so you will be able to travel in the metropolitan area of Vancouver for ‘free’ (you paid for this previously, but it’s worth it). You can get a gym membership for quite a good deal for the gyms on campus.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Housing in Vancouver is scarce which makes it incredibly expensive. I was offered a spot in the cheapest accommodation (Walter Gage) on campus, which was still around €700/month. This is a single bedroom with shared kitchen, living and bathroom with 6 people. It’s comparable to the star flats in Wageningen.
What is the culture of the country like?
Everybody is very friendly, helpful and talkative.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
From €700 upwards.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
I’d recommend trying to get a place on campus, since campus is far away from downtown. Getting downtown from campus by public transport will cost you around €2, but will take you between 50 and 60 minutes. On campus you can walk everywhere. For Canadian standards, public transport is well organized, but compared to Europe it is not that great. I’d recommend setting up an Evo account (comparable to Greenwheels) for short car rides to places that are difficult to reach with public transport. You can rent a car if you’re over 23 from Turo for longer periods of time. Uber is quite affordable, but I’ve never used it.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
For travelling outside of Vancouver you need a car. If you’re a fan of winter sports, I’d recommend going to Whistler which is also reachable by bus.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Seattle.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Midterm break is the perfect time to plan a longer trip!
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Keeping in touch with family and friends at home is quite difficult due to the time difference. In the beginning, even simple tasks like doing groceries can be overwhelming as everything is different than you’re used to.
What was your best memory abroad?
Dancing on a mountain with friends to warm up in -23C weather.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Sofie more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: sofienijhuis16@gmail.com