Field of study in Wageningen: Health & Society
Study period exchange: 18/07/2022 – 01/12/2022
Country (exchange): South Africa
City (exchange): Pretoria
University (exchange): University of Pretoria
Faculty (exchange): Humanities
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I always wanted to go abroad, and I still had to complete part of my minor so I saw this as a great opportunity to go abroad.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
To be honest, my first choice was Valencia. But South Africa sounded cool, was one of the farthest places and I saw that Pretoria had a relatively high chance to get selected.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Airplane
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
You usually take courses (modules) for 5 months, which is very different from Wageningen, where a period is either 4 or 8 weeks. For each course, I had 2 or 3 lectures per week, with one lecture lasting only 50 minutes. Additionally, there were tutorials, mostly once a week. For each course, there were 2 midterms and one final exam. The workload differed for each course. For example, History (GES220) had a really high workload and was quite hard. Industrial and Organizational Psychology on the other hand was relatively easy.
What is the culture of the university?
The lecturers were very approachable and nice. The university organizes a lot of events and the campus is very lively, which in my opinion really differs from WUR. It really feels like a little village on campus.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
The university has so much to offer. They offer meals (lunch & dinner) for a very low price. There are also many sports that you can play for a very low price.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
The accommodation was arranged by the University. During the application process there was an option to sign up for accommodation in one of their residences. Most international students were placed in Tuksdorp. Rent was around 1400 for 5 months.
What is the culture of the country like?
The culture was very different from Dutch culture.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
€1400 for 5 months, so €280 each month.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Most activities were done with Über. There was a train (the Gautrain) to Johannesburg which was relatively safe.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Voortrekkersmonument, Apartheidsmuseum in Joburg, Boeremark, Hennops hiking trail, Hazelwood, Hazel food market, The playground in Joburg, Union Buildings, Groenkloof.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I went to Zimbabwe to the Victoria Falls which was very beautiful
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Hazelwood area has a lot of nice bars. We went out to “The strip” a lot, but is a pretty dangerous place so be careful. The Summit is a very nice bar which is safer. I loved the Hillcrest swimming pool near Tuksdorp, very nice people.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Safety was definitely a challenge, but after a month or so I got used to it.
What was your best memory abroad?
Too many. I’ve done so many things, met so many people, and made new friends. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Suzanne more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: suzanneloedeman@hotmail.com