Sija in Vancouver

Field of study in Wageningen: Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
Study period exchange: 08/01/2024 – 26/04/2024
Country (exchange): Canada
City (exchange): Vancouver
University (exchange): University of British Columbia
Faculty (exchange): Earth sciences

2. Motivation for exchange

Why did you choose to go on study exchange?

I went on exchange because I wanted to experience a different culture and a different university. I also felt, being far away pushes you to explore and develop yourself socially more.

What is the reason you chose for this country?

I mostly chose Canada because if its beautiful landscapes and mountains.

 What is the reason you chose for this university?

I chose this university because of its location, Vancouver is a beautiful city at the coast, surrounded by mountains. I also chose this university because it offers a huge variety of courses which is nice for exchange students to be able to discover other fields of science.

3. Accessibility to reach destination

Do you have any advice about reaching your exchange destination?

It is good to book your tickets about three months in advance, after that tickets got more expensive for me. Furthermore, when you get to Vancouver it’s not difficult to get to places by public transport. You can check in with your bank card/credit card, so for the first few days getting around is easy. You’ll receive free public transport from the university when you start (you pay a bit for this).

4. University and studying

Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?

 

What is it like to study there?

UBC feels a bit like Wageningen in the way that their teaching is quite personal and active (lots of groupwork). The university feels lively, especially since it’s a campus and many students live there as well. The academic level is quite high, I would say similar to WUR. Examination is often both a group project and an exam.

What is the culture of the university?

My lecturers were very approachable. They often host office hours where you can go with questions or just to chat about their field and your interests. Canadian students are approachable, but they do have their own life going on as well, so I mostly was in contact with exchange students. However, through the outdoor club (called VOC), I made Canadian friends as well. I really recommend joining VOC!

What does the university offer students additionally?

The university offers a lot of activities: gym, swimming, bouldering, climbing, many sports clubs. At the beginning they host a market with all the activities you can do and you can become a member for usually quite a low fee.

5. Housing-traveling-living

What are the possibilities for housing?

You can apply for housing on campus, which is nice if you go for a few months. Rent is more expensive than the Netherlands (about 600 to 800 a month). If you do live on campus I do recommend also leaving campus sometimes, because it’s nice to explore the city. The city is about half an hour from university.

What is the culture like?

I really enjoyed Canadian culture. In some ways it’s not too different from Dutch culture, but to me it felt more open and easier. People are very approachable and quickly start chatting with you.

Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure? 

At the beginning of the study year you pay a bit.

6. Expenses

Can you give an indication of your expenses for/during your exchange?

The price levels were in general [higher; lower; equal] in comparison to in the Netherlands: Higher

7. Free time

What are must-sees in the area?

The islands around Vancouver are easy to visit with the ferries: Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, and the Gulf islands are really beautiful. It’s also amazing to go to Garibaldi lake, Squamish and Golden Ears national park.

What does not appear in a travel guide, but is definitely worth seeing/doing?

At the beach on campus there’s a little trail following the coastline, I really loved running/hiking there. It’s an amazing break from studying.

8. Challenges & best moment abroad

Any challenges? How did you deal with them?

Life can be expensive, so I used too good to go quite a lot. There are also many free food options on campus such as Agora café, vegetable markets, Sprouts. I really recommend going there, it’s also a nice way to meet people!

Best memory?

I went ski touring with the outdoor club to the Elfin Lakes. That is a really beautiful tour and I think also an amazing hike.

8. Contact Details

Would you like to ask Sija more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: sijabrinksma@hotmail.com