Field of study in Wageningen: BSc Food Technology
Study period exchange: 15/01/2024 – 17/05/2024
Country (exchange): Ireland
City (exchange): Dublin
University (exchange): Technological University of Dublin
Faculty (exchange): Food Science and Environmental Health
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to live abroad and engage in a new culture. I know that I will be doing my Master in Wageningen as well, so an exchange gave me the opportunity to go abroad and out of Wageningen for a little while.
What is the reason you chose for this country?
I have heard great things about Ireland. It is a beautiful country and the people that live there have good humour. Ireland is quite small, which allowed me to easily travel within the country and see a lot of the island. I also liked how I was the only from the WUR going to Dublin during my exchange, as it allowed me to have the Erasmus experience completely on my own.
What is the reason you chose for this university?
It was one of the universities I was able to go to outgoing from Wageningen. They also offered interesting subjects related to my study.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any advice about reaching your exchange destination?
Simply by airplane. It is a short and usually cheap flight.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses that were taught in English:
Yes, all courses were taught in English.
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses in my field of interest:
Yes. There were many faculties I could choose courses from. However, I could only select courses from the same year, semester, and faculty otherwise there might be a timetable clash. So I could not spread my courses across different years and faculties, which somewhat limited my options.
I am satisfied with the level of the courses that I followed:
Yes I am satisfied. I had to adjust a little as I think the required level in Wageningen is more challenging.
I am satisfied, in the end, with the selection of courses I followed:
Yes. The selection was varied and different to courses that I have done before at the WUR.
What is it like to study there?
Most courses I followed had a continuous assessment and no exam. Usually many assignments throughout the semester were given such as, writing an essay, making a poster, or giving a presentation. The exams that I have done only counted for about 60%. The workload is not that much, allowing enough time to do other activities. Lesson material is usually the presentation/lecture notes. I did not receive any textbook.
What is the culture of the university?
It was quite hard to engage with the local students as my classes were so small (about 15-20 students) and most of them were all Irish. These student have been in the same class for 4 years, had a tight friend group, and were almost done studying. This made it hard to connect with them. To be honest, the lecturers were not easy to approach either. Most of them preferred if you would not email them and we should ask all questions in class. I also think there were many updates/announcements not made public (put on Brightspace, or sent by email), which left me with many questions. I would then not feel comfortable to ask these questions.
What does the university offer students additionally?
Catering and many sport facilities were offered, as well as counselling and student support.
5. Housing-traveling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are a few student accommodations in Dublin (Yugo, International Student Accommodation (ISA), Brickworks, and more). These were usually the most expensive student accommodations in Dublin (~1200 eu/month). There are other options near Campus or via a private landlord. The rooms available are usually single or double rooms with a private or public bathroom included. A shared kitchen and laundry facilities are also always included. The average rent price for a room is about 850 eu/month.
What is the culture like?
I really liked the Irish culture. Many people were very welcoming and everyone would go to the pub around 5pm or even earlier. It was very cozy.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
I recommend getting a student leap card during your stay in Dublin. Almost everyone has this card, it is similar to an ov-chip card. For students its usually about 1 euro to get the bus, Dart (train), or Luas (tram) to any destination. A certain amount of public transport use will give you a free week to make use of it. Taxi’s stay expensive. Some people cycle, not all roads are made for it which makes it a bit dangerous.
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:
Dublin was expensive but it was similar to price levels in Amsterdam. Generally Dublin had higher price levels.
Additional remarks regarding expenses?
Generally travelling in Ireland is quite cheap and you can go to west-coast return trip for 15 euros. Groceries at the Lidl are also quite cheap. The rent and beer prices at the pub were my highest expenses.
7. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Easy to travel by bus/train. Dalkey, Bray, Greystones are accessible and beautiful places not far from Dublin. You can go for a sea-swim or a cliff walk there.
What does not appear in a travel guide, but is definitely worth seeing/doing?
Probably Vico bathing area in Dalkey. It is very popular among Irish people to go for a cold sea swim, even in the winter. This is a must and you should definitely try it.
8. Challenges & best moment abroad
Any challenges? How did you deal with them?
My biggest and first challenge was the accommodation. I moved to a different accommodation when I arrived in Dublin because I did not like my first one. It was far from the city and in a very quiet and boring living area. I think the house you live in is very important. I dealt with this my contacting a friend that was in Dublin before me and she helped me out.
Best memory?
Going on a trip with my friends and just enjoying the country side and a delicious Hop House beer in the local pub.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Elena more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail: elena.vandelden@wur.nl