Field of study in Wageningen: Bachelor Biology
Study period exchange: 08/01/2024 – 28/05/2024
Country (exchange): Norway
City (exchange): Ås
University (exchange): NMBU
Faculty (exchange): Faculty of Biosciences
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I needed to finish my BSc degree, and had finished all of my obligatory courses, so I decided it would be a good choice for me to go abroad as a way of broadening my horizons. I also wanted to see the world, how it is studied, and how it is handled via a new perspective (especially from a scientific point of view).
What is the reason you chose for this country?
I am openly genderqueer, so it was a safer option for me to go up north. Besides this I already had two friends of mine who did an exchange semester in Norway, at the NMBU, so I had already heard good things about the country.
What is the reason you chose for this university?
Like I stated before, two of my friends had already told me great things about the university which made it a desirable choice. Furthermore the courses offered at the NMBU were very interesting to me and my study interests, making it a good choice for me to go to the NMBU.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any advice about reaching your exchange destination?
It is definitely doable via bus or car, though it takes a very long time to do so. When driving yourself, take enough rests and do not rush your journey. Also be aware of the customs and international policies on what you can and cannot bring along with you.
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.
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses in my field of interest: Yes.
I am satisfied with the level of the courses that I followed: Yes
I am satisfied, in the end, with the selection of courses I followed: Yes.
What is it like to study there?
The academic level is pretty similar to that of WUR, though the university mostly focuses on theoretical knowledge compared to the amount of practical work WUR offers which was disappointing. The workload and material were appropriate for the course level that was offered; the only complaint I really had besides the focus on theory is that the semesters are much much longer than the six week periods in Wageningen.
What is the culture of the university?
The only time I was in a Norwegian lecture was during my first course (BIO315), though I was the only non-Norwegian student following that course. Besides this it was rather clear to find the lectures, talk to lecturers, follow along with the courses. The students are a bit more shy, so talking to them can be hard unless you approach them yourself.
What does the university offer students additionally?
The catering was rather affordable to Norwegian standards. There were sports facilities with ample student sports associations, though I did miss the opportunity to swim (as a swimmer). The outdoor sports field was only available for use starting in June, despite good weather starting in April already, which was a shame. Student housing was rather good, and this housing had laundry facilities one could use free of charge.
5. Housing-traveling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Student housing was rather easy to find, and also much more affordable than Dutch student housing. The rooms were spacious enough for someone to live in, especially with a shared kitchen making it possible to use more space in your room for yourself.
What is the culture like?
It was harder to eat in Norway as someone with a vegetarian diet, but it was still doable. The main issue was the pricing of everything being higher than I amused to. The people tend to keep to themselves unless actively approached, which was hard to get used to. This was also a struggle when it came to living situations, as it was hard to be social with roommates that seemed to want to avoid you.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
It was rather difficult to go anywhere by public transport when you have a Dutch bank account. The commonly used means to get tickets (Vipps) did not recognize IBANs with letters, which meant I was forced to either get a ticket physically (only at train stations) or ask a friend to pay for my ticket as well. Reaching campus was really doable luckily, as it was a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk to most buildings.
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
Additional remarks regarding expenses?
I did not travel all too much, so costs for traveling and trips may not be representative.
7. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
I did not travel outside of sports, but the fields in Oslo are very nice. Bergen and Trondheim do look very appealing from what I’ve seen during weekends of sports tournaments.
What does not appear in a travel guide, but is definitely worth seeing/doing?
Again: I did not travel outside of sports-related activities.
8. Challenges & best moment abroad
Any challenges? How did you deal with them?
Homesickness was my greatest challenge, though I kept close contact with my good friends and had several online appointments with the student psychologist of WUR.
The university in Norway also did not allow for me to use my chosen name, which got me in a period of saddened moods.
Best memory?
Finishing 4th of Norway with the ultimate frisbee team from Ås.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Pine more questions about their exchange?
Send them a mail: Pine.akkerman@wur.nl