Field of study in Wageningen: BSc Food Technology
Study period exchange: 05/02/2024 – 28/06/2024
Country (exchange): France
City (exchange): Paris
University (exchange): AgroParisTech
Faculty (exchange): Sciences et Industries du Vivant et de l’Environnement
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to experience something different. I wanted to learn in a different country to experience a new way of teaching, learning and gain new perspectives.
What is the reason you chose for this country?
It wasn’t my initial choice but since I speak French and France is known for its agro-industry, which is my field of study, I thought why not.
What is the reason you chose for this university?
The university ranking and reputation was quite good.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
The train, it is a bit expensive but much more enjoyable and comfortable than a flight I would say.
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:
No, most of the courses were only offered in French.
I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses in my field of interest:
Yes, plenty of them. The university has many different courses for various topics from plant sciences to food and cosmetic or even coding you can have everything!
I am satisfied with the level of the courses that I followed:
Yes, I gained valuable knowledge and a new perspective on my field of study.
I am satisfied, in the end, with the selection of courses I followed:
Yes, I deliberately chose different courses to have the possibility to learn from different topics. I am particularly satisfied with certain courses such as the one in aquaculture.
What is it like to study there?
The structure was quite similar to WUR. We had lectures, tutorials and a final assessment. The only difference was that the courses were lasting 2-3 weeks meaning that the workload was quite intense and condensed. The academic level was sufficient and similar to WUR. The examination was either a written exam or a report with a final presentation. The course content was uploaded by teachers either before or after a lecture/tutorial on a platform similar to Brightspace. The grades are also uploaded there.
What is the culture of the university?
Teachers are nice and accessible. You can ask them questions during or after class but also send them e-mails regarding course related matters if needed. The local students were hard to get to know I found as they had their group of friends already, so they had little interest in knowing new people. I had to fight my way through it and I eventually met new people by being introducing myself regularly to people, have lunch with classmates or work together after class. My advice would be don’t be shy and worst thing that can happen is they say no! Whereas in Wageningen people are much more open-minded and considerate I found.
What does the university offer students additionally?
They have a catering service at 3.3€/service in which you have a starter, a main course and a dessert included. Water is free of charge. You can have lunch and dinner on campus, and depending on where you live you can have access to different student catering services. I lived on a student campus, so I had a catering service nearby. Regarding sports you can sign up to any activities you want just like at the WUR. In terms of housing, the host university helped me find an accommodation in which I had a room for myself with a bathroom, a shared kitchen and a laundry service (2.5€/use).
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
The university helps you find an accommodation depending on the availabilities. You can have rooms on- and off-campus. I had a private room off-campus in the city center of Paris and the rent was 543€/month.
What is the culture of the country like?
French people (particularly in Paris) can be seen as rude, careless and arrogant. It’s true… However, the food is good! They have late diner compared to the Netherlands, around 8pm.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
I did a subscription which was quite expensive (342€/year) but you have access to everything, tramway, bus, metro and underground and to all areas (pay attention to that!). You can also have monthly subscription for 86€/month. To go to the university, I had to take the bus (provided by the university) and to go back I had to take the train (~1h). Taxis are quite expensive and be careful with scams! I personally took Ubers mostly.
6. Expenses
Can you give an indication of your expenses for/during your exchange?
The price levels were in general in comparison to in the Netherlands:
Equal.
Additional remarks regarding expenses?
Groceries can be quite expensive depending on where you go. I suggest you visit your neighborhood and compare prices.
7. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Plenty of museums to see, Paris is nice by foot and transports are effective.
What does not appear in a travel guide, but is definitely worth seeing/doing?
Don’t hesitate to get lost in the city center and explore!
8. Challenges & best moment abroad
Any challenges? How did you deal with them?
It was quite challenging to make friends and meet new people as the local students already had their group of friends and the university/student associations did not organise many events for Erasmus students. So, I was mostly friends and hanging out with internationals and Erasmus students. The few french friends I had were classmates.
What was your best memory abroad?
I was in Montmartre with my girlfriend at the time, a very romantic place and a nice view on Paris! I would definitely recommend!
9. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Andritia more questions about his exchange? Send him a mail: louis.rajaona@wur.nl