My Exchange at The University of Groningen
How I found out about the 360 International Exchange programme: Through my friend, Thomas.
My feelings/first impressions when I arrived at my host university/city/country: I was a little bit spooked at the beginning but it was really cool knowing that the Netherlands would be my home for the next 6 months. I felt at home within days.
What my accommodation was like: My accommodation was nice. It was great living with students from all around the world. It was also near the centre of town, clean and of a high quality.
Orientation at the host university: It did not take long to get orientated.
What I thought of the courses/teaching at the host university: I actually was not a fan of the way the Dutch taught university, it was far too strict and you really couldn’t miss even one class without losing marks.
What the host city/country was like: The city was amazing. It was so safe, clean and everything was accessible by foot/bike. I didn’t step into a car once. It was a great vibe with so many students with an awesome nightlife.
What the cost of living was like compared to Auckland: My accommodation was far cheaper. My friend and I constantly debated whether food was cheaper, I think it was.
Extracurricular activities I took part in: I signed up to the squash club and gym. I met lots of people through these.
Life on campus: Life on campus was great, no cars and all pedestrianised.
Food: Dutch food is horrible, worst part of the exchange.
Highlights of my exchange: Easily the biggest highlight was the people I met. It was so easy to make friends because everyone was looking for one. It was so cool meeting so many different types of people.
Challenges of your exchange: Learning to travel by myself. But now that I’ve done it, I have the confidence to travel anywhere.
Advice I would give to students thinking about the exchange programme: You will be fine and to make the most of it! The time flies by so quickly.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Truthfully, I had very few academic highlights at Groningen. I thought they were far too strict on attendance, and the passing grade is much higher than at Auckland. I also thought the courses were much more difficult.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Sign up for the ACLO Centre; you can access many sports facilities.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Brace yourself for a much more academically challenging university.
2. Make sure you know how to ride a bike.
3. Bring a warm jacket for the winter.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
All I can say is, put aside enough for beers because Europeans love to drink.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
The world is an exciting place with so many incredible people to meet.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
Please don’t go to Switzerland. It’s far too expensive.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
For anyone lucky enough to have the opportunity to study at Groningen, please take it. I promise you will not regret it.
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