29 May 2017 | Category: Student life

Studying in the Netherlands: my experience

By Guest Blogger

Wageningen University & Research invites anyone related to the university to share their thoughts on different topics in this weblog. To give you as a prospective student several opinions and experience stories of Wageningen University & Research. Hopefully this will provide you an honest and realistic picture of what it is like to study here.
by Julia Winkeler, student Plant Science from Delaware

 

I started studying for my Master’s degree in Plant Science at Wageningen University & Research this past February. I feel very grateful to be able to study at the number 1 university in the Netherlands as well as the world’s top-ranked university in the field of Agriculture & Forestry.

When I visited the campus last summer, it was everything that I could have wished for. The campus breathes life sciences. No matter what topic someone is learning about, it is always related to the university’s motto: “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.”

 

Why did I choose Wageningen?                

On my daily cycle to campus, I feel like the luckiest person alive, and yes, even while it is raining. I am not used to riding a bike as my main vehicle of transportation, but I love how it wakes me up in the morning! The birds, trees, and flowers are also very beautiful on this commute. But the nature is not the only reason I came to Wageningen. The education here is outstanding. With this master and the reputation of Wageningen University & Research, I have the potential to find a job all over the world.

Another great thing about my study is that I have do an internship during my masters. This way I can gain experience in the professional field. This internship can be completed almost anywhere in the world. I am planning on possibly doing mine back in the States.

 

Comparisons to American universities

Wageningen University & Research is quite small, which makes it very personal. Also the professors are approachable and open. They’re even available during a coffee break if you have any questions about the program. They want you to ask questions.

Speaking of coffee breaks, a single class could meet for four hours in a row in the morning, or after lunch, but you always have 10-15 minute coffee breaks every forty five minutes. I think this was the biggest shock for me, as my classes back home lasted only an hour and fifteen minutes maximum. While the length of the individual class periods are longer, I can have only two classes at once, which is easier for me to manage during finals week.

I also really enjoy that I still have a long summer break in Wageningen during which I will be visiting friends and family. You could write your thesis during summer, but that depends on your research. And the food! I’m not a fan of typical Dutch food, but the cafeteria on campus offers great fresh and healthy food at a nice price. Just like the coffee.

 

How to get in to Wageningen University & Research

Applying for a university in the Netherlands is a bit different then doing so in the States. Even though Wageningen University & Research is the number 1 in the Netherlands, this does not mean they only accept A-level students (so they can stay on top). Every student that meets the criteria will get accepted to Wageningen. This means everyone has an equal chance of getting in. The GRE’s are also not required for applying! Also, coming from the States, I did not have to take an English language test.

 

Questions?

If you would like to hear more about studying in Wageningen you can always contact me by replying to this blog. I’m happy to answer your questions and help in anyway possible! Also, if you like to stay updated about the university, you can subscribe for the newsletter.

 

 

By Guest Blogger

Wageningen University & Research invites anyone related to the university to share their thoughts on different topics in this weblog. To give you as a prospective student several opinions and experience stories of Wageningen University & Research. Hopefully this will provide you an honest and realistic picture of what it is like to study here.

There are 7 comments.

  1. By: Mucheye Adugna · 16-10-2017 at 16:30

    Thank You for Giving me this chance, I would like to study Masters progeramme in my field of study if i have got free scholarship!

  2. By: Mucheye Adugna · 16-10-2017 at 16:36

    I have Bsc degree in Natural resource economics and management, I would like to join Masters degree with Natural resource management or Forest and nature conservation or Environmentalist and related fields. This is possible for me If i got free scholarship, becouse of financial problem.
    Thank you!!

  3. By: joseph masiga makhanu · 17-10-2017 at 06:02

    Thanks Julia.as I intend to study at wageningen,am very much informed by your story.i hope to share with you untill i reach there finally.

  4. By: Muhammad Afaq Ahmed · 19-10-2017 at 15:29

    Thanku. I am doing B.sc hons agriculture with major entomology from pakistan.. i want to apply for masters here in wageningen and looking for fully funded scholarships .. do they offer this course or scholarships? how can i access to apply for this course here? I am from pakistan so shall i need Any english test ( IELTS or TOEFL). and i shall complete my degree in June 2018 so when should i apply if i can get fully scholarship . Thanku.
    Waiting for your reply.

    1. By: Debby Los · 03-11-2017 at 14:33

      Dear Muhammad, the Netherlands Student Grantfinder (www.grantfinder.nl) is an online search engine for those who want to study in the Netherlands and are looking for financial aid. The Grantfinder contains information on a range of Dutch scholarships for foreign students.

  5. By: General Zondai · 29-06-2018 at 10:38

    Dear Julia, I have read your email with great anticipation I would really love to do my Masters in an Agricultural Sciences at WUR. Can I please be in contact with you so you can assist me in my application plea, I have already applied and got a rejection letter but I am certain my application was not detailed since I did in a hurry.

    1. By: Õnne Kask · 13-07-2018 at 16:30

      Hi General,
      You can reach us by sending a mail to students@wur.nl. You can submit your application again and we are ready to assists you as well as we can!
      Greetings, Onne

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