Student story – Albert

This weeks student experience* tells the story of Albert. Who you might already know from the student tour at ood.wur.nl

Good to talk to you, Albert! First of all, could you give a short introduction of yourself?

“Hi! I am Albert Gomez, I am 23 years old and I come from Barcelona, Spain. Where I did my bachelor’s in Microbiology. Currently, I am doing the master’s Biotechnology with a specialisation in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology.”

When did you first hear about WUR and why did you choose the university?

“I first heard about the WUR when I was looking for an Erasmus programme. When I was looking to pursue my master’s I took a deeper look into the university. I knew I wanted to study here when I found out they had such a strong microbiology department.”

What was your motivation or passion to study in Wageningen?

“My motivation was knowing that I would be able to learn a lot about genetic engineering and how to apply it to the production level.

I choose my master’s programme as it had the most suitable subjects for my development and interests.”

Which part of your study do you find the most interesting?

“I really liked Applied Molecular Microbiology as both professors were excellent. I also enjoy my thesis a lot as it allows me to be in the lab and really get a measure of what a scientific career is like.”

What about living in Wageningen? What do you like about it?

“Wageningen is not the biggest city, so student life is quite relaxed. It is a great place to learn and improve other skills.

I live in Bornsesteeg, the big Idealis building next to campus. I like it as I have both the university and the gym very close to my place.”

Also, do you have favourite spots in the city and why?

“My favourite spots in the city are the Rhine, the pool cafe and also Torchpark. Those are all great place to go with your friends.”

In what way does living in the Netherlands differ from your home country?

“Well, there are a lot of differences with Barcelona. Here all the shops close way too early. Also, the weather here is colder. But at the same time living here is more relaxed and people are quite nice.”

What do you like the most about studying and living in the Netherlands?

“Studying and living in the Netherlands is quite nice. I really like that there is the time during courses to do projects and reports, as it would allow you to actually have time after uni for hobbies and improve as a person and not all day doing university reports.”

What do you do besides studying?

“If I am not studying I do a lot of sports. I play squash very often and I am the current Chairman of SSA Ballistic, the squash association. I also go to the gym a lot, when I am not playing squash. But I also go out with my friends a play pool.

Besides your classmates, is it difficult to meet other students as an international student?

“I have met other students through other friends. The Spanish community is very extense so it is easy to meet each other. I also met people in courses, or at the gym, or playing squash and then from those people you meet new people.”

How do you experience the international atmosphere on campus?

“It is very nice that everywhere around campus there are a lot of internationals, and at a lot of levels of education, from bachelor’s to PostDocs. That’s what makes Wageningen so special.”

What do you think about the campus, everything that you can do here?

“The campus is very nice, beautiful and it has a lot of things to do other than study such as play ping pong in the Spot or do sports in the Bongerd.

My favourites spots are the Spot, the terrace in the 5th floor in Orion, the grass between Forum and Orion and the garden in Lumen. They are the best place to relax and work or be with your friends.”

*Every 2 weeks I talk to a fellow student about studying at Wageningen University & Research. I would like to know how they experience studying here, especially since we are all far away from home.

Do you have a question about studying in Wageningen? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Or sign up for the updates to receive the next student experience.