{"id":264,"date":"2016-08-12T14:17:17","date_gmt":"2016-08-12T12:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weblog.wageningenur.eu\/international-students\/?p=264"},"modified":"2016-08-23T10:22:52","modified_gmt":"2016-08-23T08:22:52","slug":"my-first-year-experience-as-a-master-student-in-wageningen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/2016\/08\/12\/my-first-year-experience-as-a-master-student-in-wageningen\/","title":{"rendered":"My first year experience as a master student in Wageningen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello everybody!<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s already August which means the 2016 academic year is about to start. I can see that international students are gradually coming to Wageningen for the Annual Introduction Days (AID) which is arranged to welcome all the newcomers to this \u2018city of life science\u2019. This wonderful weather of the late summer reminds me of my first moment as a freshman in a master programme here. They say time goes by so fast when you are having fun. This is so true. Without realizing, it\u2019s unbelievably been a year of studying abroad for me now!<\/strong><\/p>\n


\nAbout myself<\/strong><\/h2>\n

My name is Chanoknun Wannasin. I\u2019m called Mo and sometimes MiniMo (because of my height). I am originally from Thailand, and I came here with the scholarship for my master and PhD. I\u2019m currently a master student in Earth and Environment program with the specialization in Hydrology and Water Resources.<\/p>\n

I started my master in September 2015, and already finished the coursework in my first year. Now I\u2019m enjoying my thesis project in the field of water science. I\u2019m spending most of my working time running the hydrological models in my office space with the cup of hot chocolate in one hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Wageningen<\/a>
\nMe at Keukenhof on a weekend<\/em><\/p>\n


\nFrom Thailand to the Netherlands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As an international student, I\u2019m often asked, from all countries in the world, why and how did I decide to come to the Netherlands and this small town, Wageningen. I\u2019m sure many other international students have got this question as well.<\/p>\n

Firstly, I have to admit that I never imagine my future like this when I decided to study abroad. I knew only a little about the Netherlands, not more than the tulips and windmills. Among Thai people, the most popular countries for studying abroad are definitely the United State, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The Netherlands, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful sceneries, and thus for travelling on the holidays. Honestly, I was planning to head to London\u2026<\/p>\n

However, since it would be 6 years abroad for me, I wanted the best for myself. I did some searches online and asked my bachelor teachers for advice about the graduated program in hydrology which was my interest. At some point, I figured out that the Netherlands is very popular for water science. Considering its flat landscape below the sea level and the Dutch history in water management since the 9th<\/sup> century, I\u00a0 learned that this country has survived several flood disasters and developed knowledge and technology in the study field for a long time. That was when I realized that this unexpected country would be the right place for me to study abroad. My plans had\u00a0changed. I caught the last chance. And here I am. Isn\u2019t it the best opportunity to learn from the real experts?<\/p>\n


\nThe challenges in the study<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When I started my course here, everything in classes seemed to be difficult at first, but that wasn\u2019t a bad thing at all. In contrast, it was very challenging (and still is) and kept me going on and on. With some helps from my study advisor, teachers and friends, I have been improved and enjoyed the study a lot.<\/p>\n

The first challenge for me was the study program itself. The courses were totally new to me since I decided to change my study field from Nature Conservation (which was about wildlife and forest) in my bachelor to Hydrology (which is now using physics and mathematics ) for my master. It could make me stressful sometimes, especially on the exam weeks. However, after getting familiar with the new topics, it began to be fun and fascinating. Now I\u2019m happy with this study and never regret that I changed my field.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"study\"<\/a>
\nMy practice on the 3D hydrological modelling during the study period 3<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second challenge was the language difficulty. My bachelor degree was done in Thai language, so it took me some time to get used to the different accents and scientific language in this master program. In the first period, I had to review the lectures every evening so that I could follow up on the next day. Many international students have experienced this strain. If you are worried about your language skills, trust me it will be okay in time. English is not our mother language, so it\u2019s okay not to be perfect. In fact, most students here speak English as the second language, including Dutch students. So just keep practicing and don\u2019t give up. Soon you will enjoy the accent variety of the students from all around the world.<\/p>\n

The other challenge was the difference in the education systems and styles. In Thailand, we have 2 semesters per an academic year, whereas here in Wageningen the courses are provided in 6 periods a year which seems to be more intensive. The interactions between the lecturers and students during the classes are also different. I love how we can discuss and express our thoughts and opinions actively here.<\/p>\n


\n<\/strong>The Life Outside The Classrooms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even though it was a year full of coursework and exams, I also enjoyed my life after studying. I have joined the university\u2019s activities, participated in a student community, met up with other Thai students, and made international friends.<\/p>\n