Everyone wants to have a great time so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Ghent University, 2023
For my exchange I went to the University of Ghent which was initially not my first choice. However, it turned out to be perfect because it was still close to home in the Netherlands and being able to speak the Dutch language had its advantages as well. Before you leave for your exchange, I would recommend making sure that you are prepared in regard to housing and administration for both universities, this is what cost me the most time to fix. Especially finding housing is very difficult, with more demand than the city has to offer. The city center has a rich history with a lot of beautiful buildings, restaurants, musuems and local shops. Surrounding the university, there are a lot of bars and clubs perfect for meeting up with friends so I would definitely recommend tasting those Belgian beers!
During my exchange in Ghent, I had a very good time with new friends, other kinds of courses and a new, enriching environment. Everyone in the exchange community is very open and friendly. They are eager to learn about each other’s cultures and experiences. Everyone wants to have a great time so don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you want to go out, grab a coffee or lunch together. It is an experience that lasts a lifetime so enjoy everything that comes your way and don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Finally, to say something about the curriculum of the university, they offer a lot of diverse courses within my experience, some other enhancing perspectives than my home university. The support staff for international students is very good and approachable. They will help you with meeting people, studying and all other things that you are struggling with. So to concluce, a very good, social and academic university!