SBE Exchange Stories • part 2

SBE Exchange stories, but then part 2!
Can’t wait for exchange? Or curious what your options are for your third year? We decided to move to the more Western part of the world and we reached out to students who went to Valencia, Spain and Montreal, Canada. Read the next adventures and stories of our SBE Exchange Students.  We asked them the same questions as in part 1!

First up is Geus Walder, a BK student who went to Valencia!

Where did you go and why did you choose this country/university?

I went to Valencia, Spain. I doubted between going to Asia (because of the travel possibilities) and between a country closer-by, but with the possibility to learn a new language. Because I wanted to learn how to speak Spanish, for a while now, the decision was made more easily. I also thought that you had to go far away in order to have ‘the best’ exchange (America, Asia) but that’s not true at all.

How did you prepare for your exchange?

I took Spanish courses in Amsterdam at ‘El Sur’ and asked people I knew who went to Valencia about their experiences. The University recommended to have a basic level of Spanish, but you can just pick your subjects in English.  I learned how to speak Spanish so I could communicate with the locals.

What was the campus of your university like? Did it have good facilities?

The campus was great. Typical Spanish; Good cafeteria with a lot of food and drinking possibilities (even beer), many places to sit and overall a good atmosphere with a lot of students. Our campus was 10 minutes by bike to the beach, so that’s also a good thing.

What courses did you take at the university? Did you learn a lot from these?

I took international negotiation (highly recommended), Change and innovation management (easy), International Marketing, International economics and Economic of the European Union. I learned the most from the two economic subjects, but those were also the hardest, and took more time than I expected.

Was the exchange overall what you expected it to be? Or even better?

It was better than I expected. Made a lot of new friends (blablabla)… But the nightlife was amazing; Valencia has 18 Nightclubs, and also a lot of bars. Each night of the week there was something to do (even Monday, Beer pong tournament). Did some nice trips (Ibiza, Formentera, Madrid, Requena (wine tasting), organized by student companies. You should definitely become a member of those companies (Happy Erasmus and ESN), because they organize (cheap) trips, and parties. These organizations are also active in other countries in Europe. I learned a basic level of Spanish, mostly because locals can’t speak English, recommended for all the singles out there; Get Spanish.

What is one of the nicest things you’ve done there?

Either going to Ibiza or lying on the beach right after a lecture.

Did you have any bad experiences?

No not at all. Make sure DUO is on max and you’ll be good.  

Are you planning to ever go back there?

Yes, my roommates are staying there for a year, so I will definitely go back at least one time. Or try to convince Diome and Sophie, also from the VU, to go back there for a reunion. #sterspelers

Describe your exchange in one word

Amen

 

Read on to see what BK-student Pien van der Tas experienced in Montreal, Canada!

Where did you go and why did you choose this country/university?

I spent my semester in Montreal, Canada at the HEC Montreal. Canada was a country far from home and where the culture is not totally different from the culture in Europe. I wanted to improve my English. So, the HEC was a university where I could meet new people from all over the world, improve my English and have a culture which is not that different, like i ’m used to.

How did you prepare for your exchange?

I signed up for the courses I wanted to follow in Montreal, I filled in the course approval of the VU and of course, looked for a flight and housing.  

What was the campus of your university like? Did it have good facilities?

HEC has two buildings and both buildings have good facilities, such as a cafeteria, library and enough space to do your group work.

What courses did you take at the university? Did you learn a lot from these?

I took 5 courses, all-in international business and operations management. A lot of information of the courses were already offered in the courses at the VU. But the courses at the HEC are more focused on international business. So, I learned more about cultures and the way of doing business on the other side of the world.

Was the exchange overall what you expected it to be? Or even better?

Exchange was way better than I expected it to be, all the new people I met, all the nice trips I made. I didn’t expect it to be this amazing! I would recommend everybody to go on exchange.

What is one of the nicest things you’ve done there?

The trips to Boston, New York City, skiing at Mont-Tremblant, Hiking in Vermont and some National Parks.

Did you have any bad experiences?

Unfortunately, yes. I had a lot of problems with the apartment where I had been living. And some of my roommates were not that nice.

Are you planning to ever go back there?

I really want to go back someday and see more of the west coast of Canada.

Describe your exchange in one word

Amazing!

Did this blog get you excited and are you craving for more? Read all the other exchange stories here and look out for part 3 of this year’s exchange series coming soon!