271 reviews
4.12 / 5 based on 271 reviews
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2
Katarzyna P
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
An ERASMUS grant
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
The prices concerning such categories as food, housing, nightlife and travel are much more higher in Belgium than in Poland.
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Food, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I have to say I was not surprise as far as financial side of studying abroad is concerned. What is more, in my opinion being one year in Belgium is worth to use all opportunities provided in that country - not to try save money but earn it before or during staying here. However, if I was to indicate any cost-saving tips: students should bring as much food as possible from home; to rent a bike is cheaper than public transport; if only possible- live on campus instead of finding a room or house on private market.
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Katarzyna P
Academic
Course recommendations
The course that is definitely worth to follow: Seminar Marketing, based on the computer program the details you may found about at www.markstratonline.com .
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
There should be more courses that are both for Erasmus and Dutch students since as I noticed the interaction with local students could be of a great advantage and I missed it many times.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Katarzyna P
Overall
I wish I had known...
The only thing I regret is that I didnt study local language before. That would help me to find a job as without that ability it was almost impossible to find any.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I would never expect that studying at that university would be one of the best experience in my life. That includes among others education level, social life and travel opportunities.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
What I find th emost important, students should try to learn Dutch before coming here. Furthermore, one has to be prepared to spend more money than he or she was used to before - good idea is to earn it before, as I did for example during summer holidays. A good opportunity to travel in Belgium is to buy Go Pass - 10 rides for only 45 euro.
A city itself looks as if it was created for students-many students restaurants, libraries, sports facilities, cinemas, bars etc. There is simply no time to be bored.
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Katarzyna P
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Although I do not speak local language I didn't find any difficulties to communicate as my language of instruction is at the high level and the community in Belgium is well educated, therefore language was never a problem. Nevertheless, I decided to continue studying Dutch as I think it could be useful in my future life.
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5
Katarzyna P
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
Despite poor facilities on campus there are one main advantage: people. Most of the students are exchenge students that help both to find all needed information and to deal with a diverse international group of people every day.
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Personal comments
As I mentioned above, facilities here are rather poor: rooms are small, there is no laundry, kitchen is not sufficiently equiped for such a big group of students and campus itself is located at the very end of the city. However, there are also facilities like gym, student restaurant and common room at every floor that are definitely an advantage. What is more, the house is clean.
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Katarzyna P
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The most popular street in Gent: Overport- full of bars, pubs and clubs. Favourite cafe: Vooruit and Dante- nice atmosphere, good service. The most famous event: Gentse Festivaal - u have to be here!
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