category_student_information
Get a Grip... on your studies & your life in Wageningen
When you start a new study at university, you start a new phase in your life. Living in student accommodation, making new friends, and experiencing a whole new study environment. That can be quite exciting.
For international students, however, there are some additional challenges. You can't just pop back home for moral support or relax with your friends. Everything is different from what you are used to.
Fortunately, Wageningen University offers extensive support for students. Your study advisor is your first point of contact, but there is much more*. For example, we organise short training courses for new students: 'Leren Leren' (Learning to Learn) for Dutch students starting their studies, and 'Get a Grip on your Studies' for international students.
Michel Kropman gives a training 'Get a Grip on your studies' in study period 1.
What does 'Get a Grip on your Studies' offer (international) students?
"International students often have to adapt to the teaching methods in Wageningen and the Netherlands. Here, we don't just accept what a professor says. In fact, we encourage students to voice their opinions and engage in discussion. This is appreciated. Our education system is geared towards understanding topics, rather than merely being able to reproduce them. This requires a completely different mindset.
'Get a Grip on your Studies' is a crash course in studying in the Netherlands. During the four sessions, we focus on culture (in life and study), the education system, study skills, and mental health."
Do you advise students to follow the training during this first study period?
"That's a good question. On the one hand, new students have a lot to deal with during the initial period. However, it's also important to find your own way and see how things go. On the other hand, we want to prevent intelligent and talented students from doubting themselves because they are disappointed with their studies and/or results.
In any case, I advise students to actively seek help. Above all, don't blame yourself and don't let yourself become discouraged. You are intelligent enough (!), and WUR is committed to supporting you. Your first point of contact is your study advisor, but it’s up to you to keep looking for the right support. We offer various options, such as training courses or consultations with a student life coach, psychologist or student dean. And, don't forget about your fellow students either: our trained peer coaches and students who have been in Wageningen for some time often have very valuable.
Famous last words
Yes, it takes time to follow a training... But if you study efficiently, and understand what is expected of you, you gain more time than you invest in the training
* go to the webpage Student Guidance for an overview of the support WUR offers students.