Student testimonial
Oscar - BSc Animal Sciences (international student)
Oscar is mostly interested in wildlife animals, and therefore he decided to study the BSc Animal Sciences at Wageningen University. He was born and raised in Spain, finished high school in France and has now been living in Wageningen for three years.
The BSc Open Day really convinced me to come to Wageningen and find a study I am passionate about!
Transition to WUR
“During the final year of high school, I had to make a choice: stay in France and study biology or study abroad with a focus on animals. Then I heard about Wageningen University. At first, I was a bit hesitant, because Animal Sciences is mainly focused on livestock animals. However, when I went to the BSc Open Day I asked whether it was possible to focus on wildlife as well, and it is from the third year onwards. The BSc Open Day really convinced me to come to Wageningen and find a study I am passionate about! In my opinion, WUR is one of the best universities in Europe. Since almost all Dutch people speak English, the transition from high school to studying abroad was quite easy. There is no need to speak Dutch, although I tried to learn it.”
The bachelor so far
“The first two years I followed a fixed curriculum. The course I liked most was ‘Wildlife Conservation Genetics’. Together with peers you had to give some advice to breeders on how to conserve certain genes within the red panda population. The practical part of the course really helped me to comprehend the theory behind it. The practical side of courses is fun and educational at the same time. Furthermore, I chose to follow the specialisation Biological Functioning of Animals. All these courses gave me skills on how to work in a laboratory. One of the specialisation courses contained a lot of lab work, eight hours straight. That I must say, was tough. The third year was very motivating since you had the opportunity to follow courses you want to dive deeper in. Of course, I chose a minor on wildlife. This made studying fun! Now, I will start writing my thesis with a focus on wildlife ecology and conservation, which is my main interest within Animal Sciences. My topic is about the impact of solar parks on bat communities. I will research how wildlife adapts to a changing environment. I think that writing my thesis will be a demanding, but exciting period.”
My goal
“To graduate? I want to work in a field that is connected to wildlife. Sometimes, I feel like most people take the easy route, and do not pursue their dreams. I have liked animals for my whole life, and that is why I really wanted to work with them. Preferably, a job with a focus on the conservation and reintroduction of species. Spain is the most biodiverse country in Europe, and I am proud of that. Therefore, my main interest is in European conservation projects. In addition, I also went to Romania and Finland to observe wildlife, and Poland to spot bison.”
“After my bachelor's, I will continue with the MSc Animal Sciences in the specialisation Animal Ecology. The bachelor is the introduction, the master is in my opinion the real preparation for my career.”
Besides studying
“I found an individual housing, but, I do have neighbours that are now my close friends. I met most of my friends at the university football club. I love playing football. With my team, we joined the European student championship in Tirana, Albania, last year. We reached the top eight of all universities that took part in it. I was part of the organization as well since I helped with sponsoring. I think, by now, most internationals know each other. It is a great community.”
Take home message
“I would really recommend Wageningen University to anyone who is interested in studying in the Netherlands. And specifically, Animal Sciences whenever they are interested in this field.”