About Wessel
- Student from the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.
- Exchange and full degree student at INN, Campus Evenstad.
- I did my first exchange during the spring semester of 2020 in the Boreal Forestry and Wildlife Management programme. I returned to Evenstad from autumn 2021 until spring 2022 to complete the Practice in Applied Ecology internship programme. Afterwards, I enrolled in the Master in Applied Ecology and stayed until I graduated in 2024.
Why did you choose INN as your exchange destination?
When I started my bachelor's degree in the Netherlands back in 2017, some students had just done an exchange to Evenstad and told me amazing stories about their experiences. Ever since hearing about it, I made it my goal to do my exchange in my third year to Evenstad, and so I did. The chance to study abroad, to be so close to nature in this remote place, and to learn more about foreign languages, cultures, and ecological research really spoke to me.
Photo: Private.
How would you describe your time as an exchange student at INN?
Life changing! Although my first exchange was overshadowed by pandemic regulations, it was such an amazing time and made me want to come back. During my first exchange I made so many new friends and learned a lot, but I noticed I did not get to experience everything an exchange has to offer. This is why I returned in 2021 and stayed nearly 4 years.
I have learned so much about myself, I really grew as a person and found out what I want to do with my career. My exchange has allowed me to do such amazing things afterwards, giving me experience in my field and a worldwide network of people I can call my friends.
What is the best memory of your exchange at INN?
That is an impossible question, but my favourite memories often involved trips with dear friends. We would either snowshoe to mountaintops in deep snow during the winter or swim in lakes and rivers during the summer, and see so many different landscapes and animals during road trips or fieldwork. But also, cozy dinners and movie nights, evenings around a bonfire, crazy parties, watching the northern lights... the list goes on.
Photo: Private.
What are your best tips for future exchange students?
Try to connect with the people around you during your time. Especially at Evenstad you live very remotely, and it will really benefit you to make friends, as you all go through similar experiences. These people can be in your life long after your exchange has ended and come from all over the world.
How has your exchange influenced or benefitted you?
My exchange has truly developed me as a person, as I have become very open to new opportunities and chasing my dreams. I have met so many important people that I would never have met otherwise, which will affect my career and life forever. It has also improved my languages and cultural understanding. Going on an exchange was the best decision I ever made.
Photo: Private.