McMaster University – Canada
McMaster University is located 1 hour from Toronto in the cold Canada. The University has contacts with the UvA and we were so lucky that we met 2 students who just came back. Ngi Luong from Norway and Lianne van de Himst from Holland, Heemskerk were really excited to tell us about their trip! Let’s see how the 2 students have experienced their stay in Hamilton!
What do you think of the level of the University compared with the HES Amsterdam?
Overall level is lower in Canada. A third year course is easier than here. They approach you in a different. The way of teaching is different. There are more interaction. Classes are smaller. You can ask questions. In Holland you just listen and no interaction. More project work. Simulations. More individual. Every teacher has office hours. More open. They have T.A. and I have to hand in assignments in every 4 weeks. In here you have only a final exam.
How are the courses there? Any interesting ones?
Natural resource economics, health economics, natural disasters, women and work in Canada. I’ve been always been intereseted in health and disasters would be fun to learn it. And a course specified to Canada. And the rest just fill the gap. Everything passed.
How was the University building and campus?
University is big, you need some time to find the way. Different organizations are available, students pub, free swimming pool for everyone. You can work out track and field, squash, tennis. And a students with free transport. I almost lost mine card and pay 30 dollars. Cause you need tit for exams.
How where the cost of living? Did you stay at a nice place?
On campus is about 370 euro each month for housing. Nice house, most internationals were in my building. Share kitchen, and bathroom. Everything was so clean. Off campus, life with 6 Canadians. Movie night. Parties. And hang out with Canadians. Parties without complains. Because the parties in the dormitories will get complains (9x).
How was the place itself? Any nice things to see or do, night life?
London Taphouse, nice club. Dirty dog and club 77. We mostly went to the studentpub, really socializing. Watch football and eat. Play pool. Karaoke night. Play table soccer. Hes Village . a night live street. We mostly went to house parties. It’s known for steel industry.
Any recommendations for future Exchange students from the HES?
Find housing early. It is more comfortable too look at housing first before you get there. If you want to look for off campus housing, go to the website of the school. Do a lot of research. Read the student report. Meet as many people as you can. Limerich mall. Go to phoenix. And the nature is also really close. Hiking areas. There are some good restaurant. A Japanese restaurant. “August 8”. West dale, a neightbourhoud around the school. The alter club, an organization of mcmaster. Wine festival, tast wine. Place where you can know people.
Exchange University or Home University?
In Canada, It’s too boring here in Amsterdam. Canada was amazing no regrets. Because you are on exchange you do crazy stuff.
We wanna thank Ngi Luong and Lianne van de Himst for their time and affort to have this interview!
Filed Under: Canada
