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Cornell-CALS Exchange: Wageningen University (Exchange Program) (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Wageningen, Netherlands
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: CU applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: Dutch, English Click here for a definition of this term Core Program Attributes: Exchange
Click here for a definition of this term Approved by: CALS Program Advisor: Julia Franke
Program Description:
Overview

Homepage
Information for incoming exchange students
About Wageningen

Semesters Available: Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
GPA Requirement: Good Academic Standing
Language of Instruction: English; Dutch

Academic Calendar:
     Semester 1: mid-September – late December
     Semester 2: January – early May or June (terms 3-5 or terms 3-6)

Wageningen 1

Through an agreement between WageningenUniversity and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University, CALS undergraduate students may apply to enroll directly in any field of study at Wageningen for a semester or a year. Students study alongside Wageningen students and are eligible to participate in the many activities sponsored by the university and its student body. This exchange program is open to undergraduate CALS students of sophomore or higher standing, and is awarded on first-come, first-serve basis. CALS students pay their current Cornell tuition with no additional fees. Housing, food, visa, travel, health insurance, books, and other personal expenses are paid separately.
  • International student body comprising ~7,000 students, hailing from 105 different nations
  • Safe place, where commuting by bike is the norm
  • Affordable
  • Unique and interesting classes
  • Excellent international reputation
  • Voted by students as the number one university in the Netherlands
  • Take classes in English, at the BsC or MsC level
  • Amsterdam is about an hour away
  • The rest of Europe is on your doorstep
  • Exchange student orientation and buddy program
  • Majors align very closely to CALS
The CALS International Exchange Program: Selection Criteria

We take great pride in our students selected to attend a CALS Exchange Program.  The criteria for selection are based on a combination of 1) grades and academic preparation and 2) personal suitability as assessed by interview with exchange coordinator, personal essay, and academic references. While grades (especially for some partner universities) are a major factor, they are not the sole criterion for selection. Students who are concerned about their academic performance have the opportunity to improve their application by taking extra care with their essay and other application components.

Applicants must have no pending disciplinary action against them. Any past or current disciplinary actions must be disclosed during the application process and may be grounds for barring participation by CALS and/or the host institution. Students may not participate in semester exchange while on disciplinary or academic probation. Students may apply while on probation, but any conditional approval is contingent upon removal from probation before participation.

Successful applicants must:
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills, the ability to study in an overseas environment, and enthusiasm to be an ambassador of Cornell University and CALS
  • Be a current full-time CALS student (except for EPFL, which is also open to ENG students) with at least two full-time semesters of study before commencing exchange period
  • Meet minimum requirements of host university (GPA, foreign language ability, prerequisites, study focus, etc.)
  • Apply by CALS application deadlines
For lots more information on areas of study, student reports, links to blogs, and more, please refer to the CALS Exchange Program website.

What to expect if you apply:

First of all, we’re glad you’re interested in joining our exclusive group!  Yep, we’re talking about the CALS Exchange Program!  Since 1954, we have offered CALS students unique opportunities to study abroad. Through reciprocal agreements with select partner universities, CALS students integrate themselves into a partner university abroad, taking classes and living alongside degree-seeking students from the host university.  In exchange, a student from our partner institution comes to study at CALS.  Nearly all partner institutions in non-English speaking countries offer a wide range of classes taught in English.

Students are billed their regular CALS tuition, with no added administrative fees. Students purchase plane tickets and pay remaining costs such as housing, meals, student visa application fees, local travel, and personal expenses. Financial aid travels with eligible students. Hands-on experiences, internships, scholarships, and stipends are available at select institutions.

The CALS Exchange Coordinator is available by appointment for assistance with program selection, financial and travel planning, registration, credit, obtaining a student visa for host country, and pre-departure programming.  Whether you’re completely new to the idea, or you’ve been planning to study abroad since you were in elementary school, we want you to feel supported every step of the way!

The CALS International Exchange Program: Selection Criteria

We take great pride in our students selected to attend a CALS Exchange Program.  The criteria for selection are based on a combination of 1) grades and academic preparation and 2) personal suitability as assessed by interview with exchange coordinator, personal essay, and academic references. While grades (especially for some partner universities) are a major factor, they are not the sole criterion for selection. Students who are concerned about their academic performance have the opportunity to improve their application by taking extra care with their essay and other application components.

Applicants must have no pending disciplinary action against them. Any past or current disciplinary actions must be disclosed during the application process and may be grounds for barring participation by CALS and/or the host institution. Students may not participate in semester exchange while on disciplinary or academic probation. Students may apply while on probation, but any conditional approval is contingent upon removal from probation before participation.

Successful applicants must:
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills, the ability to study in an overseas environment, and enthusiasm to be an ambassador of Cornell University and CALS
  • Be a current full-time CALS student (except for EPFL, which is also open to ENG students) with at least two full-time semesters of study before commencing exchange period
  • Meet minimum requirements of host university (GPA, foreign language ability, prerequisites, study focus, etc.)
  • Apply by CALS application deadlines
Step One: Meet with Exchange Coordinator
  • The Exchange Coordinator meets personally with every student interested in going on an exchange.  During this time she will pre-screen you for eligibility and answer any questions you might have
Step Two:  Application
  • Apply for the CALS Exchange Program using our new online system (hosted by CU Abroad’s website)
  • Get your proposed courses you want to take abroad signed off by your major advisor
  • Complete the host/partner institution’s application (we will provide to you--and submit for you--unless it’s submitted online)
  • Apply for housing at partner institution or host location (unless you have to wait for your acceptance letter)
Step Three: Nomination
  • Our office nominates you to our exchange partner and will advise you when you’ve been accepted to the program
Step Four: Apply for student visa/residence permit
  • Once you receive your official acceptance letter from the partner institution you will be able to apply for your visa.  You will need a student visa/residence permit for just about any host country in which we have partnerships.  It is important that you know what is needed for your visa—don’t worry; we will walk you through this process! (We even host visa sessions for students going to countries where the visa application process isn’t so intuitive!)Foreign University Application (if not paper/PDF application, include a printout of online application)
  • You’ll start making your travel plans now too!
Step Five: Attend Pre-Departure Meeting(s)
  • All students must attend the CALS Exchange pre-departure session
  • It’s also a good networking opportunity to connect you with other students who are going abroad—before you go!
While you’re abroad and upon return

Interested in sharing events from your life abroad, as they happen?  We have a student blog program just for you!
After you return you can volunteer to be a buddy to a visiting student (we also throw you a welcome back party!)

CALS International Exchange Application Checklist

Form A: CALS Exchange Online Application Search for program at cuabroad.cornell.edu (even though it’s a Cornell Abroad website, you’ll still be going through the Exchange)
Form B: Proposed Course of Study (must be signed by you and your faculty advisor)
Form C: CALS Student Exchange Program Medical and Accident Form
Form D: CALS Student Exchange Program Participation Agreement/Release Form
Form E: Authority for release of information to the Office of the Judicial Administrator
Recommendation Forms x 2 Submit two recommendations (via the online application website).  One form must be completed by your faculty advisor, and the other by a non-family member or friend, of your choice.  For example: another Cornell instructor, Graduate TA, or employer.
Statement of Purpose Write a one page essay describing why you want to participate in the CALS Exchange Program and attach it to your CALS application.  Include personal characteristics, contributions you can make, personal benefits you anticipate, how you adapt to new situations or uncertainty, and how the program will fit into your curriculum and career plans.  Also include reasons why you feel particularly qualified to represent Cornell and the United States on a CALS exchange program.
Paper Copy of Transcript (do not use digital service—we cannot print these copies for our partner universities)  Request an official Cornell transcript (University Registrar, B7 Day Hall, or online at http://transcript.cornell.edu) and transcripts from any other university you may have attended before transferring to Cornell.  Transcripts can be sent directly to Christine Potter, 140 Roberts Hall.
Copy of Current Passport (should be valid for 6 months past anticipated return date)

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Approx. Start Approx. End
Spring 2020 09/15/2019 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Programs may fill long before their final deadline. * Recommendation--For SPRING: APPLY in MAY to study abroad the following spring. For FALL/YEAR: APPLY in DECEMBER. Late applications may be accepted, but colleges typically need time to process your approval.