"It made me realise what a difference can be made in a country that focuses on its environment, sustainability and the health and well-being of people."

Name: Christina Goodband

Course: BSc Landscape Architecture

Year: 3rd

Exchange location: SLU Uppsala, Sweden

Why did you decide to take part in Erasmus?

I decided to take part in Erasmus because I have always loved travelling and saw it as an incredible opportunity. Scandinavia is somewhere I have never visited, and I wanted to understand how the profession worked over there.

Tell us a bit about your exchange, what did you particularly enjoy and what were the challenges?

I enjoyed living and working with people from all around the world. It was great to visit other landscapes and I had a great opportunity to go the Netherlands and Germany for a week. I visited many public and private gardens and gained a lot of planting design inspiration for the future.

A challenge would be adapting to a different education system, which worked differently to the UK. Swedish people are also known for being reserved, so at times it was hard to get to know people when I would be leaving within the same year.

How do you think the exchange has developed your knowledge of Landscape Architecture?

In Sweden, I felt Landscape Architecture is more well known than in the UK. Sweden has a lot of money to put into the public realm, and a high quality of life. It made me realise what a difference can be made in a country that focuses on its environment, sustainability and health and well being of people. I feel that Landscape Architecture needs more awareness in the UK, because I meet so many people who have never heard of it. It made me seriously consider a masters degree in Denmark or Sweden, although a downside is the climate! 

What would you advise someone considering an Erasmus exchange?

I would advise them not to be afraid. I was terrified at the thought of going out to Sweden without knowing anyone, and adapting to a different way of life. However, the process was easier than many probably realise. Everyone genuinely wants to get to know you and are very friendly. Its important to remember everyone is in the same boat. I would advise someone to jump at the opportunity of study abroad or Erasmus, because they may never get that chance again.

Nicole Chu at Chiba University

こんにちは！Hello! I am Nicole and I’m studying Landscape Architecture at Chiba University, Japan.

Name: Nicole Chu

Course: BA Landscape Architecture

Location of Study Abroad: Chiba University, Japan

Duration: October 2016 to January 2017

Why did you decide to take part in Study Abroad?

The world is our backyard. Not only is it an amazing opportunity to experience new things, as a Landscape Architecture student I want to learn more about the landscape designs on the other side of the world. 

Why did you choose Chiba University?

I love anime. Japan has always been a big inspiration in my life and Japanese animation has played a big part in it. Directors such as Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Ghibli, create stunningly beautiful films that bring imaginative landscapes to life. Japanese designers also have a big influence in the landscaping industry in Singapore, so I believe it’s a good chance to learn Japanese style designs first hand.

What are your first impressions of your exchange city?

My first thought that went through when I moved in was, “I can’t wait to try all the food.” And I did. Surprisingly, I am not tired of Japanese cuisine yet!

Most of my lab mates are in their second year of masters and they were all so welcoming and curious to know more about Sheffield and Singapore. It was really nerve wrecking at first as I barely knew Japanese and in Japanese culture one speaks to one’s peers in a formal, respectful way, but we’re all on good friendly terms now! My Japanese has also improved rapidly by conversing with them.

How does your course differ so far from what you are used to in Sheffield?

 The system here is very different from back in Sheffield. I actually had to choose my modules; and it was a nightmare. Be grateful for set modules! Thankfully, there are a lot of kind students and teachers that are ready to help in any way they could and I got through the hurdle and settled into my schedule pretty quickly.

What are you hoping to get out of your time abroad?

Firstly, I want to gain experience at a Japanese landscape design company. Secondly, to broaden my perspective for future landscape projects. Thirdly, to fully grasp a new language! Lastly, travel to as many parts of Japan that I haven’t been to yet. 

Any surprises so far?

I ate whale sashimi without knowing! But it was delicious!

またね、シェフィールド！See you later, Sheffield!

''It is an incredible opportunity for us to experience different cultures and meet different people''

Name: Lin Dong

Year: 2
Course: Landscape Architecture

Location: Netherlands
Duration: 5 months

Why did you decide to take part Landscape Exchange?

It is an incredible opportunity for us to experience different culture and meet different people in different country. Of course I love British culture and people, but I am sure I will find something very interesting in Netherlands too. Studying Landscape Architecture in a new view is also important for me, I would like to learn more about LA through this exchange program.

How did you decide on your location?

There are many artists I love born in Netherlands, like Van Gogh and Rembrandt... I really want to experience the "art atmosphere" there. Another important reason is my friend Xinxin also go there with me.

What will you be doing during your time there?

Most important thing is taking the course in Wageningen University apparently, and galleries and museums have to be the normal things in our life there! Since I have a long Schengen Visa, I think we would definitely go for travelling a lot. Seeing some famous landscape projects also seems a wonderful idea in our exchange life.

What are you most looking forward to?

That would be the galleries I think, and the landscape projects.

Is there anything you feel apprehensive about?

Yes, so many things. Like the accommodation, the visa, the course, the language......

What do you hope to get out of your time there?

I would probably spend most time hanging around all the parks, galleries and some interesting places.

''The fascinating culture and history of 

Japan has always been my interest.''

Name: Mingyi Li

Year: 2nd
Course: Landscape Architecture

Location: Japan
Duration: October – January

Why did you decide to take part Landscape Exchange?

Landscape Exchange was the only opportunity for me to live and study in Japan. It provides me a chance to explore and experience another country’s culture not as a tourist, but as a student and resident.

How did you decide on your location?

I like going to countries with different cultural background and environment. Japan has its unique landscaping culture compare with the UK and China. I personally love Japan as a country. The fascinating culture and history of Japan have always been my interest.

What will you be doing during your time there?

I’ll try to take as many modules as I can, to learn more knowledge about Japan and landscape. I’ll also join the internship in a company or institution through the International Intership module. I would also love to spend my spare time on traveling around Japan.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to visiting Janpan’s ancient and modern landscape, meeting new people, and learning another language. I’m also looking forward to taking courses about Japanese landscape design and horticulture at Chiba University.

Is there anything you feel apprehensive about?

I’m a bit worry about the language barrier, as I only know basic Japanese. To make sure I won’t become isolated, I’m currently self learning Japanese.

What do you hope to get out of your time there?

I hope to get some working experience through the International Intership module. I also hope the experience of being an exchange student will help me form a more dynamic and broad view for my future landscaping projects.

''I’d like to go outside by bike because

Netherlands is the Bicycle Kingdom''

Name: Xinxin Wang
Year: 2
Course: Landscape Architecture

Location: Netherlands
Duration: 5 months

Why did you decide to take part Landscape Exchange?

It’s a great chance to study aboard. Take part in exchange program can provide me more information about other country. I would be happy to know not only about the landscape, but also about the culture things. Exchange program can let me learn about the differences between European countries.

How did you decide on your location?

I choose the Netherlands because I really like it since I was young. Netherlands is famous for its landscape projects. I like the beautiful views there. And my favourite painter, Van Gogh, was born in Netherlands.

What will you be doing during your time there?

First of all, I would experience the courses in Wageningen University, find out the differences between there and here in University of Sheffield. Then I’d like to visit some gallery and museum there. I would also spend my free time to visit some famous landscape projects. If possible, I’d like to go outside by bike because Netherlands is the Bicycle Kingdom.

What are you most looking forward to?

That should be the beautiful and amazing landscape projects that I can see in Netherlands. Those would not only provide me professional knowledge but also improve my aesthetic standard.

Is there anything you feel apprehensive about?

Of course the planting in Netherlands as well as the design forms and construction material use.

What do you hope to get out of your time there?

I hope to learn more about how to design landscape appropriately in real world. I also want to keep fit by cycling everyday.

Autumn 2014/15 at the Swedisch University of Agricultural Sciences SLU, Alnarp campus between Lund and Malmö

In 2014/15, Devika and Yeonsoo spent the autumn term abroad at the Swedisch University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). SLU has two campuses, one in Uppsala north of Stockholm and this one in Alnarp between Lund and Malmö:

Nearby coast along the Öresund

Agricultural landscapes

Landscape Laboratory at SLU 

The beautiful Alnarp Park with one of Sweden’s largest botanical collections. Exotic plants began to be collected when the park was created, and the process continues. A speciality of Alnarp Park is lignoses – woody plants. The park’s 2,500 or so species make it one of the most species-rich in the country. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from all four corners of the earth are represented.

University main building: "The Castle"

Recent Graduate Camilla Allen Talks About her Student Exchange in Wageningen 

Camilla Allen spent the first term of the second year of her MA at Wageningen in the Netherlands studying within an international cohort at a very interesting and challenging university.  Experiencing a different culture opened up a new understanding of landscape and the potential and application of Landscape Architecture, as did meeting people from different countries who were studying a diverse range of subjects from Agronomy to Leisure and Tourism.