IES's problems did not ruin the perfection of Amsterdam. Past Review
By A student (Film and Media Culture, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
I learned that I would like to live in Amsterdam for the rest of my life. Yes, it was extremely worthwhile. If I had to do study abroad again I would go to Amsterdam, 100%, no doubt. But, I would probably choose a different program and company to go through rather than IES Abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food was not provided, we had to cook for ourselves or buy food from restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is hard to integrate with any foreign culture when the natives are aware that you are leaving in 4 months. That being said, I met a lot of international students and fully enjoyed the exposure to Dutch culture that I had. I absolutely loved the city and it is my favorite place in the world. Despite the shortcomings of the program, I think that there is no better place to live than Amsterdam and that the setting and people are warm, welcoming, and give you many opportunities to explore new and fun activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safest city of all time. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | IES is not the best. I had an absolutely amazing time in Amsterdam and wouldn't give it up for anything, but it was not really due to the program. They set you up with great housing and provide a certain few key other things, but all-in-all it could be run better. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Public International Law |
| Course Department: | Law |
| Instructor: | Heather Kurzbauer |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Great class - informative, field trips, lovely professor, etc. etc. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
