The program delivers, and is very well organized, but it is hard to meet others. Past Review
By Ned L (HISTORY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
Brandeis University: The Hague - Brandeis in The Hague, Spring or Summer
Yes, it exposed me to other cultures and gave me enough time to think critically of them. I now not only know that America is the greatest nation in the world, I can tell you why.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Comprehensive international criminal law course. A 4 month long field trip with classes too. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great work; behind the scenes |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
No ovens, small freezers. Beautiful garden. Beautiful. |
| * Food: |
Dutch food is pretty bland, but there's everything in the store. Leiden has cheap eats cause it is a college town. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Dutch are a challenge to get to know. This may take some active effort, as in joining sports teams, etc... very hard for a semester long student |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
On site administrators went out of their way to help |
| * Safety: |
Holland's pretty tame |
| 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) |
Holland is pretty pricey, but the grocery store is perhaps a bit cheaper than the standard in the US |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 15 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out. Ever. Especially Kebab. |
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 |
Short Dutch class was mandatory, but all Dutch speak English |
| 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? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French II |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | Holland see's the sun on rare occasions only. |
