Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience unlike any other. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/19/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

CIEE: Amsterdam - Business + Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to travel to numerous cities outside of the Netherlands and learn about different cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes at the University of Amsterdam are very difficult, CIEE classes are much more manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was given my own room with my own bathroom but the location was about 30 minutes from the UvA.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$-150$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your meals

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The city of Amsterdam
  • Traveling
  • Making friends
* What could be improved?
  • The grading scale
  • Communication regarding the details of classes prior to registration
  • Dorm locations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the UvA classes are really difficult

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Political and Economic Development of the EU
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Not a good class but it gives an Econ credit.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Dutch
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Easy, enjoyable class
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Money and Finance
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Challenging but rewarding class
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Money and Banking
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The class was very difficult. 10-15 hours of studying each week to do well on midterm and final.
Credit Transfer Issues: