Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

GO TO AMSTERDAM Past Review

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/26/2015 to 05/29/2015 with

CIEE: Amsterdam - Social Sciences + Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it's clichéd, but it was the best experience of my life.

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.

I loved my classes and my professors. I had no problem finding classes that were instructed in English. CIEE also offers great classes that are only available for students on the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved my program staff. They were super helpful and friendly, and made a point to get to know all of the students. They were very good at their jobs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a huge single which overlooked a canal. My building was right across from the University of Amsterdam campus and right around the corner from the CIEE office, which was very convenient. It was also in Central Amsterdam, which is considered the most sought-after location in the city. I had a kitchen and a living room. The only downside is that the wifi was unreliable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt like a foreigner, but the people made me feel very welcome and would happily tell me about Dutch culture. Also, almost every Dutch person speaks fluent English so there was no language barrier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to go tot he doctor, but I knew that it was easily accessible.

* Safety:

I think Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Amsterdam. I never felt uncomfortable walking, even late at night.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program staff
  • The program classes
  • The housing
* What could be improved?
  • Not
  • really
  • anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't have to pack much to go abroad.

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.