Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Netherlands, the classes, and the people brought out a stronger person in me. Past Review

By () for

CIEE: Amsterdam - Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am thrilled to have see the country and learned about the social aspect of it's people. I feel MUCH more understanding of life in general. I wish I could teach people here what I have learned about gedogen, and about the easy going life the Dutch seem to have mastered (not that life isn't stressful for them, but they take their time to experience things rather than just trying to get through things). This was truly a wonderful experience.

Review Photos

CIEE: Amsterdam - Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies Photo CIEE: Amsterdam - Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies Photo CIEE: Amsterdam - Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies Photo CIEE: Amsterdam - Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies Photo

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.

We had daily lectures that were quite interesting, and many excursions that tied everything together and gave us a chance to really see the country. There was one major paper at the end of each session that was somewhat difficult to tackle, but our professors were always eager to help and in the end we all felt quite accomplished.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CIEE staff was always available to meet our needs, whatever they were, and were always eager to answer our questions about the country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms in Groningen were adequate. We all appreciated having singles. The kitchen was a bit of an issue because we were sharing with several other students. However, the dorms in Amsterdam were FANTASTIC. Bedding was provided and we had a BEAUTIFUL view of the canal. There was a pizza shop and coffee shop right on the corner, the grocery store was just over the bridge, and our class was just a short bike ride away. It was truly wonderful.

* Food:

I am both lactose and gluten intolerant, and I NEVER had to worry about my dietary restrictions while dining out with the CIEE group. It was absolutely a huge relief for me. I was always given fantastic foods that would not make me sick. We ate out A LOT and it was ALWAYS delicious. It was difficult at first to find what I would eat when I was going to cook for myself, but the CIEE staff helped me get started. Really great. Thank you for this.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We almost constantly had excursions and field trips, all of which were very interesting, educational, and fun. I especially enjoyed going to see Renee's parent's garden and when she invited us over for dinner. She was great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We did not have any safety issues, but when a health issue arose we were always taken care of. I personally had an issue with my eyes and I had to see an eye doctor. Renee personally scheduled an appointment for me and drove me there to get it taken care of.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Working, living with the other students
  • Having the time to experience the city on our own.
  • Eating out!
* What could be improved?
  • We didn't see Renee as much in the Social Policy session. We missed her.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone would benefit from this program. I don't consider myself a strong political person, but the social policy class helped me to see both sides of arguments I both had strong opinions on and those that I previously did not. It's important to keep our mind open to ideas. You don't have to agree with everything, but just keep your eyes and mind open and you will grow as an individual.