Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Study Abroad Experience in Leiden Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/10/2014 to 08/08/2014 with

EuroScholars: Leiden - Leiden University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, I learned a lot about the specific field that I want to go into for graduate school. Personally, I learned how to better time manage and to live a more laid back yet organized -- the Dutch love their agendas! -- lifestyle.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

Leiden is probably the safest place I've ever been too -- I never once felt unsafe, even walking 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between $40 and $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's easy to spend a lot of money once you first go abroad, so be sure to start budgeting really early!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Since nearly everyone speaks perfect English in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to practice Dutch with other people. The best way to practice it is to try to befriend some locals -- they'll be more than willing to help you practice your Dutch!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Independence
  • Academic rigor
  • Language component
* What could be improved?
  • Communications with student housing department
  • Assistance with getting residence permit application submitted on time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult it was to obtain a residence permit for the Netherlands -- this was a process that was unexpectedly delayed and frustrating.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!