What a Time Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SO MANY THINGS. How to be independent. What self-care looks like. Where I find my identity. About my faith. How important it is to be uncomfortable. What it means to be culturally aware. I could go on and on, but in short it was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences 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.

* 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:

I never felt unsafe honestly! Of course common sense is key but from what I've heard from other friends who have been abroad, Amsterdam is definitely a safe city.

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

I came in with an open mind and honestly had no idea what this experience was going to be like, but I could not have asked for anything better. I felt so at home within such a short time.

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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start a budget right at the beginning! I spent a lot of money in the first weeks without realizing it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Advisors
  • Organized day/weekend trips
  • Connections
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure clarity
  • More simple social opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People are serious when they say you should lay out everything you want to pack and put half of it back! But I will say if you have room for some simple decorations that will make your room feel more at home right away!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.