Studying abroad is definitely not for everyone. Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2019 to 05/31/2019 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences
I loved going to museums, traveling, and experiencing nature. I learned how to be independent and do things on my own.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Class scheduling is very unorganized. Teachers do not have any office hours, don't answer emails, give little to no guidance. All classes are catered more towards non-international students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Student Hotel West was nice but very isolated. |
| * Food: |
Food in Amsterdam is amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES does not help integrate you with the local culture. International students stick to the other international students, and same for the Dutch students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
IES sends out emails detailing any upcoming protests, events happening in the area. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would not chose the same program, very cliquey, people stick to the friends they came with, no guidance for classes, you are completely on your own. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Abroad is expensive |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That you are completely on your own if you don't go on the program with any friends from home! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
