Loved Amsterdam, the program was ok though July 30, 2022

By (Neuroscience, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/07/2022 to 06/04/2022 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was already an international student in the U.S. coming from Europe, so for me living in Amsterdam was actually much closer to my normal lifestyle. I loved the people I met that were also doing their Erasmus there and enjoyed the city to the fullest. I gained friendships and learnt to maximize my experiences by always doing things and taking trips when I had time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would still go to Amsterdam and attend the VU but through another program or a direct partnership with my university because housing and other things were over-priced through the IES program.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself instead of eating in restaurants.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 0
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Other exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Interaction with other exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much everything was over-priced through IES :)