Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic semester! Past Review

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Oberlin College) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As cheesy and overplayed as it is, studying abroad in Amsterdam has changed my frame of reference for everything from academics to international relations. I would repeat the semester in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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:

I cooked for myself most of the time, so my food was fantastic! I will say that produce in the Netherlands is cheap and super high quality.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to have medical supplies shipped to me from the USA and the IES staff were super helpful at getting it through customs.

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, limit how much meat you eat (it's super expensive), and ride your bike! You'll soon find out that half an hour is not a long bike ride.

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You don't need to speak any Dutch at all to live in the Netherlands, but learning is interesting and fun. Being able to read advertisements and signs in Dutch is super rewarding.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Making Dutch friends!
  • Biking
  • Experiencing a new type of educational system
* What could be improved?
  • The specific information provided before arrival
  • More information on courses before registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before arriving I didn't know what to expect from my housing. It's totally acceptable housing; you have your own room, bathroom, and balcony, and a shared kitchen. It isn't a canal house or anything, but your room is large and the kitchen is adequate. Plus you live with students from all over the world!

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!