Amsterdam is THE city to Study Abroad! Past Review

By (Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/24/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Amsterdam with IES wasn't just a life changing experience, it was preparation for life after graduation and acceptance of a new life style and culture. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have chosen another program or location. I met tons of other study abroad students from various countries who said they loved their program, but Amsterdam was their favorite city they had visited. When I asked them questions, some of those students also mentioned how they wouldn’t live in their host country, and some also said they were happy, but would be ready for a change of pace once home. One of my best friends from study abroad is actually a returned study abroad student who came back to live in Amsterdam! Everyone who I studied with in Amsterdam out of my friend group, Erasmus, etc. all wants to come back and live. None of us found a city better than Amsterdam while traveling either. Most people say Amsterdam is the best city in Europe, but study abroad really showed me how incredible The Netherlands really is. So don’t be discouraged because I chose a program as the only student from my home school, so I didn't know anyone on the program when I arrived. And I ended up finding a home away from home. The orientation week, along with International Student Network's UvA orientation made me feel right at home while just starting out in The Netherlands. The staff were incredible over the whole semester, so I highly recommend IES. When my wallet was stolen, I was able to replace everything within a week with their help! I will say that this program has staff that are more highly involved, so if you are looking for complete independence you may want to be aware that there will be check-in’s, meetings, etc. over the course of your program with IES. In terms of course work, studying in Amsterdam at UvA isn’t easy, but it isn’t difficult. It’s just like attending school at your home university, which I really appreciated. I felt challenged in the courses I took, and I felt like I was experiencing new ways of learning. I took a course with IES called Studio Art that allowed me to learn about art in Amsterdam, which helped me to understand the artist scene in the city while integrating into Dutch culture. I made connections with programs and professors that I will use in my professional and graduate school career! UvA has a great social scene as well. It was easy to make Dutch friends through ISN (their Erasmus). Some people say it’s hard to become part of the Dutch culture, but I didn’t find this was the case. If you spend time learning about the culture, language and people, then you will find integration easier since you will be able to think and act like a local (just a tip). ISN gave me a group of friends, events and weekend trips to attend while on study abroad. It was one of the main reasons I had such an incredible experience. The group of around 400+ students who lived all over the city made me feel at home and made the big city seem small. Every week there was a borrel to attend, or some sort of big weekend event. Then on our own, my group would meet up for potluck dinners, and other events on our own! IES also schedules trips around The Netherlands and to various places in Amsterdam, which I highly suggest. Beyond school, IES and ISN, Study in Amsterdam had the option to live at The Student Hotel. This was THE BEST decision I made. I paid extra each month to live here: https://www.thestudenthotel.com/amsterdam-city/ It was a whole international student dorm in a central location to the city complete with a free bike, gym, study rooms, restaurants, events, etc. It was like a whole new family of international student. I even had my own studio apartment. It’s right by a Check out the website to see why I loved it so much! The city of Amsterdam itself has everything you could think of … How I explored the city was by visiting 50 different cafés in Amsterdam over the course of 4 months. I even was able to volunteer and work on two different sustainable/entrepreneurial projects in the city because Amsterdam is a hub for innovation. The city is in prime location to visit most other European countries as well. Name something to do, see or experience and you have it. You can look at this blog and their weekly events newsletters to see a bit of the excitement (http://www.yourlittleblackbook.me/). Amsterdam is the city of dreams, and I am not doing it justice through just a small review! I fell in love with a culture, people and place I will go back to live in one day. Study abroad didn’t just become a life changing experience for me, it helped me find my home.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo

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.

I grew academically because I was in pre-masters courses that challenged me to not only learn in a different educational system, but to think in different ways.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES is an incredible support system. The experience abroad was an easy transition because of all their hard work including the benefits of amazing staff, field trips and overall advice and support for living abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at The Student Hotel which is an international student dorm and hub in Amsterdam. I wouldn't recommend staying anywhere else! The amenities, friendships, community and overall experience I had here made my study abroad experience what it was.

* Food:

Healthy, many options, and so many food festivals! It couldn't get better.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made Dutch friends through ISN and Erasmus while here, so it was an easier integration than normal. I have also been told I 'look dutch.' The thing to remember is that if you are only going to hang out with your american or international friends, you won't integrate into society! Step out of your comfort zone. The Dutch people can be a bit exclusive since Amsterdam has been an international hub for so long, but if you make an effort... integration is easy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experiences with healthcare, but the one time I was sick they did provide me with options if I needed them!

* Safety:

Public transport, uber, etc. runs late and is very reliable as well as biking culture is very prominent here. You can roam the streets freely without any troubles! Amsterdam is a safe city.

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

Amsterdam was said to be the favorite city of most of my friends that had traveled while living in Europe. I thought... why not study abroad there. And it's still the best city I've been in Europe, even though I've been to around 10 new countries.

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)

I did need to seek extra support from my parents and financial aid. Amsterdam is like Austin, TX in terms of living costs! Think normal expenses, but you are on vacation 24/7... not working or interning!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$150, more when taking weekend trips!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for financial aid, work and save more than you would think you need, make a budget, look into talking to previous students to know what to expect!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • ISN: the people
  • The Student Hotel
  • Cultural experiences and travel
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is living abroad. You will have a bad day every once in awhile, but that's okay... And if you open your mind to the new place, people and experiences in front of you, this experience will change your life.