Stroopwafels and Street Canals Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 01/26/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more independence, willingness to accept and overcome challenges, and a more global perspective. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo 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? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Extremely challenging but extremely rewarding

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very supportive and always willing to answer questions/provide help with most situations

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorm style - not ideal but secure and safe, as well as in a great location.

* Food:

Expensive to go out to eat, but groceries are quite inexpensive and high quality.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cultural integration was not difficult to achieve, merely take as stroll through the city! Social integration was trickier with Dutch students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No experience with healthcare, but from their description it would be fairly difficult to access a doctor.

* Safety:

One of the safest cities on the planet!

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

IES Amsterdam provided challenging academics, cultural and social emersion, and travel opportunities, which all came together to make a very well-rounded and enriching experience.

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? 20-30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible, try to buy groceries and make your own food. That way I was able to save the majority of my money for travel and other activities.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural integration
  • Supportive Staff
  • Enrichment opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Less coursework
  • More social integration with locals
  • Slightly better housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to know that even though it sounds like an eternity, 5 months can slip away from you faster than you anticipate. It's important to make each day count!

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.