Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great study abroad experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/01/2017 to 05/31/2017 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot, especially how to move to a new country and establish a life there.

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.

The academic rigor at Vrije Universiteit really depends on which classes you take. Some are challenging, and some are less so, but overall I think you can learn a lot in any class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Hotel Jansen, which was a nice and friendly place. The staff were fantastic. However, the building itself had a few problems; the elevator broke down a lot, and some of the furniture in the rooms was not the sturdiest.

* Food:

There was no meal plan or anything, but the grocery store was very close to Hotel Jansen and had great food for cheap prices. Mama's Kitchen in Jansen was a little expensive, but has delicious food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I lived like a Dutch student, biking everywhere and buying and cooking my own food. I learned a lot about the history and could observe the culture everywhere. However, I didn't really get to know the other Dutch students, but it's definitely possible! I wish I had spent more time talking to my Dutch classmates.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, and if I had, I'm not sure where I would have gone to get treatment. I think the Semester in Amsterdam staff could've helped a lot with that.

* Safety:

Super safe!!

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)

The food in grocery stores was so cheap! And Jansen had a nice kitchen with all the necessary supplies.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 60 euros, depending on the week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook a lot; the grocery stores are cheap and the kitchens are convenient.

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? Intermediate
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? The language class is great, but it's hard to speak Dutch outside the classroom because they all know English anyway and it's faster. But maybe if you insist on speaking Dutch you can get some practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • The staff was always available, but there wasn't too much hand-holding
* What could be improved?
  • The location of the housing--a bit far from the center of the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.