Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Am I Dutch yet? Past Review

By (Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/29/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in the Netherlands through IES Abroad was the best choice I have made in college thus far. I can say with confidence that it changed my life for the better. Going into it I wasn't sure what to expect, but I come out of it with a heightened sense of self as well as a greater awareness of others. The IES Amsterdam staff were with me every step of the way, always eager to answer questions, have discussions, and check in with me. My program was well organized, I always felt safe, and was given many opportunities to learn about Dutch life and culture. Overall I don't think I could have chosen a better program for me, and would encourage any student to consider studying in Amsterdam through IES!

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:

* 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? 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 IES Amsterdam Staff
  • The Netherlands itself
  • Friends I made there
* What could be improved?
  • Academic consistency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was better prepared for the academic differences between the countries!

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.