Amsterdam the Gateway to Europe and my Travel Addiction Past Review
By Maggie T (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) for
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
It was very worthwhile. It was life changing! The only reason why my experience is not a five globe rating is my disappointment with the housing and services provided by IES for the cost of the program. Also, I would have liked to meet more Dutchies, but I cannot attribute that entirely to IES. Traveling opened my eyes even wider to the world. Being in Europe is making me question and contemplate my future. I am aware of so many more opportunities and lifestyles that I can pursue now. I was exposed to and challenged by so many different aspects of my life and the world around me whether it be academically, culturally, politically, spiritually, financially etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Education is so independent in the Netherlands. Very few readings are assigned, but instead students are expected to focus their own readings and education. My interests were very much piqued in my Neoliberalism and Conflict in Latin America class, which is part of the reason why I am so excited for the opportunity to study in Central America my Senior year. Out of my three courses I had only two Dutch class mates, which was extremely disappointing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was accessible, nice, and helpful. I guess my major complaint is the lack of services, trips, dinners, and get togethers provided when compared to the CIEE program in Amsterdam (which is the same cost) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The price of the apartment was outrageously expensive especially considering I shared a single room with another person. The location was a bit out of the city center, but I soon began to like the diversity and quiet of the area. We had to purchase sheets, cook ware, etc. |
| * Food: |
It was easy to buy fresh produce at markets for very cheap prices so cooking at home was very affordable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The events were mediocre. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never experienced any problems. Some people experience bike accidents and I am aware of one person who was mugged. The healthcare system was fabulous. It was easy to see doctors and access medication if necessary. I loved how doctors in Holland are not keen to prescribe medication or recommend costly xrays or procedures. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-200 euros? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | the pay as you go phone can get pricey as can numerous flat tires. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student that enjoys directing their own studies and that loves to travel. Students in Amsterdam can be introverts or extroverts; party people, museum goers, or pot smokers-- there seems to be something for everyone. |
