Tilburg: Life changing Past Review

By Scotiana C (Economics., Western Washington University) for

ISEP Exchange: Tilburg - Exchange Program at Tilburg University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The study abroad experience was amazing and I will always be thankful that I did it. Tilburg had a great program for international students. The only part about Tilburg that I had problems with the university not the opportunities or social experiences.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The Netherlands does a scale of 1 to 10, it is almost impossible if not extremely unlikely that you will ever get a 9 or 10. An 8 is equivalent to an A in the American system and then proceeds down. Most classes have only one exam that is worth most if not all of you grade. The workload during the year is lower for the most part. Give yourself that last month of every semester for purely studying.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was close walk to the university and groccery store. It is a short bike ride to the city center where the nightlife is. The flat was very dirty. No one ever did the dishes and there were bugs and there is no way that you wanted to walk around without something on your feet.
* Food:	You have to buy food every three days or so because everything goes bad so fast, and don't try the Dutch food because it is all fried.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There were trips each semester that were took place in different cities around the country. There were also many activities when you first arrive in order to get to know everyone as well as activities weekly.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	It is a very safe country and especailly the city of Tilburg. I would just suggest that when going home at night that you go home with someone.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	I could practice with people in stores and friends from the country, but everyone could speak english very well so one does not have to learn Dutch.