Leiden: The City of Leisure Past Review

By (History and Government, The College of William and Mary) for

Leiden University: Leiden - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was satisfactory in ways other than education. 3/4 classes were academically unsatisfying, not because the course wasn't interesting, but I wasn't pushed as a student. However, I really enjoyed the freedom to make my own decisions and wonder through a foreign city.

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 grading system was a bit difficult to adjust to as an 8 is a pretty good grade to get here, like an A- or B+ at home, but translates to an 80 (C) in the US system. Classes were different here as 3/4 classes only met once a week. Also, the system of credits was different as I took 30 ECTSs (the max) but it will only transfer back as 12 credit hours.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was very expensive; foreign students seem to get ripped off quite a bit. Most kitchenware was provided (pots, pans, cups, plates, silverware), but I acquired some tupperware. Sheets were also provided, but I had to buy towels. Arranging housing was a nightmare, but it all worked out ok and I got the apartment building I ranked first. I lived in city center, well within walking distance to bars and plenty of restaurants. The security in my building was more than adequate, sometimes to the point of nuisance.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program did not arrange social or non-academic programs, but I found plenty through the rowing club. Literally, if I wasn't in class or in my apartment, I was at the rowing club.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Leiden was very safe. The only instance where safety may be an issue is that a friend got two bikes stolen, but she personally was never in danger. Dutch health care was extremely reliable the one time I had to use it. A friend biked me to the hospital and I was admitted to the ER without proof of ID or insurance, treated immediately, and walked out 5 minutes later. Though I provided my name, address, and date of birth, I have never been billed for the incident.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying a bike. Public transportation adds up as well.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Independence is absolutely necessary to study in Leiden. I had to negotiate the social scene myself, join clubs on my own, and got used to eating by myself (I ate dinner with friends once a week at my rowing club, but mostly ate in my apartment).