Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This experience changed my life. Past Review

By (Psychology/Chemistry, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/15/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective of the world and learned a lot about travelling independently and accepting other peoples' cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were quite challenging but very intellectually expansive. Lots of pressure by giving only one test per class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was amazing and helpful. They were all enthusiastic to help us out in any way they could.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Guesthouse had some problems, kitchen was unclean, cleaning staff was disruptive in the mornings, location of guesthouse was inconvenient.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The University provided lots of international orientation activities and made us feel comfortable and eventually, I got to learn enough dutch to get around.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare widely accessible but quite expensive.

* Safety:

Never felt safer in a city in my life. Great people, friendly environment.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for the cheapest groceries in the store and make sure you ask the locals for advice about which websites to use to book flights and other transportation

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

We didn't have to learn dutch for classes, but they helped support any sort of intellectual curiosity in it.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A2
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take the classes and try to speak to locals in the language any chance you get

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • People
  • Food
  • Ease of Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Expenses
  • Some of the classes were difficult, some forewarning would be nice about how local students feel about each class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Exactly how much it would cost, it turned out to be more expensive than I anticipated. Also, I wish I had taken less belongings with me, packing on the way back is more difficult with all the added purchases here

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!