Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable August 31, 2026

By (Sociology, University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 06/15/2026 to 07/28/2026 with

SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands - Human Trafficking, Sex Trade & Modern Slavery in EU (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a broad understanding of human trafficking, sex work, international law. I gained a friendship with pretty much every student in the program. I gained countless experiences dancing, dating, seeing. Seeing a new way of life, being young and free in a brand new place, a gorgeous place.

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.

This program was incredibly academically enriching particularly because of the broad range of educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Each lecture (1 a day) was also accompanied by a daily guest lecture or site visit which went along perfectly with the in-class learning. It was extremely valuable to be able to meet experts and people working in the very fields we were learning about, broadening our view of the topics. I could tell each guest lecture and site visit was very well thought through, making for a perfect overall educational experience, especially when coupled with the engaging professors and assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrators were all very dedicated individuals who ensured a perfect transition and experience abroad for each and every student. Shoutout Fiona and Jonathan!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents were lovely, coupled perfectly with my living preferences. A bit far from the city, but manageable. Public transportation is part of the experience!

* Food:

The food in Amsterdam is incredible. But pricy! And the food my host parents cooked was all super yummy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated, just by being there for an extended period of time, getting comfortable with the city, the transportation, the streets, and everything. I never felt fully integrated into Dutch culture, but not in a way that made the experience unenjoyable in any way, just sort of because Dutch people aren't in love with Americans, but everyone was generally welcoming and friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got strep throat, got an appointment like the same day, got medication, and Fiona helped me to fill out the reimbursement form with insurance. I was reimbursed about two weeks later.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe!! And I was out late all the time.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was perfect in every way. The academics, the professors, the students, the extracurricular actives, the clubs, the food. But it is what YOU make of it. I had an incredible time cause I used every opportunity, every second I could. I appreciated it all and took it all in with every breath. Do the same, and it will be the best 6 weeks of your life.

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? A lot... Probably $300 a week, minimum. But I was going out all the time.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work before you go and save!! You don't want to be able to not do things abroad...

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

Everyone speaks English in the Netherlands!! So it wasn't needed. But we did learn some basic dutch in the first week.

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Amsterdam!! The beauty of it, the canals.
  • The people!! Everyone in the program was so friendly and open minded.
  • The academics! I am SUPER interested in these topics and feel I have a great understanding of them now.
* What could be improved?
  • Having more housing closer to the city center (pretty impossible, I know!)
  • Simone's teaching style (less lecturing!!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will go by so quick, appreciate every moment!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.