Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing experience that I will forever cherish and try to return to. Past Review

By (Biology And Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands - International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Dutch history, culture and politics. The way gender and sexuality plays out in Dutch migrant (Moroccan, Turkish, Indonesian, Caribbean) communities and in the major cities of Morocco.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just budget well.

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

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? None
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? If you really care to learn, you will practice with natives and your host family regularly. Watch Dutch TV and read Dutch articles.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Educational content
  • Meeting a community of Dutch LGBT Muslim minority community
  • Morocco excursion
* What could be improved?
  • Preparing students for the homestay experience
  • Allowing more time for travel
  • Independent Study Project timing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the Independent Study Project period is not enough time to conduct a whole research project. I wish I knew that so that I would start preparing earlier in the semester.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.