Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worth every dollar...err.. Euro! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/18/2015 to 05/29/2015 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and more in the Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about ecotourism and horticultural practices in the Netherlands (i.e. how they manage their national park and campgrounds, and plant production and export). I also learned that travel abroad is not so scary. The Netherlands is a country that is very easy to get around even when all you speak is English. It was a great experience for my first time overseas.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and Tourism in the Netherlands Maymester Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and Tourism in the Netherlands Maymester Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and Tourism in the Netherlands Maymester Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and Tourism in the Netherlands Maymester Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Horticulture, Natural Resources and Tourism in the Netherlands Maymester Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

I spent over $200 on food etc. per week while there, but it wasn't because I had to. I love food!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Souvenirs and restaurants can be expensive, but there are cheaper options than what I chose.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • All the places we visited as part of the program- parks, campgrounds, museums, etc.
  • Being surrounded by and interacting with so many other cultures
  • The food; being in the country as a whole
* What could be improved?
  • More time at the Openair museum :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is important to set aside time every day to write down all the activities and thoughts about what happened that day. Memories fade, but a journal of all that occurred will be an everlasting reminder. Also, have a camera with really great camera life or be more selective about the pictures you take. There were several times my camera battery ran out before the day was done!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.