Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exchange Groningen was Delightful Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Groningen - University of Groningen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It changed the course of my life. I might not act different, but my desires have changed considerably, and I'm thinking about a completely different future for myself than before I went on this personal and physical journey.

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 workload was pretty small, but I think I messed up a little in terms of what classes I should've been taking. The teachers had a very "do it yourself" attitude. The university was more about individual work ethic, but I feel like there was still an environment of not caring, even among the students. In addition, the teachers were much more apathetic about any problems the students might have. Since the grade for the entire course was dependent on one exam, it was a very different experience from what I'm used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I was in the Netherlands, I felt disconnected from those in charge, and that they didn't quite understand my expectations and were occasionally condescending.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved where I lived, especially the people I lived with. I lived in Albertine Agnesplein, and the rooms were enormous, I had plenty of space, the bed was kind of uncomfortable, but nothing I couldn't deal with.

* Food:

I cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did most of my own arranging, but it was exciting to experience the culture!!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city I lived in, Groningen, was extraordinarily safe. I could ride my bike home at night alone and be completely secure of my safety. I never had any health issues, though.

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? I have no idea how much I spent a week. Maybe 60 Euros? 70?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always go grocery shopping, and try to think of as many things to bring so you don't have to buy it there.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved being friends with international students.
* What could be improved?
  • Keeping more tabs on students academically
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Any student that is very social and open to learning about many different kinds of cultures should go to this program. Groningen is full of international students, and learning about everyone and where they are from is the best part!