Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Bikers Paradise Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 02/01/2019 to 06/29/2019 with

University of Amsterdam: Amsterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much in terms of language skills (not through the program, but through other classes I sought out and speaking with family and friends), met many great people from all over the world, and got to experience living in such a unique and bustling city. I also learned more about myself and became more confident in my abilities to do things on my own.

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?

Amsterdam is very international and it can be difficult to make many Dutch friends, so it is a bit tough to feel integrated into Dutch culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Biking is the main form of transportation for most students (and a huge portion of the city population), and is usually quite safe due to great infrastructure and driver awareness. Nevertheless, be careful on the bike and be aware of cars! The city feels quite safe both day and night.

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)

The city is on the more expensive side, but if you bike as your main form of transportation and mostly cook rather than eating out, it does not have to be ridiculously expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The location
  • The independence
  • The introduction to people from around the world
* What could be improved?
  • Efforts to promote interaction of international and local students
  • A bit more communication between program organizers and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would need to make an effort on my own to make friends! I did do so, but I think I assumed that friendships would come a bit quicker/more often than they did.

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.