Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Amsterdam was an AMAZING and educational experience!! Past Review

By (HISTORY., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 12/22/2012 with

CIEE: Amsterdam - Social Sciences + Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about living independently and living every day fully in order to take advantage of such an amazing city!! From my classes I learned so much about Dutch culture and their interesting policies- it really helped me think critically about American policies and culture. I also loved taking a new language while I was immersed in the native culture, it was really fun. Overall it was such a worthwhile and amazing semester.

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?

Wonderful housing through CIEE!! A huge plus.

* 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:

I felt very safe in Amsterdam, which definitely contributed to my overall comfort.

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? About 100 euro= $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only take out as much cash as you want to spend in a certain about of time, and stick to it!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 220 at Middlebury- Advanced Intermediate
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? Take a new language if it's not a Middlebury school abroad program!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Incredible housing opportunities
  • CIEE classes with a great professor and interesting content
  • Supportive staff that planned lots of activities
* What could be improved?
  • More guidance and information for picking classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take both of the CIEE classes and Dutch Language!

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Dutch Social Policy
Course Department: CIEE
Instructor: Bonny Wassing
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was an awesome class- Bonny was engaging and friendly, and the topics were so interesting, ranging from the welfare system, immigration, drugs, and prostitution. It wasn't as challenging as a Middlebury class but was still so worthwhile.
Credit Transfer Issues: No