Holland: Learning about me and my people Past Review

By (HISTORY., Barnard College) for

CIEE: Amsterdam - Social Sciences + Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More insight into myself, how to be alone, how to make friends, how to have confidence.

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.

Grading and classes were easier than my home experience. Lack of class discussion and professor interaction was dissapointing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very hands on. Perhaps a little too much baby-ing at times.

* 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:

VERY safe city, esp. in comparison to New York.

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? No IDEA
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ride a bike, dont take transport or taxi's.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Practiced language with my dutch classmates, with my family sometimes. NOT needed for everyday interactions--almost everyone speaks english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? An ambitious student, someone who wants to be independent.