Past Review
By Zachary F (Writing, Literature, And Publishing, Emerson College) for
Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands
One of the most important decisions of my life. I have a real perspective on the world that i didn't have before, and I am more independent after traveling through foreign countries on my own. The Castle is like a home base, so you get a comfortable home feeling as well as the ability to see the hotspots of Europe-- the best of both worlds as far as having a Campus and "backpacking".
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some of the teachers are slackers (Chetwynd, Chester Lee), but most of them are really great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great--Dulcia, Chester, Dojna, Johnny, Rob Dukers, and Rene all really care about everyone there. Really helpful! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Castle is amazing--makes up for the extra bus ride to a train station. |
| * Food: |
Nellie makes great food! Better than Emerson dining hall! Only thing-warm milk. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Group trips, time spent in Well, traveling alone--a really rounded experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The most dangerous part of Well was us. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
There should be some language help, there was nothing about dutch at all. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just do it. No questions. Have enough money, work a lot the summer before you go. |
