Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Writing, Literature, And Publishing, Emerson College) for

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some of the teachers are slackers (Chetwynd, Chester Lee), but most of them are really great.

* 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!

* 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.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Group trips, time spent in Well, traveling alone--a really rounded experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The most dangerous part of Well was us.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

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.