Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Semester Abroad Past Review

By (Film Production, Emerson College) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 04/18/2012 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot and feel a little more worldly and now I can say I've been to this place and that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was easy to reach and very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was cramped and the walls were very slim, but I enjoyed the proximity to everything else on campus and the beds were pretty comfortable. All the staff were very committed and helpful as well.

* Food:

WE had great meals arranged for us everyday. I just wish the burritos and hotodgs we'd eat on occasion tasted more like what they pretended to be.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. The people were welcoming and spoke english for the most part and I never felt uncomfortable or in danger.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues in this time so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give them five stars.

* Safety:

The town was small and secure and I never felt unsafe there at any time.

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)

I ended up spending a lot less money than I thought I would, this was due to exchange rates and rationing.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-250 euro counting weekend excursions, but not travel.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get the cheapest thing on the menu unless there is something you really wanna try and don't go overboard with the souvenirs. Everything you buy has to fit in your suitcase.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The traveling we got to do.
  • The interesting histories I learned about.
  • The different cuisine.
* What could be improved?
  • Class selection
  • Quality of Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Nutella is awesome.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Writing The Feature Film
Course Department:
Instructor: Patrick Cattryse
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging in that a lot was expected, but most guidelines were unclear and ultimately it made the class much less fun than I'd hoped.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Media Criticism and Theory
Course Department:
Instructor: Patrick Cattryse
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I was worried a out this class, but it was much less intensive and staggering than the version of the course being taught at the main campus. Overall I am happy I took it at the castle.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History of Western Art III: Modern Art
Course Department:
Instructor: Marjon GeGroot, Jennecke Lambert
Instruction Language: English
Comments: VEr interesting class. I learned a lot and got to actually see most of the art I was studying due to class trips and my own excursions. I enjoyed it a lot.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Creative Writing
Course Department:
Instructor: Richard Chetwynd
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really liked the teacher, he has a big personality and is pretty funny. He encouraged us well and our group discussions were very beneficial. I enjoyed it a lot.
Credit Transfer Issues: