Nothing safer than studying in a castle Past Review
By Agnieszka R (Print Journalism and WLP, Emerson College) for
Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands
I grew up a lot.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The curriculum was less intense than if it had been taught at the regular Boston campus, but it was complimented by the travel and at the same time, I think that many students wouldn't have been able to handle a more intense curriculum combined with the travel. They're both big time commitments. The students that wanted to truly devote themselves to academics and excel had the opportunity to do so, the students who wanted to cut themselves some slack could do so also, but then again that's college. Some students were offended by the expectations some of the European teachers had for them, and I enjoyed that. They really don't know how easy some of them have had it so far, and it was good to be aware that there are expectations that they may just not be meeting out there. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at the Castle is absolutely wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in a castle, what's not to like? |
| * Food: |
The thing that was difficult was how the meals were spaced, I believe time-wise they were too far apart. Also, there was no way to prepare tea or coffee throughout the day, which for addicts like me was particularly frustrating. Also, the food available although locally grown and fresh and yummy, probably had something to do with the fact that I gained 10 pounds. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was often out of my comfort zone, I grew a lot because of that. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I got sick, and the same day I got to go see the local doctor for an exam. I didn't have to worry about anything because the insurance package covered that so that was good. I felt very safe in the Castle. Two moats around the Castle will do that. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We lived in a generally english speaking environment, there wasn't really a great need for us to learn how to speak Dutch. Of course we learned some basics, but it wasn't exactly immersion. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Save up. Pack light. |
