Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think all of the classes offered here at the Castle are interesting and beneficial, and taught by people who aren't necessarily only "scholars" in their fields but real-world positions as well. However, the condensed classes make learning a bit harder, and work a bit less impactful. Teachers still expect you to be able to write significant papers with VERY limited library resources, and any kind of big out-of-class project, paper, etc. (especially with a group) becomes much more difficult. But it IS all entirely manageable.

On-site administration of your program

Dulcea is a goddess; some of the other staff members are not as nice or as understanding. Most will try and be as helpful and as kind as they can be--particularly the grounds staff is good at being awesome people--but know that you might have to fight to get some kindness and understanding from select members of the administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You live in a Castle. There's actually nothing more you could want on the grounds or in the buildings.

Dutch food isn't bad, but it will wear you down. It's heavy and very one-colored/one-consistencied, and it's hard to eat healthy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's very easy to meet people here at the Castle, and you will become friends with people you never thought you would. Travel as much as you can, but don't stress out over fitting everything you want to do into one semester: you won't be able to. Some things seem hard to figure out, but the staff here is very helpful and most things aren't as hard as they seem.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safety is one of their main concerns.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The only language offered here is basic French, and having already known basic French, my language skills haven't improved at all, besides the few languages I can say, "Thank you," in. Hopefully, sometime in the future the Castle will offer a Dutch class, because it would be really great to learn the language of the country we're spending three months in.