Fall in love with everything new Past Review
By learning2flyy (Writing, Literature & Publishing, Emerson College) - abroad from 09/13/2012 to 12/11/2012 with
Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands
I learned how to be more independent, money-wise, and careful in new surroundings. The entire experience was so freeing. I will never forget what a wonderful time I had.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The on-campus food got old fast, but there was always the pancake house and weekend to look forward to. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people in town recognized castle kids, and we got to know people our age at the bar. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick the first few weeks abroad. Our first 3 doctors visits were covered financially. I had to go to the hospital to get bloodwork, and a campus staff member drove me himself and served as a sort of guardian angel, translating and helping me with the foreign hospital environment. Doctors visits were much more casual, and they were reluctant to prescribe me medicine. |
| * Safety: |
Watch out for sleazy Dutch bar rats. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 200 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Street vendors food is usually good. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Most Dutch people seem to speak English. I took French at the castle though, and I tried to speak it when I visited Paris. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 3 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Phrasebook |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Dutch |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
