Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Castle Experience Past Review

By (Emerson College) - abroad from 09/13/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I don't need material possessions - which was liberating. I also gained a new and better independence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was too much work for a program in which the academics should be complimented with travel experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

OSA, Office of Student Affairs, was so helpful and always available

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

14th Century Castle....enough said

* Food:

I got sick of the same food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Getting to collaborate with Dutch youth in the area was eye-opening

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Doctors were available, and OSA helped us get appointments

* Safety:

The little village of Well is so safe

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)

There are many opportunities in Europe to travel and board cheaply.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Office of Student Affairs
  • Environment
  • Travel Opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Work load
  • Teachers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling is easy and not worth stressing about

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!