Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Home Sweet Castle Past Review

By (Emerson College) - abroad from 09/13/2013 to 12/11/2013 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've never had a more fantastic 3 months in my life, in fact, I'm afraid I never will.

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.

Very difficult courses, really used Europe on educational trips to apply knowledge of art and history from classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Incredible staff, top notch. Kindest, silliest, and hardest working people I've ever met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were in a castle? What can I say?

* Food:

I understand they wanted to avoid waste, but when your pasta sauce ended up with kiwi leftovers it was a little weird.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The town was safe in general, but we also had locking doors and I never felt in danger at all.

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)

We traveled every weekend seeing upwards of 10 countries. It was worth every dime I spent and I spent cautiously, but I spent an average of $34 per day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250 on average, some weeks more than others.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go shopping. Spend money on experiences and necessities.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • Living with wonderful people in a castle
  • What I learned about my self and capabilities
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • We should stay for the full year
  • Classes should be just as rigorous, but easier to do well in
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take lots of videos so you can relive your experiences when you miss it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.