Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I want to move back to Europe, but a semester in Well was enough. Past Review

By (Writing, Literature & Publishing, Emerson College) - abroad from 09/11/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can assimilate into European cultures. Also, I should learn a language. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We pay the same as people on campus but don't get as many meals and don't have board bucks. I wish we were reimbursed the next semester or something. Also, none of the food was spectacular. But was certainly edible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I learned 8 Dutch words.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ran out of migraine pills so I went to the doctor/pharmacy to get more. He told me to get a massage for my migraines (which I didn't have money for) and never got back to me about more pills.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

I only spent 1500-2000 for the three months, but I spent a lot of weekends at my significant other's home and therefore only had to pay train fare. On weekends I traveled elsewhere I spent 200 on transportation and board alone - with food and expenses on top of that.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cheap hostels. Ryan air. Trains. Don't be that kid that "doesn't want to go to McDs because it's AMERICAN," because it's culturally integrated and usually CHEAP.

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?
  • The living in a Castle was cool.
  • I loved being able to travel whenever.
  • Taking classes I would at home abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • Food options
  • More discounts/less expectations
  • Guest policy, better/cheaper overnight options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wasn't going to learn much about Dutch culture or life.

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!