Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'd Do it Again and Again Past Review

By (Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College) - abroad from 01/15/2015 to 04/15/2015 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent, mature, and open minded. Traveling and spending time with all of the castle dwellers in very influential.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics at the castle sometimes fall in the backseat- but they are still important and I still found myself working very hard on assignments. You can't ignore class at the castle, but it's all manageable. You'll still be able to travel and have fun, and study. My GPA did drop a smidge while there, but that's not the case for everyone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

OSA (Office of Student Affairs) is amazing. They help you with acclamation, travel, and are just genuinely great people to talk to. You will miss them so so much after you leave.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It get's repetitive, but there are some great dishes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because you're with 80 something other Emerson students, you're not completely immersed into Dutch culture. But the town of Well is very welcoming and friendly, and a great place to be.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally never had major health issues. I got a cold (make sure you bring cold medicine, advil etc, because they don't have that type of stuff in Well). But you're allowed 2 doctor's appointments for free should something more serious come up.

* Safety:

The castle has security measures (you have to tap into the building) and well is very small and quiet. I never felt unsafe there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had so much fun at the castle. I made so many great friends and memories, and I think about how special my time there was every day. I'd go back in a second.

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)

Save up, because traveling costs a lot. Flights are cheap when you use companies like Ryan Air, but if you travel every weekend (which many do) it all adds up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? During my 3 months I probably spent $3,000.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
  • Literally living in a castle
  • The community
* What could be improved?
  • More immersive elements with the town of Well
  • More food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not so pack so many pairs of pants.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.