Holland! Go there. You will love it. Past Review
By Tierra B (BA Theatre Studies, Emerson College) for
Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands
Nothing can be more worthwhile than taking the opportunity to change your perspective on the world. Going abroad will change you in ways you can't think of beforehand. As I was on my way to Holland I was, of course, expecting to gain new cultural appreciations but I could have never seen that it was going to teach me to be more independent, resourceful, and efficient as well as teach me to love languages and music and art in a way that I was unable to experience in the States.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were such a pleasure to take because most of them related back to our travels in some way. I also think that the professors do a splendid job of giving out just enough work so that one will be challenged but still have time for travel and enjoyment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I came to adore the head of the program. She was enthusiastic, charming, charismatic and encouraging. She treated us with respect and was always available if anyone needed her. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
We were kept well fed but the dining hall was subject to strict hours and that made it difficult when we would arrive home late from a trip, for example, and be hungry but have nowhere to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I visited 7 different countries and about 5 cities within Holland itself. This left me with a broad experience of Europe and a taste for more! As far as social activities at the Kasteel, I must say that there was something going on nearly every night. There was ample opportunity to socialize. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened in any way in regards to safety or health. I don't remember having any issues with sickness passing through the Kasteel and there were certainly no safety problems. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was actually taking French because there was no need to learn Dutch because, in general, everyone spoke English. However, my French class was wonderful and when I visited Paris on my last trip I was able to converse and navigate my way around the city in French! |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not let anything get in the way of taking this trip if you can devise it. Many of my friends were worried about taking certain courses, etc. but there is truly no class worth missing out on this for. |
