Kasteel Well: Best 3 months of my life. Past Review

By (Emerson College) for

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely.

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.

Three of the classes I took would absolutely deserve 5 "globes". The instructors were some of the best I've ever had and the classes were great. One of my classes, I would give 1 or 2 "globes". The class was not what was expected, and the teacher was not helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was amazing. Unlike our Boston campus staff who tend to be less than helpful, the Kasteel Well staff had their students as their top priority and were not only willing, but eager to help us out with anything we needed. The program size was perfect, any more students and it would be too many, any fewer and we'd get sick of each other. My expectations were definitely met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a castle. Very small but safe town. Classes were held in the same building. Bedding and tableware were provided.

* Food:

Steffan and his family were great and the food was really good! But there wasn't that much of a variety (lots of repetitive meals)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being able to travel every weekend was a great way to get to know Europe and our travel mates.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very 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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO IT! It is the most unique abroad experience out there (you live in a castle!!!) and it will change your life.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French 1

Course Department: LF101-03
Instructor: Michaele Gauduchon
Instruction Language: French/English
Comments: Great professor, great class!
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

History of Photography

Course Department: VM203-03
Instructor: Gerlo Beernink
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Gerlo is a fantastic teacher and the class was great!
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Media Criticism & Theory

Course Department: VM200-09
Instructor: Patrick Cattrysse
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Mostly theory, which was not expected. The only times we applied theories to media was in our student presentations, having had no experience applying the theories in class. When we told him in his teacher evaluation we needed the in-class application of theories, he allowed it for one class and then never again. Didn't seem like he wanted us to learn.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Intercultural Communication

Course Department: CC203-04
Instructor: Chester Lee
Instruction Language: English
Comments: AMAZING. Chester is one of the best professors I've ever had. He is a great teacher and makes class interesting and enjoyable. This is one of the best courses I've ever taken.
Credit Transfer Issues: No