Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

"I Captured the Castle" Past Review

By (Emerson College) for

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. The experience was once in a lifetime and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity. I learned a lot about the world and myself and I made an amazing and unpredictable group of friends. You don't even have to travel on the weekends; just being at the castle with everyone is a great experience in itself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Kasteel administration seemed to be a lot more organized than at the home campus and teachers were held more accountable for getting assignments back to students in a timely manner. Having smaller classes was definitely a benefit for each student, as well. The only thing that could be improved was the overall feedback during the semester, such as what our current grade was and how we were doing in the course generally.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There could be more options, especially for vegetarians concerning protein.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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? It's not going to be anything like you expect; it will absolutely be better.