Studying in the Netherlands=the highest highs, lowest lows, and best lessons learned. Past Review
By Karen H (Writing, Literature, and Publishing; minored in Psychology, Emerson College) for
Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands
Definitely. It has helped me to relate better to people, be aware of how I am interaction with people of different cultures, and really appreciate my life in the States. If I could do it over, I think I'd stay in a different country, but I would never take this trip back; it was such a good learning experience.
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. |
My history teacher, Ralph Trost, was amazing. I didn't learn a whole lot in my other two classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
OSA is the best group of people in one place that students could ask for. They were so easy to talk to, yet very organized. In short, they were easy to "hang out with" but at the same time, to respect as authoritative figures. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most of the people in Well, Netherlands spoke English--which was great! |
| * Food: |
The food wasn't bad. The dining staff was GREAT. I understand that the dining hall is on a strict budget, but, as a someone with a mild case of Crohn's/Colitis, a lot of the meat, which was low-quality and made with fillers, upset my stomach. However, they had a really good salad bar and always had fresh fruit, which was great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The required excursions were both great. I was really glad we went to Prague, because that is a place that I never would have visited otherwise, and it was beautiful. Also, there was a day trip for my history class (World Since 1914), which was a lot of fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just a warning to city-lovers: you may be staying in Europe, but it's VERY much a small-town in the country! |
