I love Amsterdam!! August 14, 2024
By A student (Business and Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/01/2024 to 06/01/2024 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Business & Economics
Studying abroad was an amazing opportunity I wish everyone could experience. At first, I was scared to leave for so long, and I had also considered not going overall. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to grow as a person, experience living in a new culture, travel, and more. Amsterdam itself is beautiful and is a great place for studying abroad in a city that is *just* right -- it's not too big but not too small, it's easy to navigate and walk through, many people are English speaking, but there's noticeable culture and a different language which is enriching, etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The IES courses were smaller, more engaging, and easier than my university courses at the VU. IES courses were nice to meet more of the students in the program itself, and there were many resources and support available. My courses at the VU were much less hands-on, larger, lecture-based, and shorter, with more intense grading and examination compared to IES and my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration at IES are wonderful, extremely helpful, and supportive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
As I lived in a student apartment with a kitchen, I prepared food on my own. Food stores are closeby and very convenient. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not make many other Dutch friends, but I still did feel integrated in the culture. I definitely could have done more on my own to attend more local events, so there is only myself to blame. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Overall, health care in the Netherlands is very accessible and much cheaper than in the US. I needed a refill of my medication, which would be much more difficult to receive in the US, but the tourist pharmacy located in the main train station quickly helped me get a refill without paying too much out of pocket. There were many helpful resources given to us by IES if we needed to see a doctor. |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in Amsterdam, even as a woman. While still observant, I felt comfortable walking around at night alone. Unsafe situations can occur anywhere of course, and it's importation to stay vigilant. |
| 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) |
Amsterdam itself is one of the most expensive cities. While housing was highly subsidized, eating out can be very costly (which I did a bit in the first month or so). You can save money by not going on many trips and buying groceries wisely, but it's not as cheap as other places I know people have studied abroad. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent a lottt of money, but mostly on trips. I had saved up a lot from working in previous summers, but I still wish I was a bit wiser with my expenses. Try to purchase any necessities when you arrive off of Facebook Marketplace or by thrifting. Try to find free events in the area (there are actually a lot, you just need to do a bit of research :)). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The Dutch class I took through IES was amazing, with two amazing and helpful teachers. Throughout the course, I was slowly learning more Dutch vocabulary and pronunciation, which can be helpful when exploring the city/using public transportation (even though most signage is in English as well). |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Russian (RUS30 at Brandeis) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Duolingo is helpful for vocab, try to read as many signs/menus/written text you encounter, practice with any Dutch friends you make (if any haha) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep an open mind, explore as much as possible, the program will end before you even know it |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
