Impactful experience Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2019 to 05/31/2019 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences
I gained exposure to a new culture and society, and got to play a role in dutch culture in a very real way. Absolutely worthwhile
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 Vrije University was an amazing education. Engaging professors, course material and class discussions. Learned a ton on really interesting topics! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very supportive when needed but certainly not overbearing or a very large part of my experience |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very very safe city, never had an issue with theft or harassment |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Amsterdam was an amazing city and IES + semester in amsterdam at the VU gave me so much of what I wanted in terms of immersion and exposure to a european experience |
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 |
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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 |
I took a dutch class while there, but everyone spoke english. It was mostly for myself. |
| 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? | n/a |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | Make sure to be intentional about why you want to go abroad; be as specific as you can about what you want to get out of it so you can seek out experiences that align with your goals! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
