Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best time I have ever had Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/16/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more patience and more about who I am. I was definitely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The perfect balance between rigor and enjoyment

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great staff

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

TSH was the best place I have ever lived

* Food:

Often cooking for myself, I got good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The dutch were hesitant but some students were open to making abroad friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health care issues

* Safety:

As long as you know how to bike you'' be fine

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had the most amazing time with some amazing people. I will cherish abroad for as long as I live.

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)

When cooking for myself it was very affordable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself and if you are going to drink a lot there is cheap wine

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Somewhat

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? Spanish 34B
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? Talk to students, not random people on the street

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • The people
  • The canals
  • The biking
* What could be improved?
  • It could be longer
  • More group events
  • Sorry it was awesome!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I was going to miss 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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!