Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging but Rewarding June 28, 2023

By (Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2023 to 06/03/2023 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile but it was very challenging emotionally. It is not easy to go abroad and I was shocked to find out how many students study abroad after my experience because the emotional challenge that comes with it is a hefty one. It is hard to make friends and feel comfortable but I believe it was worth it because I do feel more in touch with the world and all that's available to me in this life.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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? No

I would probably go again and stay with a host family to get a more culturally immersive experience. I would've also appreciated the comfort and warmth of a home while abroad in a foreign country without access to domestic comforts.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare for hidden fees and really try to open a bank account if your domestic bank will charge you for using your card outside the United States.

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

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? None
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? Use the language with locals, its intimidating but that's how you get better

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Foreign Language
  • Night life
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there would be daily hurdles with studying abroad but that they all serve to mature you and challenge you and direct you towards a brighter future.

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 Urbanite
A 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.