The Netherlands was much more laid back Past Review
By Benjamin M (Cinema & Photography, Ithaca College) for
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
It was great to see such a laid back country. I can't describe the amount of great things I did/see.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't that great. All American students & poor teachers. Outside of class was incredibly fun though. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were readily available to help, but felt more like parents than teachers, which became annoying quickly. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
2 person studio apartment with a very small kitchen. It was fine. <br /><br /> Just outside centraal, but not far at all. I loved it. |
| * Food: |
Made your own food and went shopping. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was up to you how well this experience was, but mine was great. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt fine with both issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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? | Around 50 Euros a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your own food. Eating out was very expensive. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Dutch citizens are very willing to speak English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it and don't hold anything back while you're there. Enjoy every second of the unique opportunity. |
