Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best semester ever! Past Review

By (Political Communication, George Washington University) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. So much freedom and it was amazing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't take any IES classes, which I heard were a little easier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Depends on the people, but Diana and Chantal were awesome!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bad location, but it was spacious if you get a single.

* Food:

Expensive, but everything is deep fried.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Kind of. Eh

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe!

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a bike!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Diana
  • Having a single
  • Housing us all together
* What could be improved?
  • Money
  • Bank accounts
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get a monthly tram pass. It will make your life easier.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.