Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Let Me Be the Best Version of Myself Past Review

By (Sociology., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/28/2014 to 06/02/2014 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was life-changing. The people in my program were some of the best friends I have ever made. I feel like Amsterdam is my home and I will definitely live there some day. It is safe, fun, has lots to offer during the day, parks, canals, bikes, it is paradise.

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.

Great professors. The academic aspect was very rigorous. Independently responsible for course work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the staff was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved that we all lived in Funenpark and I loved the location of Funenepark to the Windmill Brewery and grocery stores. Minor problems with sinks, AC, showers, etc. though, minor inconveniences.

* Food:

I cooked for myself often and all the places I went to had great food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Dutch aren't known for being easy to get to know personally but all were kind and helpful and the students were great. I loved the social aspect.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A I did not have any health issues.

* Safety:

Safest city I have ever been to! I traveled a lot while abroad and I felt safest in Amsterdam, even over my cities in the US.

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)

The exchange rate made it expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn how to buy food in a smart way. Set a budget after you are there for a bit and know what costs you'll have.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • People
  • City
  • Time of year
* What could be improved?
  • Recommend taking bigger load in beginning of semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have done more with everyday and explored more by myself.

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.