Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By Caitlin S (Political Science/Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies, Grinnell College) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
I gained the ability to start my life by myself in a different culture. I became more self-sufficient and independent. IES provides assistance but not living on a college campus provides more freedom to explore and live on your own.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Not the best (mice problems, kitchen was small) but the building was in a nice area and the rooms were fairly large. Also really close to the city center. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES provides contact information for doctors, dentists, mental health professionals, etc. |
| * Safety: |
Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world. I never felt as if my personal health and safety were in danger even when I was out alone late at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I did not go out to eat and participate in nightlife as much as many others did which helped keep costs low. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 35 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out too often: save money on clubs and restaurants in Amsterdam by eating at home and use that money on other experiences that can't be had at home in the US like traveling to other countries in Europe and exploring Amsterdam. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I used to be uncomfortable in situations where I didn't know anybody or felt different but now I am more ok with it. I also know some basic Dutch phrases that would have been helpful before I got to Amsterdam. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
