Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Amsterdam Study Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 06/01/2015 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained knowledge about another culture, while also learning more about myself and where I come from. I became more independent and am able to travel confidently alone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was difficult communicating with professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were so helpful and were always there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location and always felt safe.

* Food:

Difficult to find what you like.

* 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? 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? Cook your own food.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • The location
  • The people
  • The opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Expenses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is a large mental component to studying abroad and traveling in general. You need to learn that you will feel uncomfortable, but that's normal. You will grow into the experience and evolve into a better person.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.