Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Summer of My Life Past Review

By (Political Science, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 06/04/2015 to 07/18/2015 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I LOVED Amsterdam. It's such a different environment from what we experience in the US, and also very unique in the social context of Europe in general. The other program participants came from all over the US, and came from very diverse backgrounds. If you have the chance to go, do it. I had the most amazing summer of my entire life.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators were amazing, very helpful and approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments are in a very good location, but were not well kept

* Food:

All food is self-provided, but there are lots of grocery stores near the IES Center and apartments.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Locals are very friendly and most speak flawless English

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally experience, but others had health issues resolved

* Safety:

Very safe city, but remain cautious. Other tourists are biggest threat.

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)

Very affordable, museums are free for student entrance.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget ahead of time!

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Diversity of program participants
  • Social climate of the city
  • Ease of public transportation
* What could be improved?
  • Housing accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The impossibility of obtaining class credit, the low average temperatures in the summer.

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 Linguist
You 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!