Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review

By (Mathematical Finance, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/31/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad, I became a more independent and mature individual. This was the first time where I was completely in charge of feeding myself on a daily basis, buying groceries, not living on campus, and not having parental supervision within a pretty large radius. I learned a lot about myself and also discovered what I am capable of on my own.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam with IES Abroad Photo

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.

The courses I took at the University of Amsterdam were quite rigorous in the Economics Department. There was less busy work but it seemed that more was still expected from the students on final papers and exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was really well organized and all of the administrators were helpful with all aspects of study abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was located in a great location in the city. It was a bit small for two people but was still comfortable.

* Food:

Every restaurant I went to in the city was good. The only thing is that the dutch didn't seem to have their own cuisine so they offered foods that originated elsewhere.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to meet Dutch students through the University, but it was hard to get fully integrated into the culture. I was still able to meet other international students from outside the U.S. which was a good experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fortunately never had to deal with health care issues while abroad, but the program seemed to have a good protocol for when necessary.

* Safety:

Amsterdam was probably the safest city I have ever been in. I never felt threatened by anyone or in any situation.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Amsterdam is a place where I can truly call home. I fell in love with the city automatically and it always felt good and comfortable to explore. I would not replace this experience with any other.

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)

I think it is possible to live on a student budget in Amsterdam, but I wanted to travel a lot while I was abroad, which dramatically increased the cost.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If planning to travel on the weekends, I would try to plan as far ahead as possible to save money on flights and hostels/hotels.

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
  • 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 optional activities/excursions on weekends
  • Being able to attend class at a local university
* What could be improved?
  • To lengthen orientation a bit
  • Possibly coordinating some activity with local students to broaden the chance of being immersed in the local culture
  • Possible widening the available courses at the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not be as scared about things changing at home while you are abroad.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'