Incredible semester in Amsterdam Past Review
By Tony (Skidmore College) - abroad from 01/29/2017 to 06/03/2017 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
I learned many valuable things during my time abroad. Budgeting money and traveling alone were probably the biggest. Also, I had never lived in a city and Amsterdam is always bustling with people, so it was good to experience this. Extremely worthwhile.
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 |
Great support system |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Location and condition of apartment was great |
| * Food: |
No food plan, and no freezer or oven. This made it difficult to eat cheap. Kitchen appliances subpar |
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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? |
Little English spoken at the doctors I went to, but received great and comforting care |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I cannot wait to return, and I would do another semester of study in Amsterdam in a heartbeat. The social policies and aspects to Dutch culture are very insightful to be immersed in. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | How much money I would spend |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
