Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amsterdam Experience I Will Not Forget Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 08/20/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While learning about new cultures and ways of life, I learned a lot about myself while being abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not particularly love any of the courses I was taking, but that is what comes with taking new courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff was extremely helpful with everything I needed. They are very friendly and are willing to help at any time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was in a great little neighborhood right outside of the city center but had some issues with the actual apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any need to use my healthcare, but I know that is was easily accessible and we were given accurate doctors information.

* Safety:

I felt safe the entire time in Amsterdam. The locals are always looking out for people and offered help in many situations.

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

I loved the city of Amsterdam and could not imagine living somewhere else for three months.

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)

Budgeting is hard while knowing you only have three months to live in this new country. However, it is very doable if you keep yourself on a budget from the start of your time there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food shopping and in home cooking will save you a ton of money.

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

I did not take the course in the foreign language. However, the program leaders encourage use of the language very often.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to try out your language skills on the locals if you get the opportunity to have a conversation with someone.

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 supportive IES staff
  • The trips that the IES center planned for us
* What could be improved?
  • The roommate selections process
  • More activities planned for the students of the program
  • The first few days during orientation, I felt a little lost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more advice on what to pack before leaving.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.