IES Gets You to Amsterdam; You Get Yourself INTO Amsterdam Past Review
By Betsy Barthelemy (Macalester College) - abroad from 08/18/2019 to 12/21/2019 with
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
I learned a lot about myself, travelled a ton with and without companions, made friends, discovered a love for french fries with mayo, learned a lot about anthropology that I couldn't have learned at my home school, and became a more independent adult. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world - it was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The IES liasons to the University of Amsterdam (UvA) were incredibly helpful when I had an issue with the university scheduling. I wish I'd gotten to take more classes at the UvA, not just at the IES Center, but I liked the classes I took. Dutch academia often bases its final grades on one single final exam or project, which is very different from American classes, and professors grade very harshly. Dutch students don't have GPAs, though, so they often don't care much. All of my classes, in and out of the UvA, were very interesting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people who run the center were very available, warm, kind, and ready to help us. They organize social events such as drinks, mental health break events such as yoga, and field trips to places like soccer games and a weekend in Belgium. The Center was a great place to sit when needed, no questions asked. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in The Student Hotel, Amsterdam City, and loved it. I had my own room with a shared kitchen for the floor. I loved the location, which they made sure was close to the university and the metro. IES coordinated with them seemingly very well, as I never had a problem. |
| * Food: |
No food is provided in this program. Food in Amsterdam is good, but expensive. Dutch cuisine is almost nonexistent, which means there are a lot of international choices. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most Dutch people are fluent in English, so it was easy to get myself around and talk to others. It was very obvious that I was American from the sound of my voice, and often when I tried to speak Dutch people told me I didn't need to try. Dutch people are known to be direct, which is jarring at first, but I definitely recommend trying to make local friends. This program is for American college/university students, and some don't try to branch out because they don't have to, but you should. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had a health scare, but my friends who did said the people at IES helped a lot. There is no cold medicine in the Netherlands, though, so bring your Nyquil, Dayquil, and ibuprofen!! Dental procedures are also not covered by insurance because they're considered cosmetic. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Amsterdam, but also, I'm very self-aware. Walk around with confidence, use public transit, and try not to be completely alone in the dark, especially in spaces like Vondelpark. The only crime I heard of happening was pickpocketing, which is very common, so be aware of your bag and wallet. Even while biking, though, I was rarely scared. The Netherlands has a blackface character parade the country in November and December, so be aware of this. Those in favor of this man, Zwarte Piet, can get violent. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
IES Amsterdam was the perfect medley between a direct enrollment and an American parent program. I was happy to get to know students from the US, the Netherlands, and from around the world. I wish I knew more about Amsterdam before I got there, but once the first week was behind me I was very comfortable in my new home, and I adjusted much more quickly than I did to my college in the States. |
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) |
If you play your cards right, food from places like Lidl and Albert Heijn is a good price, definitely cheaper than Whole Foods in the US. Public transit is sometimes expensive, but it is very easy to bike, which is a one-time price. Most parties have cover fees, which can pile up. Traveling around was the only larger expense I dealt with. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around 80 euros. Sometimes as little as 40, sometimes over 100. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at Lidl, a discount grocer, and Action, a discount store for furniture/cookware/toiletries/etc. If you plan on taking public transit a lot, get a monthly pass; plan that by looking up prices on the 9292 app. Use Flixbus rather than planes and trains if feasible. |
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 |
I took one Dutch class, which was the only time I was encouraged to use the language, since English is so prevalent. My teacher was not the greatest, though she is leaving the program, so hopefully the lessons will improve. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Japanese 204, but no Dutch. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Actually do your homework, pay attention in class, and listen to conversations around you. People are usually receptive to you attempting to speak Dutch, and assume that you know none if you appear to be an American. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Dutch professors grade harshly and it is a much different system in the United States; the Dutch have a rich history in colonialism and xenophobia, which still presents itself today; Dutch locals won't outwardly try to be good friends with you, and you have to put in a lot of effort to get there; getting a bike is definitely worth it. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
