Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Make your home away from home Amsterdam <3 March 26, 2024

By (Public Relations, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 08/21/2023 to 12/23/2023 with

IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to embrace the present and put yourself out there. You never know what forever connections you'll make.

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 would say the classes are a lot more rigorous than the classes I take at Penn State. I had to study extensively in order to get a good grade in my classes at UvA. Additionally, one of my classes's grade depended solely on one exam, so be prepared!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Abroad team ensures your time in Amsterdam is unforgettable. They are there for you every step of the way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Social Hub City during my time in Amsterdam. I enjoyed living there because my whole floor was kids in my program. My friend group was made on my floor as well, so it was nice being able to cook dinner with them every night and just be around them constantly.

* 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 had a stomach ulcer when I was abroad. It was challenging trying to find the right doctor and what next steps I needed to take. I would prefer my local healthcare, but I could be biased because my doctors at home know me and know how my body reacts to certain things since I have been a patient with them for years.

* Safety:

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

I am proud to say that Amsterdam was my home away from home. A piece of me will always be there, and I hope in the future I will be able to move back. I always felt so safe wherever I went, and the people were nice. There was always something to do too, whether it be trying out a new cafe or museum.

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)

It was pretty expensive (1).

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? Do not eat out for every single meal!

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

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 0
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? In the Netherlands, majority of people speak Dutch and English, so I did not need to learn it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The city itself
  • The history
* What could be improved?
  • Getting in touch with doctors
  • Preparing you for the intensity of the classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Please pack light!

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.