Amsterdam: Where Dreams Become Reality and Friends Become Family. Past Review
By Andy M (Physics., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
I now have a global view of the connection between America and Europe. I would love to go back. I learned so much about how to make new friendships and experience new things. A++++
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. |
I loved the school. The classes were enriching and meaningful. Because my schedule was Mon-Wed, I was able to go on trips from Thurs - Sun. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The best thing about the program was that all of the students were very similar in personality. The size of the program was perfect. We all lived in the Funenpark apartment complex. We grew to be the best of friends due to the fact that we all lived together. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I bought sheets to settle in to Funenpark.The neighborhood was safe, but a few students did have their bikes stolen (a common occurrence in Amsterdam). Class was about 10 minutes away. The nightlife is 10 minutes to Rembrandtsplein or 20 minutes to Leidseplein by bike. The housing was very close to a bus stop and tram stop. |
| * Food: |
The food was decent, but it did not quite match my American taste. We had to search pretty hard for good food. Mexican food was something we all missed greatly because it is not very good in Amsterdam. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to a rave called Energy: The Network. Everyone that went had the most amazing experience of our lives and we bonded forever. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I didn't have any health issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent almost 200 euros a week on average. Food was expensive, and traveling was expensive too. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was taken aback when halfway through the semester our exchange rate changed very negatively for Americans. My budget did not plan for that change in exchange rate. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a great experience. Students should have an interest in music and the arts. You need to be outgoing and enjoy spending time with others. Students should not be close-minded and hating of good times. One student was not free-spirited. He left the program as soon as his last final and said "Good Riddance Amsterdam." His roommate was totally opposite, and he was the only student who didn't have the time of his life. |
