Nijmegen, Netherlands: Home of the Kind and Caring Past Review
By Max R (Biology, New Mexico State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Nijmegen - Exchange Program at Radboud University Nijmegen
I matured as a person and felt like I was exposed to a whole new world. The Earth seems much bigger to me now.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Dutch universities were much more reading oriented. The main difference was that there was more work to do for 1 assignment or 1 exam as opposed to the USA where there are so many minor assignments that are worth so much of the grade. My work load was fairly heavy due to the colossal amount of reading. I liked that class was only once a week for 2 hours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program's strength was making sure logistics were taken care of. I was assigned an "ISEP" buddy who was Dutch and was very helpful. The program's weakness was its lack of ability to inform students on classes that are available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My flatmates were terrific people. My room was adequately furnished, but rather stark. |
| * Food: |
Luckily I was able to buy good food, but overall, Dutch food is not my favorite. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The nightlife was great. Also the excursions the international office put on were fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had never felt so safe in my life. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling expenses will be the likely money-taking culprit. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | My advice would be to branch out from the international crowd and immerse yourself with locals; Otherwise, you should've just stayed home. A friendly person who likes rain would very much enjoy the Netherlands. |
