Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I couldn't have chosen a better place than Nijmegen. Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 07/13/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Nijmegen - Exchange Program at Radboud University Nijmegen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more than I can put into words- perspective, experience, and truly irreplaceable memories. It was incredibly worthwhile- the best thing I've ever done.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not like the university; I thought it was disorganized and did not offer much by way of undegraduate courses in English in my field of study (Philosophy & Religion). However, I did have one good professor/class which I enjoyed very much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The international community feel was one of the best parts of this program. While I didn't feel that I connected with very many Dutch people, I made some incredible friends in the exchange program from all over the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100 Euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook. Don't eat out very much. And pay attention to how much you spend at bars. Better yet, don't bring much money to bars at all.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 people I met and the places I got to see.
* What could be improved?
  • The host institution itself, but I think that's kind of irrelevant here.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It isn't something that I wish I had known but something I wish I had done- I wish that I had branched out and spend more time meeting new people and making new friends. I did make a great group of friends that I wouldn't trade for anything, but there were so many great internationals here that I wish I'd taken the time to get to know.