Past Review
By Ashley M (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Clark University) for
Leiden University: Leiden - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about myself. I know that I can definitely be an ex-patriot, although knowing more of the language would help. I think I would have gotten more out of it if I had learned another language while abroad. Overall great people, traveling and everyday experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We were given no help in signing up for classes. The classes were very good, but it was very difficult to get used to the different structure. Professors were approachable and the departments generally organized. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The International Office was not very helpful, although tried their best. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Kaarsenmaakersstraat is great. Too expensive but I was happy with it. |
| * Food: |
Fine, I cooked my own food. Many grocery stores with ranging prices to choose from. Great eating out in Leiden, Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Great- the Netherlands is a wonderful place and very close to many other countries. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues were touched upon during the introduction days. I was sick once and found what I needed on the university website. There were a few incidents with girls and sexual harassment, but nothing too concerning if you are careful. |
| 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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not take Dutch, as it was too expensive, but I learned colloquial Dutch during my stay. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Leiden is a great place. Make sure you figure out your classes well before you get into the flow of things. Meet as many Dutch people as you can and take advantage of the spaced out class block system. Buy a bike and a good lock as soon as you get here. |
