Leiden: The City of Leisure Past Review
By Sarah Kathryn A (History and Government, The College of William and Mary) for
Leiden University: Leiden - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was satisfactory in ways other than education. 3/4 classes were academically unsatisfying, not because the course wasn't interesting, but I wasn't pushed as a student. However, I really enjoyed the freedom to make my own decisions and wonder through a foreign city.
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 grading system was a bit difficult to adjust to as an 8 is a pretty good grade to get here, like an A- or B+ at home, but translates to an 80 (C) in the US system. Classes were different here as 3/4 classes only met once a week. Also, the system of credits was different as I took 30 ECTSs (the max) but it will only transfer back as 12 credit hours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was very expensive; foreign students seem to get ripped off quite a bit. Most kitchenware was provided (pots, pans, cups, plates, silverware), but I acquired some tupperware. Sheets were also provided, but I had to buy towels. Arranging housing was a nightmare, but it all worked out ok and I got the apartment building I ranked first. I lived in city center, well within walking distance to bars and plenty of restaurants. The security in my building was more than adequate, sometimes to the point of nuisance. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program did not arrange social or non-academic programs, but I found plenty through the rowing club. Literally, if I wasn't in class or in my apartment, I was at the rowing club. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Leiden was very safe. The only instance where safety may be an issue is that a friend got two bikes stolen, but she personally was never in danger. Dutch health care was extremely reliable the one time I had to use it. A friend biked me to the hospital and I was admitted to the ER without proof of ID or insurance, treated immediately, and walked out 5 minutes later. Though I provided my name, address, and date of birth, I have never been billed for the incident. |
| 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? | Buying a bike. Public transportation adds up as well. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Independence is absolutely necessary to study in Leiden. I had to negotiate the social scene myself, join clubs on my own, and got used to eating by myself (I ate dinner with friends once a week at my rowing club, but mostly ate in my apartment). |
