Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There was a lot of room for improvement by the university. Past Review

By (MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS., Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 06/02/2014 to 07/03/2014 with

Netherlands Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate tough waters and how to handle diversity in a tactful manner.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked that I had my own room, however the kitchen was always dirty with knats, we were separated from all the other students, the fridge was dank and dirty, overall the place where food was supposed to be kept and cooked was terrible. Additionally, the laundry was advertised as free on the description of the program (which is why I did not pack an excess of clothing), but it was approximately $5 per load (which is ridiculous) €3 for laundry €1 for drying. That wasted about $15 dollars of my trip because I had planned to do laundry weekly, but had to sparingly use delicate items (undergarments).

* Food:

The food in the Netherlands was bland and expensive. I bought my own and it spoiled quickly

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was placed on the outskirts of town and with the homework load of 3 classes, I didn't get much time to explore and meet people

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got the flu and had trouble finding medication. I was simply told to drink tea (which didn't particularly help).

* Safety:

Very safe. Didn't feel threatened except for late nights when people had been at the pub.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

FiOS spoiled quickly so I had to keep purchasing food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for non perishable food and save a lot before heading there because the exchange rate is not in our favor.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The beach
  • Shopping
  • Stroopwaffles
* What could be improved?
  • Living
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been made aware of what the program actually had to offer.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Drawing
Course Department: Art
Instructor: Van Rees
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was challenging and allowed me to approach the city from an artistic standpoint. I loved the use of the beach as a day out for fun and art. It was my favorite course. Jan was extremely knowledgeable and allowed us to share his enthusiasm for art. We were assessed through the progression of our art and how we compared at the end versus the beginning.
Credit Transfer Issues: No