Amsterdam: A New Home Away from Home Past Review
By Abigail P (Politics, Ithaca College) for
Netherlands Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I am more confident and independent and have more greatly identified what I want to do with my life. I am far more aware of LGBT issues.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system and expectations were generally unclear. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The city is amazing. The program staff members were helpful and kind. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The sheets provided were horrible and way over priced. The cookware was sparse. The location, however, was very convenient. |
| * Food: |
Shop at C1000. It's cheaper. Don't be afraid to experiment! Also, the falafel at Dappermarkt will change your life. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips were great, nicely subsidized. The city in general is just unbeatable. A great place to live. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We're in a pretty safe area, and I felt safer in Amsterdam than I did in other European or even American cities. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 20 euros a week. It wasn't too bad. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The cost of printing. Totally lame. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who has the individual motivation to just get up and explore and take advantage of lots of free time. You've gotta get yourself out of the apartment and bike around! |
