Study Abroad: The Ups And Downs Past Review
By Erin R (N/A, Illinois State University) for
Netherlands Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
With whatever good or bad happens its still an adventure of a lifetime and i would never trade it for anything. Dont hesitate to think about going.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system there did not match to how the professors said they would grade. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had advisors that were there if we needed them, however there was little interaction with them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The first apartment owner spoke NO english, we were completely unable to communicate with him. We had to move apartments because of a bed bug infestation. I had to live in a hostel alone for the whole second week I was there. That was a poorly handled situation. The second apartment owner did not help us when problems came up with our apartment. |
| * Food: |
There should be a cafeteria somewhere in the city for the students. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Weekend trips on our own to other countries was the best. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare was an issue. The clinics were far away and expensive. The doctor was inconsiderate in one case. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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 100 euro each week. Weekend trips were also costly, depending on your arrangements. Its up to you how well you save on food, how many souvenirs you buy and how much you spend going out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I had a moving situation from a bed bug infestation that was very costly. I had to buy new clothes, eat out everyday, and stay in a hostel for a week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We practiced with classmates. I did not know any going into the program so i was unable to have interactions outside of the classroom. |
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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* Who did you take classes 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? | Be open to all new aspects. Live up the time there, never worry about being homesick because its a waste of time to spend missing home. |
