Huh?! We have something due tomorrow? Past Review

By (Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands - International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoyed being able to conduct my own independent study project.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The disorganization and administration problems got in the way of a coherent curriculum.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Though there were several issues, the new academic director seems to be taking the program in a better direction.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky with the host I got. He was great.

* Food:

My host cooked for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10 euros

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It is silly to start learning Dutch. Three months is not enough time especially for a language as difficult as Dutch. That time could be better spent learning about the culture and issues that the society faces.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 30
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The new Academic Director
* What could be improved?
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have to rely on myself to be more organized.