Unique experience with homestay in a city great for gender/sexuality studies May 20, 2023
By studyabroadstudent13 (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/29/2023 to 05/12/2023 with
SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands - International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender
I learned that I was able to adapt to a new city and culture. This experience has motivated me to consider living abroad again.
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. |
I enjoyed the focus of my courses, on gender and sexuality using an international lens and on migration. I would have liked classes to be more discussion-based, however. I also enjoyed a handful of the guest speakers and site visits: many of them gave us a look at what the nonprofit sector is doing in Amsterdam or about the current debates around sex work, for example. I would have liked more time during the week off, however, because our schedule was pretty packed. |
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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? |
I really enjoyed the homestay aspect of this program! I felt more integrated into the community and I developed a good relationship with my hosts. It was nice to come back to a home at the end of the day and also have my own space. The homestay was a highlight of my study abroad experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I am very happy I chose to go abroad to Amsterdam and I would choose this program again over not going abroad at all, but this program has many places it could improve. |
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) |
I ended up spending more than I anticipated on food and personal expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget! Keep track of how much money you spend each week. Also, apply for scholarships. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We only used Dutch in Dutch class and around the city, we did not need to use Dutch because practically everyone speaks English. I used what I learned occasionally at home, as one of my hosts did not speak much English. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 30 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had more support about international phone number/sim card decisions. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
