Bikes and Bridges at the University of Groningen Past Review
By Kristen K (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - College at Geneseo) for
SUNY Geneseo: Groningen - University of Groningen
Yes. Good experience, the city of Groningen is beautiful, the Dutch are very friendly. Dutch universities are VERY different than American universities, but that's not a bad thing. The Netherlands is a great place to study abroad. Huge learning experience, gave me a new perspective on the US (cliche but true!).
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were much easier than American classes. Giant lecture halls, seemed like most students skipped classes. But might be different outside of Psychology courses. Professors will help if you seek them out. Grades are based entirely on one exam (in some faculties). Never had to write a paper, no class participation required, just the exam (I personally did not like this format). |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Not much interaction with administration. I guess help was available if needed, but the administration definitely did not "check up on us." |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Acceptable housing. A little dirty (rent was a bit overpriced), often loud. No RAs like in the US. Fun to live with other students--made friends with international students from around the world. Neighborhood was safe and lovely. No language acquisition component because we did not live with Dutch students. Cooked in a shared kitchen (no dining halls, etc.). |
| * Food: |
Food was great. Good options at supermarkets or restaurants. Cheaper than in the US. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Erasumus Student Network organizes fun trips, bar crawls, activities--definitely join! Easy to travel to other countries in Europe from NL, easily accessible trains and airports. Groningen has many, many bars and a great city center--you will never be bored. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Never had health problems. I always felt very safe in Groningen, even riding my bike at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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? | 50-100 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You must open a Dutch bank account unless you plan to use only cash. Credit cards not widely accepted, and neither are debit cards from outside the Netherlands. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will make you more independent. This could be a good thing, but if you're coming straight from living on campus and eating at dining halls, it might be a bit tough. Seems like Dutch universities are MUCH less involved with their students than America ones. Expect to take care of yourself. |
