Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Photography., SUNY Purchase) for

SUNY Purchase: Amsterdam - Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Traveling and living in a completely different culture and city was incredible. I expected more from the school. Take advantage of any opportunity and don't stress with the school. You will find it very different from the American system: you have more liberty with assignments, not much time to complete them because of the building hours, and be friendly to the technicians because they are the most helpful to get things done.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The art school specifically teaches students how to become art teachers. Their facilities are not extensive and the building is closes on weekends and at five on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were helpful and tried to cater to the exchange students. Unfortunately, it was disorganized and a bit confusing at times to get in contact with professors or people in administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amsterdam is an incredible city and the living situation was found independently from the school, but very satisfactory.

* Food:

Cook for yourself. The cafeteria in the building is very small, but good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was extremely welcoming and open.

* Safety:

There were no health issues.

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

They spoke English so well there it is hard to learn the language when everyone is enthusiastic to speak english.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go for the experience of studying abroad and traveling. School remains an important factor, but it is much more laid back and the school is small enough to have relationships with the professors and get help individually. Be prepared to be active and patient.