Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience that will never be forgotten Past Review

By (Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 01/31/2018 to 07/15/2018 with

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences: Amsterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained many new international friends and the confidence to travel by myself and it was definitely worth it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm itself was nice, but there was no oven or freezer in the kitchen. Also the front entrance and basement entrance to the building doors were broken many times and it allowed strangers to get in the building who did not live there.

* Food:

Amsterdam has a very diverse and amazing food scene. I did not eat one bad meal out of all of the restaurants I went to they were all amazing. You can basically find any kind of food you want.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were over 700 exchange students in Amsterdam from all over the world. I was able to make friends with people from many different countries and learn their traditions, likes, and interests and also realize how similar many of us are, even being from so many different countries.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad

* Safety:

I felt safe my entire time abroad. I went out into the city of Amsterdam many times by myself and it was always safe. I even traveled alone to other countries and it was fine. I would recommend getting to know the city first with friends before going exploring on your own. It helps a lot and makes you feel more secure.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Amsterdam was so amazing! The culture and diversity was great and I loved every minute being in that city and all of the friends I made.

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)

It was relatively easy. Eating out in Amsterdam can get expensive so I tried to cook a lot to save money that way, but I also did go out to eat at least once a week. Also paying for public transport can be expensive. I would for sure recommend getting a bike especially of the weather is nice!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depending on the week between 50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel budget airlines and stay in hostels. Also try to travel with one or more people because airbnb can be cheaper in a group. Also take buses places if its not a far country you are traveling to. they are really cheap.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Diversity
  • People
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • RAs in the dorms
  • Class scheduling
  • How late the semester ends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There was nothing to be nervous about leaving to go abroad.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.