Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 02/05/2018 to 06/29/2018 with

Universtity of Utrecht: Utrecht - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned many different modes of political philosophy and it completely changed my way of thinking about politics. It was most definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The Netherlands, especially Utrecht, is extremely safe. The only thing I was warned about was bike theft, but my bike was never taken even when I accidentally left the keys in the bike out on a busy road.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I loved the Netherlands, and if you've never been you should definitely go. However, if I studied abroad again I'd choose a more difficult location with a much different culture, like Japan.

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? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I biked everywhere, only took the train if I wanted to go to a different city. Local transportation is expensive but very efficient and runs on time. Invest in a bike. I did not eat out much. Eating out will cost you anywhere from 10-30 USD, depending on where you go. Would spend about 40-50 dollars on groceries.

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Location
  • Culture
  • Class selection
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm room cleanliness
  • More help for exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have saved up more money so I could have traveled and gone out more. I went over with about 10,000, but I think 15,000 in savings would have put me in a much more comfortable position.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!