It was a truly great experience!! Here are some things I wish I knew before... June 03, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school is extremely big. There are over 30k students, and yet not many opportunities to get to know them outside of class. One of the biggest differences for me was the lack of community at the school. There are not any clubs I could join. The classes and professors are a mixed bag. I had some classes that were a bit smaller and had nice professors who led great discussions and had interesting lectures. Some of my other classes were great big lecture halls where students would talk or watch TV during the lecture, so it was hard to focus and feel like I was in an educational environment. I had one professor who, when asked a question, would never answer them. Also, this professor had canceled our class "quizzes" that were assigned throughout the semester, only to send an email on the very last day telling us we would have a quiz after all. These are very specific examples that might not be applicable to every to every course or professor, but were some of the frustrating encounters I had. Also, there are no office hours that are held, which is difficult when you want to get the most out of your educational experience. Most of my professors would get back to me quickly via email, but some would never respond. That being said, I would recommend taking classes similar to your major or classes that you have taken before. This was the advice I received for our program coordinators. I mostly took courses I was familiar in, but took one course in a field I hadn't before, and even though it was still in the humanities, it made it a bit more complicated.

On-site administration of your program

The Semester in Amsterdam team is very helpful. They provided us with lots of information during the application process and hosted a meeting before we arrived going over basic information. They were always available to answer questions and always answered their email very quickly. When I needed help in changing a course they would do it for me no problem as long as it was before the deadline. Upon arrival they were at our accommodation which was really helpful to see a familiar face. I would have liked to see them more often throughout the semester, and for there to be more programming available for the students within Semester in Amsterdam specifically.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with the living arrangement. I lived in Hotel Jansen with the other students from my home university, and for the most part it was great! We each got out own room and bathroom which came with a small fridge, bed and desk. The staff were really friendly and run the cafe downstairs, where you get a discount if you stay in the hotel, were always around to help you with re-filling your laundry card, when you get locked out of your room, or anything else that you need, as long as it is within their opening hours. The kitchen was communal. Sometimes it was very disgusting and loud and other times it was spotless and quiet. If you live here make sure to clean up after yourself!! You get your own small locker where you cans store items. I would recommend getting your own pots/ pans/ knives and dish soap because you never know when there is absolutely nothing in the kitchen. However, making meals with my friends was one of the absolute highlights of my study abroad. Overall, the hotel is nice. Only a short bike-ride from the VU (8-15 mins) and also a 15 minute walk from the trams/ metro that take you into the city center. Sometimes it was difficult to get an Uber, but they always came. They gave us the information about the location and the building prior to arrived BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CLEAR ABOUT PAYING FOR HOUSING FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH AFTER THE PROGRAM ENDS DURING THE APPLICATION PROCCESS. BEWARE!

Dutch Food was very good, but I cooked for myself for most of the semester. Albert Heijn is the most popular grocery store and it's a really great one. There are 2 within walking and biking distance from the accommodation. There are tons of really great restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam. It can be expensive to eat out everyday, but I was able to hit a nice balance between cooking for myself and meeting up with friends at cafes, or getting cheap meals. There is a cafeteria at the VU, but it is only open on weekdays. Sometimes my friends and I would eat there before or after class, but I only went a handful of times. The portions are actually really good. Most is not self-serve.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I grew out of feeling like a tourist, but I never really felt integrated with the local culture. I felt pretty accepted, but can't think of any moments of true integration. I think biking was very helpful in feeling integrated to the culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health care system was a bit complicated to navigate, but the Semester in Amsterdam program had useful information linked on their site. There is a doctors office on the VU's campus. They only schedule appointments via phone. I was able to schedule and appointment as a walk in. The staff was very friendly, so it is easy to get an appointment if needed.

Amsterdam was very safe. Rarely did anyone bother me on public transportation. People were very nice and the area where we stayed in was safe too. Of course, when going out alone it is important to stay vigilant, but I was usually in a group so I never really had to worry. If you are alone just make sure you stay aware.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Amsterdam is expensive. The grocery prices were cheaper than expected and spending about 50 euro would get me more than a week's worth of food. There is NO student discount for public transportation, but there are cheap options such as Flix bus and Bla Bla Car. The two biggest expenses are food and transportation. We rented bikes and I chose the cheapest option and it was totally fine.

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• Hotel

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students
• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The location
• The events
• Making new friends with the other students from Wellesley

• More events
• The courses
• The money - please provide student discount and don't make students pay for accommodations they are NOT using