Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fall in Amsterdam January 21, 2025

By (Data Science, Political Science, Africana Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/19/2025 to 12/23/2024 with

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Amsterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a lot of family in the Netherlands so it was very nice spending time with them and getting to know them better. I also left knowing much more Dutch than I knew previously. This made it very worthwhile.

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

They were not very helpful with many things.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was nice but we had a mice problem for the majority of the semester.

* Food:

We did not get any meals at all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Since we had no meals provided, a lot of money was spent on food and groceries. It is one of the most expensive cities in Europe so generally I spent much more money than I thought I would.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Education
  • Many international (non American) students in the program, had classes with both other internationals and mostly locals
  • Small excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation (did not meet many people or make many friends (most other people I talked to had this same experience), had to find other ways)
  • FOOD!!!!!!!
  • Would have loved the student transportation card all Dutch students receive for free public transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Join ESN!!! Much more helpful in making friends than the actual program is. There will be lots of cooking. Amsterdam is pretty expensive so budget accordingly.

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!