I Want To Go Back Past Review
By Stefanie A (Graphic Design., Maryland Institute College of Art) for
Willem de Kooning Academy: Rotterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My mind has been opened to conceptual thinking, and I finally feel more in touch with myself as a person in relation to the art that I produce. I found a culture and my niche in it, and I am eager to return and share my talents abroad for a longer period of time. That being said, I think 5-months is too short for anyone going abroad :)
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed learning at WdKA because there is a balance between work and self, which I don't see at MICA. I worked hard at the studio and felt rewarded knowing I still had time for myself at the end of the day. MICA's work ethic is a little different and somewhat misguided sometimes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with my boyfriend from Denmark while I was in Rotterdam. We lived south of University across the water, and the apartment was located on a block of artist studios and galleries. Overall, it was a wonderful and pleasant experience! |
| * Food: |
I miss Turkish pizzas. Lots of options for vegetarians, which was exactly what I needed. Also, the coffee is way better in Europe! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I visited Berlin with my design class, spent my birthday in London, rode my bicycle from Amsterdam to Paris in a 4-day time span, visited Denmark for 2 weeks, etc. I am fortunate to have been exposed to so much while also balancing my University work load! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people I spoke to were fluent in English, so learning Dutch was not an issue. However, my university did offer a class for anyone interested in learning the language. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would definitely recommend this University for ANY student interested in studying their major over seas. The facilities are plenty, the professors are incredible (and well-known), and Rotterdam is in the best location. You can travel anywhere. |
