Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growing pains and love June 02, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/07/2022 to 06/06/2022 with

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Amsterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned different perspectives of quality of life in The Netherlands, the language. It was very worthwhile as I am now considering doing my Masters in The Netherlands and potentially working in the E.U.

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.

Because I was an exchange student with pass/fail credit, I did not personally feel a lot of pressure, but if I was a full-time student there and received numerical grading (and depending on the courses), VU can be rigorous

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish I was closer to the city and a much closer bike ride to VU. I did have good facilities and lots of privacy in my apartment.

* 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:

Safer than in the U.S., but beware of pickpockets at big venues, concerts, and events in the city because Amsterdam has gotten more touristy.

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

I would choose the same program, but I also want to go through the ISA program within Semester in Amsterdam as I felt like they gave more support, mentoring, and Dutch exploration courses to its students, and I did not feel as supported from direct matriculation.

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)

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The events hosted by Semester in Amsterdam
  • The number of international students
  • Fast response and help when I asked for it
* What could be improved?
  • More networking events on working in the E.U.
  • Options to choose student housing locations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was more realistic of how much I'll spend time on academics and classes, and how to balance my time in enjoying Amsterdam and maintaining a passing grade.

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!