Artificial Intelligence and Partying July 04, 2022

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/04/2022 to 05/31/2022 with

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Amsterdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized I want to live in Europe full-time. Absolutely 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.

The program was definitely rigorous, but super rewarding!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fun, exciting, and safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Super clean, but not in a great area (historically dangerous), and it was pretty far from school.

* Food:

Dutch food is mostly fried, I definitely missed food from home but the groceries were amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All my friends were European and they helped me learn so much!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It wasn't very friendly, on two occasions of needing to call an ambulance it felt like begging them.

* Safety:

I felt safe in groups, but the area of my accommodation was not safe.

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

I loved it! Had the time of my life and learned so much about computing.

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)

probably spent around 30/40 a day

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe around 210/250 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groceries and markets!

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Friends
  • Art Events
  • Biking
* What could be improved?
  • Transparency about Housing
  • More check-ins
  • Teaching US students to not be so ignorant
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Should've packed lighter!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.