Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? You are in touch with lots of people permanently. Your needs are better covered in case of an emergency, a question...

Personal comments:
I could say that studying in Amsterdam was one of the most exciting experiences in my life. I would have loved to stay there longer, but my grant did not allow me that. Anyway, I did learn a lot of practical things. Not only about journalism but also about ways of studying, living in Europe, getting in touch with people from everywhere, etc. Obviously, improving your english level is also a main point, and you can achieve it easily because you don't even realise that you are becoming more fluent in this language. It happens just as a natural thing, which is great!

Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community

Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
Living in Amsterdam is an experience itself. Wandering around the city is enough to enjoy it. Anyway, I strongly recommend to buy a bike and use it to go around. But take care of thieves! You should also buy a couple of good lockers to prevent your bike from being stolen when parked. The tram is also a good mean of transport. It goes everywhere and it is not expensive (as far as I remember). Obviously, there are some visits you are supposed to do: Dam Square, the heart of the city with the Royal Palace in one side; the famous Red Light District, which is more a touristic atraction than a neighbourhood of prostitution; a Coffe Shop, where joints are available in a menu (as in a restaurant)... A boat trip trough the canals is really worth it and nightlife is everywhere in the center of the city. Beyond nightlife, I must say that Amsterdam is a very cultural place. Its museums are excellent (Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Riks...) and it has also big and relaxing green areas to practice sports or just walking. Most of the people speak English and they are friendly to help visitors. There are plenty of Indonesian restaurants because Indonesia was a former dutch colony. You can try some of them but the food is very spicy. And don't miss the traditional pancake!

Course recommendations:
Check the teachers. Ask people about their way of teaching. It is important because courses are divided in small groups and having a good teacher is a main point.

Personal comments:
Not to change teachers in the last moment, as it happened sometimes.

Language of instruction: English

Main source of funding:
Family

Other sources of funding:
An ERASMUS grant

Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options

Personal spending habits:
Because you are in a foreign country and you want to experience everything. You don't know if you'll be back and you don't want miss anything (bars, museums, trips...).

Food, Travel, Overall: was more expensive than at home.

Nightlife, Telephone, Housing: was the same price as at home.

I wish I had known...
The problems to find an accomodation.

In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!