28 reviews
3.98 / 5 based on 28 reviews
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0
anonymous
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Escape, Superclub, Boom chicago, Sugar factory, club 11
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anonymous
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
More time to study, less disturbance from housemates
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Personal comments
University doesn't assist with housing.
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anonymous
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
Food, Housing:
was more expensive than at home.
Overall, Nightlife, Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Travel:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Beware of the government tax agencies. Generally, students cannot be taxed if earn less than a certain amount. However, when you rent a house or room and register on the address you will automatically receive city taxes. To avoid this it is best to let the local Belastidienst office know your situation.
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anonymous
Academic
Course recommendations
Make sure you research well what your course, the Dutch tend to be too general and vague in description.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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2
anonymous
Overall
I wish I had known...
That the weather is much worse than they say:)
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Give more attention to the administrative matters. Hearing things like "sorry I forgot about your enquery" is quite annoying.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
There are several categories eligible for discounts on public transport. Check if you comply, you don't want to pay more than you need to.
Do not use real estate agencies to search for accomodation, they will charge you a lot for very little service. Use online systems www.kamernet.nl, www.studentsforstudents.nl, www.huisbel.nl. Small registration fee of 10-15 Euro and you have acces to their daily updated database of offers.
When renting, always ask the landlord if you can register on the address...if the answer is no, that means it is rented illegaly. If caught by the authorities you will be taken to court.
Get a bike, it is a must in Amsterdam 75-100 Euro, good second-hand is possible to get. Saves money and time.
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anonymous
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
The Dutch are normally bilingual. They speak to you in Nederlands untill hear your are a foreigner and switch to English.
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