271 reviews
3.92 / 5 based on 271 reviews
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Colby O
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
I love the Bulldog Cafe, Paradiso, Sugar Factory, DeKroon, and Odeon!
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Colby O
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I like having my own apartment so I can have my own space and be alone when I need to be.
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Personal comments
The housing was quite terrible. It used to be government housing for the poor and a company bought them and marketed them as "student housing". It was extremely dirty, old, and small. Had many plumbing problems as well and maintenance took weeks to fix. It was also far from the city center of Amsterdam. But, at least it had a heater and internet!
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Colby O
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: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I didn't learn much Dutch, just the basic phrases! It was a result of interacting with too many other international students. But everyone in Amsterdam speaks English!
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Colby O
Academic
Course recommendations
I think they should mix more local students with foreign students. I only had once class where I was able to meet Dutch students!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Not really! It was awesome!
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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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Colby O
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
The prices for basic neccesities in America is lower as well as the taxes. Taxes and overall living expenses are very high in Amsterdam compared to California.
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Travel:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Telephone, Housing, Overall, Nightlife:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I only lived there for 6 months but had to pay a lot of money in local taxes before I left!
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Colby O
Overall
I wish I had known...
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Remember, if you are coming from America, Dutch schools are way different. Be prepared!
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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
Check out all the discount airlines like Easy Jet, Ryanair, and bmi baby! Also, busses are cheap and effective, check out Student Agency from Czech Republic!
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