Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

No significant financial surprises. Cost saving-tips concerning food: do eat at the University self-service restaurant, good food, good prices, nice atmoshpere in a new, modern building, made of glass. As for travelling, if you do plan to travel a lot, which I highly reccomend, take advantage of the monthly railway tickets.This should save you a respectable amount of money.

An overall splendid, unforgettable experience, that became even more bautiful thanks to the kind local people. You will reach Groningen by train from Amsterdam, trip lasting around 3 hours.

Netherlanders have an excellent command of english, which is a guarantee that you will face no problems at all. As for dutch, I did not have enought time there to learn it except for a few basic phrases.

Housing was excellent, organised by a special housing organisation cooperating with the Univ. but acting independently. The housing assistance offered was excellent, since every effort had been done in order to meet one's specific needs&wishes concerning accomodation-and most times these wishes had been met.

Night spots: "Molly Malone's", "The Palace" etc. Don't miss the open air market taking place at the Martini square. Do visit the many interesting museums of this small town, and of course climb to the top of the dominating Martini tower in the centre of the town, which was destroyed during the 2nd World war and totally rebuilt afterwards. The panoramic city view will reward you indeed! Give yourself a bike ride to the splendid countryside lying outside Groningen and discover the great landscape. Do visit the Royal Botanical Garden, just a few km outside the town. And if all this sounds too quiet or boring, trust me, the town's nightlife, sport activities and overall entertainment options will convince you it is not so.