259 reviews
3.98 / 5 based on 259 reviews
Useful |
0
Bob B
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
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
The student bar (El Soos) was the place to be on a weekly basis (for cheap drinks). Although there were much better places for nightlife, the student bar provided the opportunity to regularly interact with the other exchange students and the local Dutch students. Plaza! in Schevengingen was 1 block from our house and so was nice and convenient, good music. Crazy Pianos, good for live music and a dance. One place not to be missed is Six Flags Holland, for a good fun day out....Cremers is a good spot for chilling out and relazing, as is Buddha Bar (nice comfortable pillows).
Read more >
Useful |
6
Bob B
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I lived with a small group of international students from the university. Therefore we developed a much closer bond than if I had lived with a large number of students on campus. Also, living with a family would not have allowed me to develop a deep awareness/understanding of a variety of cultures.
Read more >
Personal comments
The house I was placed in was quite a distance from the university compared to other forms of residence. However, it was in a very nice, safe suburb next to the beach, which made it a very positive experience. The cost of the housing was quite expensive in comparison to what local students were paying. My room was also quite small for the price I paid. However, the facilities were good and I developed close bonds with the people I lived with.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Bob B
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
Other
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
The majority of day-to-day expenses were more because of the exchange rate and the low value of the Australian dollar. Travel was cheaper though, because of the close proximity to other countries.
Read more >
Food, Telephone, Housing, Nightlife, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Travel:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Travelling to other countries was relatively cheap for me. Food and drink were quite expensive, especially in terms of eating out, this surprised me. Also, phoning Australia was very expensive compared with that in Canada or the USA, but this was due to the fact that a fixed phone was not available to me therefore I was reliant upon a mobile. Cost-saving tip is to buy fruit, vegies and meat at the local market rather than the supermarket. I also found transport quite expensive, which surprised me.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Bob B
Academic
Course recommendations
Depending on the courses chose, some are more academically challenging than others. Some of my friends were doing the Media and Politics stream and the subjects were not as challenging as in Australia. However, I found that my Business subjects were somewhat challenging and intellectually stimulating. The duration of the courses is half that of the ones in Australia, therefore they are not as intense. I do not have any recommendations as far as my particular courses.
Read more >
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
Useful |
1
Bob B
Overall
I wish I had known...
No, I had little expectations and this in itself created a more positive experience for me. Although, I did wish I knew more about the housing costs, as I may have been able to find something less expensive. However, I still rate my housing experience very highly.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
It is a nice small university, which allows you to form close friendships with a lot of people. I would recommend getting to know the local students in the student union (Hebos), because they provide more of an insight into Dutch life. Most of all, don't get too stressed about the studies and make sure to have FUN.
Read more >
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
This was without a doubt the best experience in my life and I would recommend it to anyone. I am now more culturally aware and have a great interest in learning more about other cultures. I feel it has advanced my career in terms of my adaptation skills and my responsiveness to change. I would recommend going to a place where one can travel and be exposed to a variety of cultures.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Bob B
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I did learn Dutch as a part of my course, and found this challenging. This was due to the fact that the majority of Dutch people use English, therefore there were not that many opportunities for me to practice. However, I did try to use common courtesies in most situations, in the native language. I did not find communication a barrier at all. The fact that I lived with other foreign students also exposed me to other languages which I enjoyed. I had studied French at school and so living with some French students allowed me to improve. I have also taken up French lessons upon my return to Australia.
Read more >
en
Español
Français