481 reviews
4.08 / 5 based on 481 reviews
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Anna H
Academic
Course recommendations
One way of improving the quality of MA courses would be to offer separate graduate courses rather than giving the same courses to undergraduates and graduates. In addition, even though the TOFEL score is rather high, some students still struggled to reach an academic level of English. Perhaps a more inclusive English-test could be an option.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I would suggest a better way of making sure that all courses have the same standard and quality - some did really not measure up to graudate level while a very few were really good.
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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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Anna H
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Everyone speaks so good English here and Dutchmen ar very happy to use their English so it makes it harder to learn Dutch.
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Anna H
Overall
I wish I had known...
I wish I had know about the quality of the courses offered; accademic achievements was the only reason for me chosing this specific univeristy.
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In my opinion:
Stay home.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Depending of the reasons why one comes to Amsterdam, I think if it is a total experience one wants; culture; language; new country; relaxed city,I can see that Amsterdam is a good choice. For academic reasons, a native-English speaking country is a better option as level of education will subsequently be higher.
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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 many good sides to Amsterdam; it is a small city with a relaxed feel to it; small enough to bike around (which everyone does); and you get by in English. But to really get an understanding of what Dutch culture really is, one needs to make Dutch friends which is hard in itself and learn Dutch. That is the key.
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Anna H
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
What took must of my monthly budget was the rent because housing is really expensive in Amsterdam. Food was cheaper than in Sweden but books were the same.
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Housing:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Food:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Rents are expensive. Tips are much less than in US/UK, so worth bearing in mind that it is enought to round off the bill. The cheapest veggies and fruit can be found at markets - supermarkets are expensive, especially Albert Hein (even though the nicest one).
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Anna H
Housing
Type of housing: studenthouse
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
The residence is beautifully located in the heart of Amsterdam, but unfortunately the rent was more than double for similar accomodation avaiable to Dutch students; there were mice in the common kitchen; and the paperthin walls of the rooms made studying impossible.
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Personal comments
I was very luck and found an apartment after only a month in the residence. However, the issue of poor housing was brought up to the administrative department at the Univeristy, as all students felt they were paying too much for what they got.
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Anna H
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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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
My favorite pass-time is to spend an afternoon in a cafe so here are my favorites: Spanjer van de Twist, Walem and Replay cafe in Kalvertoren.
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