My Exchange at The University of Amsterdam
I found out about the 360 International exchange programme through the University’s advertising. I chose the University of Amsterdam because of its range of courses in environmental studies available in English.
When I first arrived in Amsterdam, I found the city very beautiful. The buildings were very old and impressive and the canals were very romantic and quaint. The host university staff were very welcoming and the information session helped a lot.
My accommodation was great. The university prioritised students from outside of Europe for student housing so all the students I know from Auckland were given housing. It was comparatively cheap for Amsterdam prices but still quite expensive! My room was decently sized and the kitchen was well equipped. The area was also nice, a 20 minute bike from the center.
The orientation was nice. There was a welcome event but it wasn’t funded by the university, there were no free events and we had to pay for all the parties and intro events.
The courses were great! Such a different range of topics from UoA which was very educational and eye opening. The staff were also great and I also made quite a few friends.
Amsterdam, and the Netherlands in general, is experiencing a very negative wave of bias against migrants which I really noticed. There were some very vocal people expressing negative attitudes to having international students and migrants which I noticed, particularly when trying to make friends with Dutch people and at my work. However, there are also lots of lovely, friendly, welcoming people. The Netherlands is a great place. Biking around the countryside and exploring small rural villages were highlights for me.
Way more expensive! Going out for food, rent, public transport and just anything really is all a bit more expensive than Auckland. But if you get a job (you can work 16 hours a week on a student visa), they pay more than Auckland which makes it more manageable.
I did cycling, group yoga and volleyball for fun as extracurriculars at uni.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
This ecotoxicology course that I did where, with a group, we got to do a research project. The staff were so cool and really high up in the field and it was very fun and student led. I also loved the proximity of the Netherlands to other countries in Europe. I loved making some special friendships and exploring different places in Amsterdam. I also met my boyfriend on my train moving to Austria and now he is moving to NZ which is very delightful. Definitely a highlight, I love being in an international relationship and being able to experience the Dutch country and culture with him provided a unique special experience.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
I would absolutely recommend cycling!! It was a lot of fun.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Get comfortable doing things on your own, it is really fun to go out and explore museums and cafes by yourself as well as with friends.
- Attend events held by the ESN and engage in whatever you find interesting.
- Reach out to people when you need support.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted to have $15,000 before I booked my flights and to travel around Europe for 2 months beforehand. It was a good amount. I can be quite thrifty with my money, finding cheap activities and places to stay. Often the people you meet and the friends you are with matter more than where you are. Then I extended my exchange for a semester and got a job to cover my weekly costs and save a bit of money. I enjoyed working as it allowed me to meet a different group of people. In Amsterdam, you can work in the touristic centre without speaking much Dutch which is nice.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I really learnt how to trust myself to get through anything. Financially, socially and academically in new environments. I learnt a lot about my self, grew my self-confidence and am much more comfortable accepting and being who I am. An experience I would recommend to everyone.