Exchange Testimonials -> Netherlands

My Erasmus year has definitely been one of the most enjoyable and beneficial experiences of my college life. I went on Erasmus to Amsterdam, which usually gets a mixed response. However, after living there for a year my preconceptions about the city itself were completely changed. During your Erasmus you are, in a way, thrown in the deep end of another country’s culture and lifestyle, which I found I really got immersed in. I study Social Science, and so to see it from a Dutch perspective (and also from the viewpoint of hundreds of other international students) was not only interesting, it also broadened my understanding of certain subjects. I learnt through English, which I found a lot of people didn’t know was a possibility when studying outside of English speaking countries.

Amsterdam was an amazing city to live in. I really got to live like the Dutch did from cycling my ‘omafiets’ (granny-bike), to going for beers in Vondelpark. It was also a great base to visit other nearby parts of Europe (I even hitch-hiked all the way to Paris!). I made strong friendships with people I’d never have expected to make friends with; people from all parts of the world. I found getting involved with anything and everything was the best way to meet new people.

I think if you’re up to a challenge and a great adventure, want to enrich your university experience, broaden your horizons and have a whole lot of fun along the way then Erasmus is definitely for you