OUTGOING STUDENT FEEDBACK FORM 2011/12

University Attended Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam 1 of 1

INDUCTION/ORIENTATION PROGRAMME

What did this involve, how long did it last, was it useful?

On arrival there were a couple of induction sessions held by the university, including a 2 hour long welcome meeting, a language hour and some extra talks from some university professors.

There was also a tour and some integration drinks etc organised by the student council.

Also, on ‘move in day’ at the accommodation, there was a local bank there for you to open an account quickly and easily as well as your school faculty for you to register with.

It was all pretty useful and easy to do and all took place on site of the accommodation in the sports hall.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Style of teaching, courses, ease of access to courses, methods of assessment, teaching support

The actual style of lectures was very similar to Manchester – lecture theatres, lectures compulsory, seminars not etc. The style of assessment is a bit different. Each semester is divided in to 3 periods – 6weeks, 6weeks, 4weeks, with exams at the end of each period. This meant work was more constant but also meant that the load for each exam period was spread out, rather than all at once at the end of a 4month semester (I preferred it this way)

MBS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Level of support, additional information that could have been useful

Found that it was easy enough to email back to the MBS office and get a prompt reply with all info required, has been great as far as I’ve needed it.

MBS SECOND YEAR MEETINGS

Any additional information that you feel could have been provided

No obvious extra information needed in my opinion.

HOST INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Level of support, additional information that could be useful for future students

The international office here have been great and really gone out of their way to help me if I haven’t understood registration etc or sometimes even passed the deadlines, they were more than happy to help at all times.

INSURANCE, HEALTH COVER

Please include any information relating to the purchase of compulsory health insurance ie costs etc. or whether this was waived by having the University of Manchester Insurance Policy

Haven’t had to get anything extra to what Manchester supplied. Been to the doctors here once; received antibiotics for tonsillitis, sent all paperwork to Manchester and was refunded all costs soon enough.

INFORMATION ON ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS

This should be information on any extra fees that the University charged but should not include accommodation, books, transport, visa etc.

n/a

ACCOMMODATION

As much information as possible on what accommodation is recommended or not recommended.

I stayed at Uilenstede – it’s two tram stops away from the University – 7min cycle and about 15min walk – very convenient. The location is just on the Amstelveen border of Amsterdam so getting to the city takes around 25mins on the tram/metro and at night a taxi costs around 20-25E (public transport stops running 12.30am). There is other accommodation I know further in to the city but the closer to the city you go, the further away from the university.

When booking accommodation at Uilenstede, I would say to be careful of what type of room you’re getting – there are self contained flats, a room with ensuite and shared kitchen or rooms with all shared facilities all on the same site. When booking, you will be offered 3 price bands – of which you would assume would be based on the facilities you’re getting. I went for the middle band – hoping/assuming I would get an ensuite room with shared kitchen. I received a room with all shared facilities but the room is a lot bigger! So for a big room (more floor space) I pay MORE than those in a smaller room with an ensuite.

It hasn’t been too bad for me but just something to note as I did email the accommodation office here asking for help choosing to make sure I got an ensuite and still ended up without!

DESTINATION INFORMATION AND OVERALL EXPERIENCE

Transport, travel, social life, integration with local students, student activity groups

Transport is extremely easy to get around the city and also to different places in The Netherlands, public transport is the easiest way of getting around and also by bike (would highly recommend getting one)

Social life is great here, the city is constantly buzzing with people – tourists and locals. I would say try to integrate with locals as much as possible – that’s how I found the best places to go (food and drinks and sites wise). In accommodation, you will more than likely only see international students who only know as much as you; getting some local know how will give you a better experience of the city as a ‘home’ more than somewhere you’re visiting for a year.

DESCRIBE IN ONE SENTENCE YOUR YEAR ABROAD

Would absolutely recommend a year studying abroad for anybody who gets the opportunity. Amsterdam has really become my ‘home from home’.