Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Holland by Bárbara

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Holland?

Even though I hadn't been, it seemed like a good city to do Erasmus. They hadn't told me that it was a place with an incredibly free atmosphere, which ended up being true. The feeling of tolerance that exists, with topics such as immigration, prostitution and drugs is more than enough of a reason to be worth coming here.

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How long did the scholarship last? How much financial help did you receive

I got almost 2000 euros from the Erasmus Scholarship, which they gave me in November. It's another thing to keep in mind if you come to Holland, because if you only have the Erasmus Scholarship it can be difficult. The best thing is having some savings, which sadly not everyone can afford an Erasmus here.

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What is the student scene like in Amsterdam?

In general it's good. The problem is that a lot of the time the international students don't mix much with the Dutch. Therefore it's sometimes difficult going out to the tourist circuit and finding more original bars and pubs. My advice is to interact and make relationships which as many Dutch people as you can at the university and with people from different countries, even though logically at the end of the day being with Spanish people is inevitable.

Would you recommend the city and Amsterdam University to other students?

It's a highly recommended city to live in! There are people from so many places, not just students but also people on work placements and working temporarily.

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In Amsterdam there are two universities, Vrije Universiteit Ámsterdam and Universiteit Van Amsterdam (UvA). The UvA has a style similar to the Complutense and the Autónoma in Madrid, or the university in Barcelona. I am going to VUA, which although it's good, specialises in business and finance, which don't interest me. It's less demanding and the people who go there generally have more purchasing power. IF I was able to choose I would have chosen UvA, because along with the campus there are more beautiful and antique buildings, but it's a matter of taste.

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What is the country's food like?

The cuisine is one of the few bad things that you have living here. What is promoted most is junk food, which is very good.

Did finding accommodation in Amsterdam cost you anything?

Yes, it's very complicated. If you are lucky to get into Halls it's not difficult, but if you have to look for a flat on your own it costs a lot. I recommend Kamernet, one of the biggest portals for finding flats.

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The problem with Halls is that the international students are separated from the few Dutch that there are, then it's difficult to make relationships with them.

How much does living in Amsterdam cost?

Amsterdam is a very expensive city. Housing is minimum 400-450 euros. Shopping is cheap compared to others, maybe 70-90 euro a month. And the transport, either you buy a bike which is the most practical or you spend around 40 euros, depending on where you live.

What is the language like? Did you go to some course at the university?

I've learned a bit of Dutch on my own, although in January I am going to start a course. I recommend to you the Casa Migrantes course, an association for Spanish speakers in Amsterdam that offers three-month courses for 60 euro.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Amsterdam from your city?

From Madrid, there's nearly no other option than going by plane, which can go from 150 to 200 euro depending on the dates.

What places would you recommend for going out partying in Amsterdam?

For partying I really like the Red Quarter, there are very cool bars. Then there are Erasmus parties of course. Other places which are good are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

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And for eating out in Amsterdam? Can you mention your favourite places?

There's a Turkish restaurant that's called Ali which I really like and it's beside Rembrandtplein. Then there are very good Hindu restaurants.

And what is it like to visit culturally?

I haven't been to many museums but there are many that seem worth going like the Rijkmuseum. I really recommend going on a trip to some towns beside Amsterdam as well and they are all beautiful: Volendam, Edam and Marken.

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Do you have any advice you want to give to future students in Amsterdam?

If you are considering Amsterdam as an Erasmus destination, don't doubt it for one second. I picked Paris as my first choice but I wasn't given it due to not having a sufficient level of French. However, I can tell you that I'm happy because the people here are so nice and kind, they will always help you if they can! Also Amsterdam is an incredible place, above all to see that things work differently in other places and that there are many ways and styles of life that can live side by side.

Try getting together with international people and above all the Dutch, they are very open people and they are worth getting to know. Of course you will end up getting to know and being with Spanish people too, but avoid having only Spanish students in your circle, because when your Erasmus is over, you won't have the opportunity to meet people here again!

As for drugs, be careful and try not to abuse :P