Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Rebecca

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

I decided to go because it was a place that I had always wanted to visit, and when the opportunity came up, I knew it would be a great opportunity.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My scholarship was split in half, so I got $2, 000 when I left and another $2, 000 when I came back. This money helped me with my living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

The student lifestyle is very laid back, and the students aren't as stressed as they are in Canada.

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

I would definitely recommend the city, but I was not studying in Amsterdam I was completing an internship so I can't say anything about the university.

What is the food like?

The food is very good, there's a lot of seafood and it's all fresh, since we are so close to the water. There's really something for everyone.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

Yes, I had to register with a website and pay a fee in order to find accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

It cost me 450 euros a month, which is pretty standard. You can pay anywhere from 400-700 euros, depending on how close to the city centre you are.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Everyone speaks English so language is really not an issue.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Amsterdam?

Check out one of the bars and/or clubs downtown, there's always something going on especially in the summer. Milkweg is a good club, and Paradiso is a church that's been converted into a music space, so definitely go to a concert there.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Amsterdam?

Moders is good if you want a traditional Dutch meal. They're also very keen on Indonesian good, and Kajil & Tiger is the best for that.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Amsterdam in the future?

Be sure to get a card at the train station, it's good for the bus/tram/train and the easiest way to pay for transportation around and outside the city.