Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, the Netherlands by Patricia

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, the Netherlands?

It was my second choice. My first was England because no matter what, I wanted to improve my English. I selected Amsterdam as my second choice for two reasons: the first because I was told that everyone spoke English (and that's true) and the second because my best friend's mum lives in Rotterdam so I had the assurance of being able to rely on someone.

How long is the scholarship for? How much money do you receive as aid?

My scholarship was for 5 months: from the 1st of February to the 30th of June. I was paid €300 a month but in two installments. That means they gave me half of it at the end of April and the last half, in July when I had already returned. That meant I had to save up quite a bit before going, at least, in order to have enough money to survive up until the first payment.

How is student life in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a city full of young people; the majority of them being university students. It's full of life and there is always something to do.

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

Sure, I would recommend it. I had never been to Amsterdam and I loved the city. It goes beyond the cliches about the Red Light District and coffee shops, that have quite an interesting history actually. The entire city of Amsterdam has a history that I would encourage you to get to know; way beyond what they tell us. You have to experience it and absorb the streets and its people. I liked it a lot. The Dutch can seem cold at first, but I don't think they are so much... It's just that the Spanish are too sociable in general.

How is the country's food?

They have everything... Truthfully, I didn't eat a lot of Dutch food because I always ate at home or with the other students. We had international days where everyone would bring a traditional dish. However returning to Dutch food, there was FEBO's croquettes (a place like McDonald's) but shabbier; where you chuck your change and a window opens up with the food. I loved it! However, it could have been because I love croquettes more than anything!

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Did you find it hard to find accommodation in Amsterdam?

The University gave us the opportunity to find accommodation through a company called Dekey. It was the best option because most of the students chose it and although it wasn't student halls, it was blocks of flats full of students which was great. There are some more central than others but in general, all those I saw were very good and what's best is the company of 'your neighbours' who come to be your family. I know people who preferred to look for something themselves when they got there and at first, they found it very hard. Yes, this is expensive. I paid 450 for my room and shared a bathroom, kitchen and dining room with another person.

How are living costs in Amsterdam?

In general, Amsterdam is a somewhat more expensive country than Spain. It's already around €400 for accommodation alone and the rest depends on how you manage it. It's best to shop at Albert Heijn, which is a chain of supermarkets throughout the Netherlands. It has a 'supermarket own' brand (Euroshopper), which isn't bad at all. My fridge and furniture are filled with this brand's products. What's more, if you're going to visit many museums (just as much on your own account as if there is a visit), I recommend you to buy the card there is. I don't remember how much it costs but that if you go to 4 museums, it will already be recuperated. There are very interesting deals every once in a while for train travel all over the country. There are some tickets tickets that you can buy at Albert Heijn which allow you to get on and off the train as many times as you like in a day. Also on Book Day, there was a deal where buying a specific book, would be worth the ticket I am speaking to you about.

How is the language? Did you go to any courses at the University?

Truthfully, I didn't learn any Dutch. I only learnt hello, goodbye, thank you and little else. I didn't need it. My classes were in English and my friends and I communicated in English as well as in the restaurants, supermarkets, museums and clubs, etc. Everyone spoke English. In any case, in Amsterdam's centro de Hispanohablantes (Willem Schoutenstraat 1A), there were very interesting Dutch courses and they weren't at all expensive.

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

Iberia offer very good deals for Erasmus students. You just have to register and prove that you are an Erasmus student. When I left two years ago, I paid €100 for a return from Madrid. It was a direct flight with two 23kg suitcases and hand luggage (suitcase and bag).

Which places would you recommend to go out and party in Amsterdam?

Coco's in Rembrandplein is without a doubt the preferred Erasmus place. When I went, the best night was Wednesday. Entry is free and there are special deals for Erasmus. You can also find different places in Rembranplein, such as ESCAPE and Smokey club, which were the ones I liked the most.

And as a cultural visit?

You can't miss the museum of Anne Frank's house. I left in tears but it's one of the best museums I have been to and the most touching. The free tour through the city is the best option to get to know the city's essence. It starts at 11 in Dam.

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Any advice that you want to give to future students in Amsterdam?

The most important thing is that you enjoy everything the city can offer to you. There won't be many sunny days but the few there are will be incredible and you will have to take advantage of them to have a picnic, although it may be in the door of your house. I believe it's best to have an idea of how it will be before you arrive, as well as to think that the rain won't prevent you from doing many fun things and that for how black the sky may look, the sun is there behind. It hasn't disappeared completely off the map.

Get to know people from many places and enrich yourselves from their experiences.

If you don't know how to ride a bike, you can start learning already! It's the best way of visiting the city which is certainly a bit chaotic, owing to the numerous canals. Always have a map on hand for the first few months.