could you share more about how you managed to travel in Europe during your exchange period? Isn't the study schedule packed and the workload heavy in Amsterdam? Do you have any tips for arranging a time to travel during the exchange?
Yeah that’s a good point. I’d say choose to pack short trips on the weekend and if you have to do homework while on the train or plane for example that would help. It helps if you are connected with others in your class so if you do miss a Monday say so you can plan a trip for at least a couple days. I’d say choose priorities and plan the most important projects weighed the most in my grade, and it depends if your marks don’t count like how it is sometimes on an exchange for many students. That being said don’t neglect school for travelling and the education in Amsterdam is often great, but for sure travelling can be educational and hope that helped a bit. Maybe I should make a video on that!
NL grading system is really difficult especially if you are doing a masters degree. So you need to learn how to balance your grades and social life. Also don't expect to get 9 or 10s in your courses as it's normal for professors to grade terribly unless and until you are a smartass haha. Amsterdam can also get pretty isolating for people who don't socialize often especially with the added coursework. So yeah I agree with Rupert's point that being social helps a lot.
I should have mentioned that--all so true. I've heard the modules in Amsterdam are more difficult than places like the U.K. and Australia for undergrad even, and so very true that the work/life balance is definitely key to not be isolated--I sort of underplayed the difficulties of uni work itself because depending on your area and level of study it can be quite difficult and a heavy load. And that's a useful perspective for the masters. Thanks for the comment!
Hi, you talk about Amsterdam but do not specify which university you attended there. According to several rankings, the University of Amsterdam is one of the best in the world. What are you referring to when you say going to Amsterdam is not ideal if you want to focus on your degree? Maybe lower-tier universities? It is perfectly compatible focusing on your grades and partying three days a week.
I was referring more to going on a temporary exchange, I should have clarified more. It is totally manageable to work out the work-life balance and the education is very high-quality, one just needs to figure out the balance and what their priorities are and what they can handle.
An important thing I forgot to say is that the good thing about going on exchange in the fall semester is that people in the residence you might be living in won't have their friend groups established yet so there is more of a community feeling sometimes and more group activities. Also note that I think you can have a great time in Amsterdam without being the most social person or being into partying, but that is a fun part of it especially when there only for a shorter exchange. For those coming to Amsterdam for their entire degree with the purpose of studying in a particular course, studying may be the main goal and you can have an amazing time this way. This was just my experience and especially that of living in the Uilenstede Student Campus. Cheers!
