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The differences in teaching and learning in the Netherlands
When I came to study in Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) I was shocked with how different the block system vs the Manchester semester system was. Here are some of the key differences I experienced and what I learnt through these different contexts.
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Cheap Springtime activities to do in the Netherlands!
Written on 4th of May, 2022 Spring has by far been my favourite season in the Netherlands, with the rise in temperatures I have been able to take advantage of all the green spaces available in this beautiful European country! Here are a few springtime activities, on a budget, I have enjoyed thus far!
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Why every ERASMUS student should take a trip to Budapest
One of the benefits of studying in Mainland Europe is the cheap and easy access to other European destinations. During January two of my Erasmus friends and I took a trip to the Hungarian Capital. We had an amazing time, so here is a concise list of why I think you should go to Budapest too!
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Cheap things to do in Amsterdam
I found that Amsterdam is a lot more expensive in comparison to Manchester. However, there are ways to live cheaply in Amsterdam. Here are a few top tips to help you navigate Amsterdam on a budget! Rent a bike – I rented my bike from Swapfiets for €20 a month, this includes any repairs for free and a replacement bike if your bike gets stolen! I found this was cheaper than buying a bike in the unfortunate event that your bike may be stolen. It puts your mind at ease knowing you will get a replacement at a small cost provided you have the key. Biking is not only a…
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The coolest museums I have been to in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a multitude of museums on offer across the city and in my short time here I have managed to visit quite a few of these spaces. A lot of these museums I have been able to attend for free through purchasing a museumkaart, a museum pass that cost me €64 for a year. Here is a shortlist of the coolest museums that I think warrant a much needed visit if friends and family come to visit you in Amsterdam or to enjoy by yourself! Cobra Museum The Cobra Museum is situated in Amstelveen, around a thirty minute bike ride away from the city centre. Here they showcased an…
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How to feel at home in a feeling of dislocation
Written on 6th September 2021 Homesickness is a natural and common thing most people will experience when moving to a new country to study or work. The best way I found to tackle a feeling of dislocation and feel more grounded was rooted in bringing slices of home with me on my adventure. Here are some top tips I found helped: Bringing home comforts with you – some of my flatmates had a blanket they always slept with, their favourite perfume or their favourite snacks from home. I had my childhood teddy bear. These simple items make you feel more comfortable in a space in which you are not familiar…
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Eight peculiar (but wonderful) things I have experienced in my first few weeks in Amsterdam
Written on 5th September 2021 I have been in Amsterdam a little over two weeks now before the semester starts at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA). This list is a little snapshot of the peculiar places I have been to and experienced in and around the city which I recommend to any city newcomer! Thrift shop – T Hartje This quaint shop had really cheap and funky trinkets with a mixture of clothes, jewellery, glasses, books and vinyl records. I bought shot glasses here with my flatmates; which we bedazzled with beads also brought from this shop! It is perfect for the student budget to buy little mementos of your travels!…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
