History student Oli was able to have an unforgettable experience in Amsterdam learning more about Dutch history and enjoying the rich culture of the city
For the first term of her second year studying at the University of Sussex, Oli decided to go on an Erasmus+ study mobility in Amsterdam. While she was there she studied the Dutch Golden Age, Political Violence in 20th Century Europe, Intellectual History and The Complexities of Prostitution. Back home she was studying for a Bachelors in History, so she was able to choose modules that correlated to what she was missing: Political Violence and Intellectual History. She chose a Dutch History module for obvious reasons and found it enlightening to understand Amsterdam’s rich culture she was about to be living in. The course on the Complexities of Prostitution also coincided with her interests in gender studies. Oli explains more about her experience in Holland...
My experience
"The university itself was spread across the whole of Amsterdam, which made it an exciting experience because I got to explore many different areas of the city. Having a bike was essential and this made it easy to get from one class to another. The Dutch are an interesting people and once I got to know them and their sense of humour I truly appreciated their originality and straightforward directness. They are always eager to help tourists and those lost, speaking probably better English than the English do! Whilst there, I proudly learnt a few phrases that I would repeat to every Dutch person I met, but as they always replied in English it was very difficult to learn much more."
Outside Class
"This city just offered so much more than I could have imagined. We took trips to the north where we found enormous warehouses of markets. Every couple of weeks there would also be festivals held at these warehouses that accommodated a wide range of musical tastes. Throughout the city there were always markets and little festivals as well as random performances and events going on. These really made my time there enjoyable as we were constantly looking forward to the next adventure."
Personal Impact
"I definitely feel more culturally aware, having now met people from all parts of the world and living in a culture that on the surface doesn’t look so different but really feels different. While unfortunately my language skills didn’t improve, I have definitely improved my communication skills with those who English isn’t their first language, understanding that a certain patience and sympathy comes with meeting people from other countries."
Benefits
"The benefits I received from going abroad are vast; having acquired key skills I know I couldn’t have gained without living in Amsterdam. Through building up a network of friends from many different backgrounds I became so inspired by their individuality and excitement for life. I now push myself to achieve new and exciting things within the university and in my personal life."
In conclusion
"The memories I have from my time abroad are priceless and the friends I gained will be there for life. Through Facebook we constantly keep each other up to date with our lives back home. Whenever I wish to travel I know they will look after me and me them, having already housed friends from Australia and Germany this summer showing them where I grew up and my family and friends. It really was an enriching experience that I wouldn’t have changed for the world."
Oli's top tips for other students
- Be prepared to throw yourself into any situation, especially if it means taking yourself out of your comfort zone – this is how you grow as a person.
- Take loads of photos: I was having so much fun I forgot to take photos and truly regret it.
- Keep a scrap book, I have a folder filled with flyers, beer mats, receipts, postcards that all have a memory attached to them… one day I will get round to forming a scrap book.
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