Lauren Starr, Pitt in Amsterdam Summer 2024
Pitt’s Global Experience Office does a great job in preparing you for your study abroad program. There is an orientation before you leave to explain everything you will need to know before departure and countless emails sending information and reminders about the program, so all in all there was nothing surprising about the program itself. However, being in a different country comes with many surprises and there are a couple of things I wish I knew before going. The first surprise was the go, go, go nature of studying abroad for only a month. We had a field trip or some activity, like a tour, scheduled by CIEE almost every day after two hours of classes. This was exhausting, so be prepared to push through because although I was really exhausted, I did not want to spend my time abroad relaxing in my room. Another thing I wish I did before I left, just as a personal preference, is learn some of the Dutch language, so I could better understand signs and many other things, including grocery store labels. We had a “Survival Dutch Lesson” our first week of class, but it was very brief and only a few words stuck with me, so if I could go back in time, I would definitely try to learn more basic phrases in Dutch to better prepare for living in an area that speaks Dutch. Regarding Amsterdam weather, it was warmer than I expected it to be in May, which contradicted my research I conducted before I left, so bring a range of clothing that can be layered. Finally, a more Amsterdam-specific surprise was the importance of bikes in Amsterdam. I knew bikes were a staple in Amsterdam culture, but they are far more than a staple, they are everything. Bikes are like cars in Amsterdam, so I definitely recommend renting a bike for the month to decrease the cost of transportation and to really immerse yourself in the culture. With that said, it is really scary riding a bike in Amsterdam, so be prepared to be focused and not just leisurely riding a bike, like you would do at the beach. If you do end up getting a bike, which I did not know I would be renting one, but I am glad I did, please be careful. Lastly, you will also be surprised by how much fun this experience is, it was better than I could have ever imagined!
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