From the United States, I can’t see the canals of Amsterdam or the Van Gogh museum. I can’t see tulips or architecture or Dutch speaking people roaming the streets. All I see right now are hefty amounts of bills and fees. This is all a bit unsettling.

Soon enough I will actually BE THERE. All I have for the next 5 weeks are my perceptions. I will tell you what I know so far:

My Flight Itinerary:

Going there:

DEP  BOSTON
ARR  DUBLIN
DEP  DUBLIN
ARR  AMSTERDAM

Going back:

DEP  AMSTERDAM
ARR  DUBLIN
DEP  DUBLIN
ARR  BOSTON

In total this cost me about $1,000 U.S. (round trip) including the 2 checked bags I planned to bring. Who knows, maybe I can pack light (doubtful, considering my age and gender).

Housing:

Poeldijkstraat Room 149 (8th Floor)

Floor plan layout: http://bit.ly/904nUW

Some information provided by the housing registration website:

“Information building and surroundings: In total there are 98 studios in Poeldijkstraat for foreign students. Poeldijkstraat is a large 12-storeyd building. A small number of Dutch citizens live in the building too.

Internet: Internet is provided by Utelisys. There is an access in every separate room.

Studio / Apartment: Your apartment is completely furnished. It is important to know that the studio is not allowed to be occupied by two or more persons; the apartment is suited for one person only

Surface area: The studio is in total around 20.60 m2.

Intercom: To open the entrance door to the building when you have visitors, you can use the intercom in your apartment.”

Studying abroad is a very curious thing. Where will I be living? Who will I meet? What do the locals like to do on a Friday night?

I find myself asking more and more questions every day, but I really don’t have answers to any of them. The only thing I can do while I’m still in the United States is look into books, videos, and websites on what the Amsterdam experience is like.

I found this video while browsing the internet, and I thought it gave an interesting summary of what I could expect:

For now, my perceptions are all I have. 5 weeks from now, I can explain in my own words, through my own senses what I am experiencing first hand.