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Alumni Spotlight: Haley Hine

Program:
IES Abroad Amsterdam

Haley is a senior at the College of William and Mary majoring in Government and minoring in Sociology. She studied Law and Criminology in Amsterdam Spring of 2018.

Why did you choose this program?

This program was perfect for me because I was able to experience what law school consists of without the three-year commitment post undergrad. It helped me decide that law school is an interest of mine and narrow down potential professional fields that I would enjoy after university life. Amsterdam is also an amazing central city that gave me the ability to travel and experience new places easily and cheap.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My program assisted me with field trips, housing, academic assistance, and cultural orientation and adjustment. On my own, I organized travel and school work including my preferred classes. In general, my program would help me with anything and everything that I needed suggestions or advice on. They are super helpful with anything you worry about.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Travel with the friends you make in the program! It is so much fun to experience a new place with new people and helps you all grow a lot closer. Plan these trips early on to save money and commit to the plans so you can get school work done early and not stress about it on your trip. Also, visit places that aren't "typical" tourist spots!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average week would include a trip to a museum, classes, trying a new restaurant, biking (everywhere, all of the time), and studying on your own time. A lot of days I just hung out in my friends’ apartments, watching Netflix, and cooking meals together before going out to our favorite club or bar (Coco's on a Wednesday is always a move so schedule it in your calendar now).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was making friends abroad. It's a relatively small program, and I didn't know anyone in it before arrival. I overcame this by going out of my comfort zone and being the first to introduce myself. We all became really close so it was easy after the first introduction. After I realized this, it was super easy for me to meet new people outside of my program as well.

Do I really need to get a bike?

Well, no. BUT Amsterdam is full of them, and you will feel like you are missing out. It's so much fun to ride in a bike gang with new friends experiencing the city. Taking the metro or tram just isn't the same. I recommend it 100%!