University of Amsterdam - UvA Speciality : Accounting & Finance
programme: BSc Economics with Econometrics

My time at this university was overwhelmingly frustrating, marked by a lack of student support that bordered on negligence. The program’s difficulty is exacerbated by an abysmal structure, leaving students with minimal class time and inadequate professor interaction. Exams consistently present absurdly challenging questions, forcing many to resort to external exam prep companies for a fighting chance at decent grades—an outright indictment of the university’s teaching methods. Despite the program’s emphasis on economic theory and quantitative skills, the learning experience feels stunted by this institution’s poor organization and minimal professor involvement.

Moreover, the blatant bias against certain nationalities, particularly evident in the IMF module’s explicit material, is both offensive and unwarranted. If you hail from Italy, Greece, Portugal, or Spain, prepare to be unfairly scapegoated for the financial crisis. International students face further isolation, with Dutch students sticking to their own cliques and showing little interest in socializing in English. The international body might be inviting, but the overall social climate is far from inclusive.

While the program itself is relatively affordable, the exorbitant costs of living in Amsterdam offset any financial advantages. In essence, the university offers a thought-provoking but deeply flawed experience, plagued by poor structure, insufficient teaching support, and a distressingly subpar international atmosphere.