Netherlands: Zoe Roell

March 20, 2026

Program: University of Amsterdam Exchange, Fall

Major: Psychology

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

Classes at UvA were at a similar level of difficulty to classes at UW-Madison; however, due to how the semester was arranged, it felt like less work. At UvA, a semester is split into three periods, though due to overlap with UW-Madison spring courses, we only participated in the first two periods. For each of these two periods, you are advised to take two classes, each class is four hours a week for six weeks. While I was initially concerned about how fast the periods would go, I found I greatly prefer this schedule to UW-Madison’s. You have much more free time, only doing homework for two classes at once, and during midterms and finals, you only have to study for two classes. It ends up being much less stressful!

A rainbow over a tree-lined bike path. — While spending the fall in Amsterdam means you’ll have to make peace with getting soaked in the rain, it also means a lot of rainbows! Here is one I got to enjoy while biking to class through Vondelpark, which was often one of the highlights of my day.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

There were so many memorable moments from my program, from playing a spontaneous match of chess with an elderly man in Vondelpark (I do not know how to play chess—he had to coach me) to dancing at Melkweg. However, one of my favorite experiences was to do with Sinterklaas, who is very similar to Santa Claus but also different in many ways, such as arriving in the Netherlands in November on a boat from Spain. The Dutch take Sinterklaas very seriously, with daily Sinterklaas news broadcasts for children leading up to Pakjesavond, when gifts are given. The level of whimsy and excitement surrounding Sinterklaas was infectious, and it made late November feel like Christmas. I had a wonderful time, and I definitely recommend taking the time to at least catch the arrival parade to participate in the holiday cheer.

Before, the idea of going to graduate school or getting an internship outside of the U.S. would have been too daunting, but now I am considering graduate school in the Netherlands and looking for opportunities abroad for my gap year, like the Peace Corps.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

I am a young white woman who identifies as part of the queer community. To people sharing one of more of these identities, I would say that they can expect a supportive community in Amsterdam, and to consider student organizations if they are looking to meet people with specific identities. For instance, UvA Pride organizes get-togethers for LGBTQIA+ students. I would also say that I felt safe being in Amsterdam, but that you should keep a certain level of awareness of the environment, just like in Madison. For instance, not wandering around dark areas alone at night.

Two students on a stage, singing in front of a karaoke screen. — Amsterdam has tons of things to do at night, including clubs, pubs, board game cafes and karaoke! You can drink if you want to, but you can also have fun without drinking. Here I am performing Valerie with a friend at a karaoke bar, completely sober and still having the time of my life.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

This experience made me so much more confident. Living in a new country and doing things on my own showed me I am capable and made me certain of my ability to succeed anywhere. Before, the idea of going to graduate school or getting an internship outside of the U.S. would have been too daunting, but now I am considering graduate school in the Netherlands and looking for opportunities abroad for my gap year, like the Peace Corps. Now that my world has been expanded beyond the U.S., I am excited to continue exploring!