Psychology major Ely Adams received an Erasmus Grant to study at Tilburg University in the Netherlands in 2024. Read the article we published about his selection at the time. Learn more about Study Abroad programs at Roosevelt.
What did you study at Roosevelt?
I studied psychology with a concentration in neuroscience.
When did you start thinking about studying abroad?
A professor of mine (Anne-Marie Cusac) recommended I apply for the opportunity during the spring semester of 2023, my second to last year at Roosevelt.
What made you choose Tilburg University?
Honestly, I don’t know if I had a choice. Tilburg was the university associated with the grant opportunity, so I went with it.
How did you think about financing your semester abroad?
I’m not one to plan ahead very well, and when I heard this exchange would be grant-funded I thought that meant I wouldn’t have to pay for anything (surprise, not how that works). Luckily(?) I had student loans that I could live off while I was there. I was crazy lucky to get into the student accommodation near Tilburg Uni, as the demand is extremely high. Additionally, the grant money took several weeks to get to my Dutch bank account, so I did end up spending a lot of my student loans until that came around. I also spent the last two months basically broke (I don’t have the best spending habits). In short, I didn’t think about financing, but everything worked out just fine. Money comes and goes, the experiences were all so worth it.
What was favorite thing about Tilburg?
Tilburg itself is apparently not the most fascinating town (according to other Europeans I met), but it was quaint, charming, easy to get around, and had plenty of things to do. My personal favorite thing was the farmers market that occurred every weekend. The cheese is incredible and abundant.
What were classes like at Tilburg University?
High-intensity lectures with small breaks between 45-minute periods. The professors are very knowledgeable and have extremely high expectations (Dutch education I learned is taken very seriously). There’s little to no homework, or assignments outside of class. Your entire grade depends on the test you take at the end of the semester (or two tests, your midterm and final). Or, in the case of English/writing courses, your grade is dependent on a final project of some type (I wrote an essay in my English course I took).
What did you do with your time outside of school in Tilburg? (i.e. hobbies, exploring, traveling, etc.)
I traveled a bunch with the friends I made there. We explored different cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. I got to go to Berlin and Barcelona with some friends during our time off after midterms. I worked out a bunch at the schools sports center, and hung out with a bunch of people from a bunch of different places.
What was the biggest “culture shock” about life at Tilburg and in the Netherlands, generally?
The Dutch work extremely hard and have high expectations for everyone, but they also love to party no matter what age or field. It was amazing seeing so many people outside having fun all the time, even during the work week people would find a reason to get out and celebrate something.
What was the most challenging part of your experience abroad?
Definitely handling my finances, but like I said, those things sort themselves out (especially if you’re okay with being a little broke). I thought I would have a hard time being away from home, but I spent nearly 7 months there and made some of the greatest connections with people, I got really used to how life was over there.
Why is study abroad important?
As someone who didn’t think they would get to see Europe until my 30s, study abroad showed me parts and people of life that you literally cannot get without taking a chance. It’s important as an American especially to see what the rest of the world has to offer. If I can be blunt, the average American citizen (and student) faces obstacles that most developed European countries do not face (at least, nowhere near the degree). A lot of people I met there were surprised that I was American, and then we would all laugh together about the state of the US. Above all, it’s important to experience other walks of life.
What advice do you have for a student interested in studying at Tilburg?
Bring some back-up money, and say yes to things you normally wouldn’t. Be prepared to study hard for your classes (this was the hardest semester of school I’ve ever had, but I did observe that business students have a much easier time than most (nothing new there)). Try new foods, talk to people, take advantage of public transportation, see what life could be like in a more socially-democratic place. Use hostels when traveling! And finally, some advice I got from an old Dutch guy who invited my friends and I into his house…”don’t be scared!”
