A picture of me facing one of the many famous canals in Amsterdam city center.

Don't Forget to Pack: Warm clothes. It is not always hot in The Netherlands in June.

Best Left at Home: Anything you don't want to wear daily. So many people brought too many clothes pack what you need.

Best Eats in the Area: Esh, Zero Zero, Hannekes Boom

Favorite Local Activity: Biking around the different neighborhoods in the city

Where to Study: Screaming Beans Café

Must-Try Local Dish: Bitterballen with mustard 

Best Photo Op: All the canals and Zandvoort beach

Your Biggest Fail: Not bringing a book to read when bored

Buy This: Delft Blue pottery

Not That: Anything from the various souvenir stores in Centraal. Don't spend a lot of money on fake tulips.

Best Part of the Program: My Cohort and the activities Sage Corps set up for us to get to know each other at.

Unforgettable Weekend Trips: Den Hague, Utrecht, Zandvoort

Bonus Pro Tip: Do not eat in Centraal, it's expensive and not very fresh. Eat in De Pijp or Jordaan neighborhoods

Our 3-Minute Travel Guide series is inspired by the University of California's Education Abroad Program's (UCEAP) blog.

Explore all CGIS programs here!