A Snapshot of My Life as a Student in ISS, The Netherlands

I never thought I'd say these things about ISS and The Netherlands. I was a pain and in pain while there! But change has never been more real to me than when I was a student at ISS in Den Haag, The Netherlands. The entire experience prompted me to change (albeit so slowly and even more so painfully). As a result, it showed me how change is indeed possible. Quite powerful, if you ask me. Here are my answers to your highly interesting questions, Segfrey. With these questions alone, I've no doubt you'll make it to ISS!
How was your overall experience as a foreign student in the Netherlands?
It was a 360 degree turn. I would've thought of myself as quite adaptable before coming to The Netherlands, but in retrospect, I was not. I was unprepared and it caught me offguard. I was truly overwhelmed by the change that it took me two years after to start appreciating my stay in NL. It was a great deal of a learning experience in every sense of the word. My two cents, keep your mind and senses at a fast and constant expanding state. No time to lose for learning!
What do you like about the ISS as an educational institution?
It's very broad yet comprehensive. If you focus on your studies, you will learn so much from ISS. If you're a voracious reader, you're in the right place. If not, you will improve your reading habits. Tons of reading requirements! I was a slacker at ISS (an understatement, really) and that's one thing I regret now.
How does the educational system at the ISS differ from that of the schools in the Philippines?
You don't call anybody ma'am or sir, you call your professors by their first name, even the rector/dean, the librarian, everybody! You can talk to your professors during lunch since there's only one cafeteria inside. Some are more approachable than the others but everybody is generally nice. There's a bar inside the school! A proper bar. You can get a drink (wine, beer, juice, etc) from 5pm-8pm during school days, yes. Some of the professors drop by this bar, too.
Having said these, it's not too different, if you ask me. The pressure is there, the requirements, the exams, the papers, the thesis. Afterall, it's nerve-wracking as it should be when one is a student, no?
P.S. The Netherlands has that very special gloomy weather (you won't see the sun shine brightly in weeks, months during winter). Be prepared! If you have further questions, comment away!