I haven’t been to the Netherlands of late (but I’d like to visit again soon!), but during recent travels in Spain, France, and Portugal, I was able to get a better meal at a better price than in the US. (I did not attempt fast food, and didn’t eat anyplace too fancy. (Also wine is much more expensive in the US than in many EU countries, so factor that in if you prefer a drink with dinner.)

Try for a place where you won’t need a car. College towns are usually walkable, interesting, and often fairly cheap, and roommates are often wanted. There are too many to list.