Program Overview
Program Overview
Home to the stock exchange, central bank, and the head offices of numerous Dutch and international companies Amsterdam is not only the financial heart of the Netherlands but the perfect site to study the increasing complexity of global business.
Through language study, coursework and internship opportunities, the Business and Culture program at the University of Amsterdam explores the theories and tools used by academics and professionals alike to contend with today’s economic questions.
Study abroad in Amsterdam and you will:
- Gain an insider’s perspective on how business is done in the Netherlands and the European Union; visit Dutch and international companies and enhance your resume by taking advantage of an internship
- Take a wide range of high quality courses in business, economics, and/or finance
- Study Dutch language and integrate into the Dutch and international student community through the International Student Network, interest groups, and weekend homestays.
- Live in an accessible, multicultural European capital city, explore the region through program excursions, and cruise around the city on your bike
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Take advantage of extensive course offerings and local faculty at the University of Amsterdam. Subjects include corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship and innovation, behavioral economics, advanced corporate finance, e-business and market management
Excursions and Company Visits
You will explore unique destinations within and around the Netherlands. Excursions include a visit to another historical Dutch city; an overnight trip to either Schiermonnikoog Island (a UNESCO world heritage site) or a Dutch or other Low Country city such as Rotterdam, Maastricht, Luxembourg, or Brussels; a visit to the site of a typical Dutch product (a cheese farm, flower industry, or the Delta Works that protect the Dutch countryside from the sea); and a visit to a cultural venue to see a ballet or soccer match.
As part of an optional internship course, there are guided company site visits to allow you to explore various Dutch businesses and their practices. You may visit KLM, Philips Electronics, or Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ top supermarket chain, to get a behind-the-scenes tour. All Business and Culture program students are invited and encouraged to participate in these visits.
Cultural Immersion
The CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam aims to provide an insider’s perspective that most people, both locals and tourists, never see. If you're interested in experiencing Dutch culture more in-depth, you'll have the option of participating in a CIEE-organized day and overnight stay with a host family outside of Amsterdam, which is included in the program fee.
You’ll also have several volunteer opportunities which allow you to connect and give back to your host community. As a CIEE Business and Culture student, you can participate in one of the interest groups such as the Amsterdam Schools group where you’ll help disadvantaged primary school children from Moroccan and Turkish descent with their English language skills. There are also one-day volunteer events several times per semester in which you can participate.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Tuition and housing
- Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
- Full-time program leadership and support
- Field trips and cultural activities
- CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits
Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the
button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Costs
Fall 2014
04/01/2014
TBA
TBA
$18,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, foreign police registration fee, a museum card, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$13,148
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Breakfast and one other meal per week are included in the homestay option. No meals are included in the apartment option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$2,600
International Airfare **
$1,650
Local Transportation
$125
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* for students in the residence hall; homestay students should budget $1600 per semester for meals not included in fees
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2014 (18 wks)
11/01/2013
01/27/2014
05/31/2014
$18,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, foreign police registration fee, a museum card, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$13,148
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Breakfast and one other meal per week are included in the homestay option. No meals are included in the apartment option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$2,600
International Airfare **
$1,650
Local Transportation
$125
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* for students in the residence hall; homestay students should budget $1600 per semester for meals not included in fees
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2015
11/01/2014
TBA
TBA
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
Estimated Additional Costs
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
Academic year 2014-2015
04/01/2014
TBA
TBA
$35,800
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, foreign police registration fee, a museum card, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$24,798
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Breakfast and one other meal per week are included in the homestay option. No meals are included in the dormitory option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$5,200
International Airfare **
$1,650
Local Transportation
$250
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* for students in the residence hall; homestay students should budget $1600 per semester for meals not included in fees
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 3.0
- 1 semester microeconomics, 1 semester macroeconomics, and 1 additional course in accounting, finance, management, marketing, mathematics, or statistics
- Junior status required
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 15–18 semester/22.5–27 quarter hours.
Most University of Amsterdam courses are 45 contact hours with recommended credit of 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours but may range from 2–4 semester/3–6 quarter hours and 30–60 contact hours per class.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Study abroad students take either three courses worth 6 ECTS (3 U.S.) in block 1 and 2 courses worth 6 ECTS (3 U.S.) in block 2 to total 30 ECTS (15 U.S.) credits or the reverse, taking 3 courses in block 1 and 2 courses in block 2. All students are required to take either the CIEE course Dutch Culture, CIEE Internship Seminar or an UvA Dutch language course as described below. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that all students have a minimum of academic content specific to the Netherlands.
Dutch Language Courses
Dutch courses are offered at all levels through the Dutch as a Second Language Institute of the UvA (INTT). CIEE recommends three U.S. credits for each level. While Dutch is not required, it is strongly recommended, particularly for academic year students and students in homestays. Upon arrival, students with previous Dutch study take a placement test to determine their level (see course levels and descriptions in the courses section).
About the City
About The City
Amsterdam is full of life, day and night, with world-renowned museums, art galleries, music, opera, theater, and dance. It is a truly international and multicultural city. Amsterdammers are easy-going and welcoming to foreigners, and English is the unofficial second language. With over 790,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam offers the advantages of a cosmopolitan center with a small-town feel. Because the city is so compact, bicycles are the most convenient means of transportation; in fact, bicycles outnumber the people in Amsterdam!
Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
Jonathan Key
As the Program Coordinator for CIEE's Social Sciences program, Jonathan is committed to ensuring that students who enroll in this program are afforded every opportunity to pursue their academic interests during their study abroad in the Netherlands. From course selection to grade conversion, Jonathan is there to help students navigate the landscape and academic ethos of Dutch higher education. Jonathan came to this position after serving as the Resident Coordinator of CIEE's Groningen Study Center, where he ran the Urban Planning and Society semester program and the Society, Environment, Transportation and Space summer program.
Born and raised in Belgium, Jonathan has been fascinated with the United States for as long as he can remember, and after being an exchange student in Oregon for a year after high school, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life in the orbit of the U.S. Without knowing it at the time, he took his first step on the road to becoming an Americophile when he watched his first episode of American TV as a toddler, and television has since then been closely bound up with his understanding of the U.S. He married the two during his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Groningen, graduating with a BA and MA degree in American Studies in which he focused principally on unpacking the changing representation of women on the small screen.
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Caroline Rotenberg
Caroline brings her experience as a former CIEE student to her job as the Student Services Coordinator in the CIEE Amsterdam office. Born and raised in the States to a Dutch mother and an American father, her knowledge of and appreciation for both cultures were instilled from a young age and was only further instilled during her semester studying abroad in Amsterdam as a CIEE student in 2009. She received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kenyon College and returned to Amsterdam for her master’s degree in Migration in Ethnic Studies at the University of Amsterdam. During her master’s degree, Caroline began working for CIEE where she has continued working after her graduation in 2013.
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Renee Spruit
Growing up in a small town in the North of the Netherlands, after high school Renée decided to move to Amsterdam to study. Although she has great memories of her home town, she was sure she wanted to explore more and go beyond the borders of what she knew. While doing a bachelor’s in Communications she was lucky enough to go abroad twice; one semester taking part in a PR program at Seneca College in Toronto, Canada and one semester doing an internship in the tourism industry in Cape Town, South Africa. She loved to be in an international environment, learn new things, meet new people, and when she got back to the Netherlands and graduated in Communications, she applied for an international Master’s in Sociology (with a special focus on Migration and Ethnic Studies) at the University of Amsterdam.
After graduation and working for a bit in various jobs, in 2008 she was appointed as the Resident Coordinator at CIEE. From 2008 onwards she has seen the Amsterdam Study Center grow from one program in Social Sciences to several semester and summer programs in both Amsterdam and Groningen. During these years she got to know all aspects of the programs; academics, housing, program development and overseeing the office as a whole.
Renée loves working with international students; seeing the excitement on arrival day and the comfort upon departure; She truly believe it’s a fascinating process how one makes a place his or her new home.
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Annabel Thomas
Annabel is the instructor of the cultural component of the CIEE Dutch Culture seminar. She co-teaches this seminar with a Dutch language teacher to help CIEE students to overcome both cultural and language barriers. Annabel aims to teach students intercultural skills that help bridge the gap between US culture and Dutch culture, or other intercultural encounters.
As the activities and projects coordinator at the Amsterdam Study Center, Annabel Thomas runs around the Netherlands to look for interesting, special and entertaining activities for CIEE students. Her aim is to find activities and projects that fit the program goals, experiences that add value to studying abroad and locations that are not easy to reach for students on their own. You will find her browsing the internet, reading guidebooks and reviews or leading a group of students to an event.
Annabel strongly believes in volunteering as a way of integrating in another culture. For example, CIEE Amsterdam students have worked in a soup kitchen, taught English to Amsterdam school kids, helped out at a work reintegration project for the homeless and met locals whilst cleaning a local park. CIEE is constantly looking for new ways to reinforce the ‘Dutch experience’. Another project CIEE Amsterdam runs is the ‘Weekend Homestay Project’ where students spend a weekend at the house of a Dutch family somewhere in the Netherlands.
Before she joined CIEE, Annabel received her Bachelor’s in Experience Marketing from the University of Applied Sciences in Haarlem and her Master’s degree in Eastern European Studies from the University of Amsterdam. She has worked with international students as a residence assistant, as an intern at the international office and as the National Representative of the Netherlands in the International Student Network.
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Cato van Hees
Cato is the Program Coordinator for Business & Culture Programs in CIEE Amsterdam office. After high school Cato took part in two language courses abroad, which inspired her to study in an international environment and learn more about foreign cultures. Consequently, she studied International Business & Management at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, which provided Cato with a thorough understanding of economic and business studies and international exchange. During her own experience abroad, Cato studied Economics and Business at the Complutense University of Madrid and completed an internship at the International Office of the Monterrey Institute for Technology and Higher Education in México.
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Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
The University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) dates from Amsterdam’s heyday in the 17th century when the city was one of the world’s most important ports and trading centers. The Athenaeum Illustre, which later became the University of Amsterdam, was founded in 1632. The University is spread out over various parts of the city center and is situated in old buildings and in modern high rises. UvA has an enrollment of more than 25,000 students and a strong commitment to international education, as reflected in its international student body and curriculum.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students are placed in single rooms in UvA or private residence halls, which have private or shared showers and kitchen facilities. Residence halls are all within a reasonable commute by foot, bike, or bus to the Faculty of Economics and Business and the center of Amsterdam. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Meals may be taken at cafeterias and UvA restaurants, at restaurants throughout Amsterdam, or prepared in the residence’s kitchen facilities. All residence halls have RAs who take care of minor housing issues and organize activities throughout the semester.
A limited number of homestays with Dutch families are also available. This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion in the Dutch culture. The student has a furnished room and shares a kitchen, bathroom, and living area with the host family. The homesteay includes breakfast daily and at least one other meal per week with the family. All other meals are the responsibility of the student.
Orientations
Orientations
You'll begin your study abroad experience in Amsterdam even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting important issues, and giving you time to ask questions before leaving home. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. The CIEE goal for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program and site, as well as your goals for the program, so that you'll arrive at the program well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.
Each semester begins with a mandatory orientation session organized by CIEE in Amsterdam. It includes a welcome canal cruise, an academic orientation, an introduction to Amsterdam and Dutch society and culture, a ‘survival’ Dutch lesson, and excursions in and around Amsterdam. During the orientation, students have the chance to meet each other and learn more about Amsterdam, CIEE, and the University. Ongoing support is provided on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
University Life
CIEE works closely with the UvA’s International Student Network (ISN) during orientation and throughout the semester to ensure that students are well integrated into the international student body, working as much as possible against creating an American enclave. You'll be matched with an ISN coach and student group at the beginning of the semester. Weekly gatherings are held throughout the semester as well as various cultural events and excursions.
Academics
Academics
The CIEE Business and Culture study abroad program is designed for students who are majoring or minoring in business or economics and considering a career in the business world, or who plan to explore graduate studies in business or pursue an MBA. Students can take courses from the areas of business studies, economics, or economics and finance, either pursuing courses in one of these tracks or choosing courses from multiple areas. Of the 300 students in the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Bachelor’s program, approximately 75% students are international and 25% are Dutch. The program is fully taught in English, giving CIEE students the opportunity to interact with Dutch and other international students on issues relating to business and economics.
Academic Culture
Students from the U.S. may notice a substantial difference between the educational style employed in their own countries and that used in the European system.
The European educational system allows students a high level of individual responsibility and initiative, and developing an independent and critical way of thinking is strongly encouraged. This academic environment will be part of the challenge for visiting students at the UvA.
The University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Economics and Business (and many other of its faculties) divide each semester into two eight-week blocks. FEB courses take place only during one block. All courses are 6 ECTS (3 semester/4.5 quarter hours U.S.).
Average class size at the FEB is approximately 75 students in the lectures and 40 in the tutorials.
The University of Amsterdam operates on a semester calendar, with each semester consisting of two consecutive eight-week class periods. The University’s fall semester runs from the end of August to the end of December, and the spring semester runs from the beginning of February to the beginning of June.
The CIEE Study Center office is located on the Roetersstraat directly across from the Faculty of Business and Economics academic buildings.
Nature of Classes
CIEE classes are with other CIEE study abroad participants only. Some UvA classes enroll Dutch and international students, while other classes are for international students only.
CIEE Community Language Commitment
As students gain proficiency in Dutch, resident staff encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings. The more students participate, the more a community that contributes to Dutch language proficiency and understanding of Dutch society develops.
Grading System
The credit system is based on a student’s overall workload, including lectures, seminars, and independent study. In general, grades are based on a combination of class participation, oral presentations, papers, and/ or written or oral examinations. Unlike in the U.S>, grades are based on a numerical scale of one to 10, rather than letters. All CIEE participants receive a University of Amsterdam transcript listing course titles, final grades, and credits earned, as well as the CIEE Academic Record which converts the grades to a U.S. grading scale.
Language of Instruction
Dutch
English
Faculty
CIEE faculty are associated with Dutch institutions of higher education. University courses are taught by University of Amsterdam faculty.
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
CIEE Courses
CLST 3002 NETH / DUTC 3002 NETH / NLST 3003 NETH
Dutch Culture
The Dutch Culture course not only focuses on interpreting Dutch culture, it also helps students develop a series of concepts and skills that will allow them to improve the way they interact in an intercultural context. More specifically, it provides students with the conceptual tools and practical space needed to reflect on, understand (as well as de-code), adapt to, and integrate into Dutch culture. Students learn basic Dutch vocabulary and survival phrases. Class activities include, but are not limited to, conversation, role-playing, reflective writing, Dutch homestay activity, excursions, quizzes, and a personal presentation about a self-chosen topic having to do with Dutch culture.
INSH 3003 NETH
Internship
Qualified students have the opportunity to pursue an internship in a local organization or company. In addition to the on-site experience, students participating in the internship program have a weekly classroom component which provides academic and intercultural support for their practical experience.
UvA Faculty of Business and Economics Courses
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester, and that some courses have additional prerequisites. The final list of courses will be available during the enrollment process.
Fall Semester
Business Studies
Corporate Social Responsibility
Cultural Industries
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Finance
Human Resource Management
Information Management
Intermediate Financial Accounting
Marketing
Optional Advanced Course
Retail Marketing
Strategic Management
Economics
Econometrics and Research Skills
Economics of Markets and Organizations
Finance
Industrial Organization
International Trade and Investment
Money and Banking
Public Economics
Economics and Finance
Advanced Corporate Finance
Econometrics and Research Skills
Economics of Markets and Organizations
Finance
Money and Banking
Restricted Elective
Spring Semester
Business Studies
E-Business
Management Accounting, International
Marketing Management
Operations and Process Management
Organizational Psychology
Strategy and Organization
Economics
Behavioral Economics
Development Economics
Financial Institutions
History of Economic Theory and the Netherlands
International Money
Labor Economics
Macroeconomics
Mathematical Economics
Microeconomics
Post-Keynesian Macroeconomics
Regulation, Regulatory Impact, and Reform
Transition Economics
Economics and Finance
Advanced Corporate Finance
Econometrics and Research Skills
Industrial Organization
Intermediate Financial Accounting
International Money
International Trade and Investment
Macroeconomics
Mathematical Economics
Microeconomics
Organizational Economics
UvA Dutch as a Second Language Institute Courses
Students with prior Dutch study will be given a placement test on site to determine the appropriate level.
Absolute Beginners
For those with no prior knowledge of Dutch. The main objectives of the absolute beginners course is to help participants acquire a basic vocabulary in Dutch, enable them to understand simple written and spoken Dutch, and teach them how to make themselves understood in elementary written and spoken Dutch. Classroom activities include listening to audio fragments, watching video fragments, preparatory exercises for communicative tasks, and communicative exercises.
Beginners
For those who understand some Dutch but are incapable, or almost incapable, of making themselves understood in Dutch. The main objectives of the course are to help participants to acquire a basic vocabulary of Dutch, enable them to understand simple spoken and written Dutch, and teach them how to make themselves understood in elementary spoken and written Dutch.
Pre-Intermediate
For those who have a global understanding of simple, everyday Dutch, and who can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch that is still full of mistakes. The aim of the course is to help participants to extend a basic vocabulary of Dutch, enable them to understand simple spoken and written Dutch, and teach them how to make themselves understood in simple spoken and written Dutch.
Intermediate
For those who have a reasonable understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media, and who can make themselves understood in simple everyday Dutch but still make many mistakes. The aim of the course is to help participants to extend a basic vocabulary of Dutch, enable them to understand spoken and written Dutch in a variety of familiar contexts, and teach them how to make themselves understood in both spoken and written Dutch.
Pre-Advanced
For those who have a good understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media, and who can make themselves understood in everyday Dutch but still make quite a few mistakes. The aim of the course is to help participants to extend their vocabulary of Dutch, enable them to understand spoken and written Dutch in a variety of contexts, and improve their basic writing and speaking skills.
Advanced
Even those who have a thorough understanding of everyday Dutch and a good understanding of Dutch at an academic level will still make systematic mistakes. Therefore, the advanced course can help those students who have a Dutch language background, but are looking to improve. Objectives of the advanced level are to improve participants’ writing and speaking skills. Some attention is paid to reading, listening, and extending vocabulary.
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