Study Abroad in Amsterdam
College Study Abroad
Explore Amsterdam with CIEE
When you study abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands, you'll discover a charming city where history, innovation, and multiculturalism converge. Explore the picturesque canals, world-class museums, and vibrant arts and nightlife scene that make studying in Amsterdam on a CIEE program a truly unique experience. With opportunities to delve into the city's culture, language, and history, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this innovative European capital. It's undeniable that Amsterdam's blend of cozy charm and global influence creates an enriching study abroad experience that allows personal growth, cultural understanding, and lasting memories.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Amsterdam, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Amsterdam with CIEE
Every CIEE Amsterdam study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Amsterdam, past excursions have included:
- Embark on overnight trips to dynamic cities like Rotterdam, Maastricht, or The Hague, each with a unique blend of history and modern innovation
- Pedal through postcard-like landscapes on bike tours through Amsterdam’s countryside, passing windmills, tulip fields, and charming villages
- Experience a world-class symphony orchestra at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
About CIEE Amsterdam
Situated in the heart of the Plantegebuurt in Amsterdam East, CIEE Amsterdam boasts four classrooms, a student lounge with complimentary books, an office space, Wi-Fi access, and a charming outdoor patio.
Where You’ll Study in Amsterdam
CIEE Amsterdam is located on the Rapenburgerstraat in the historical Plantage district of Amsterdam. Now an educational facility, this site has been a gunpowder factory in the 17th century Jewish girls' orphanage throughout the 18th century.
Located five minutes by bike or 15 minutes on foot from the main UvA campus and 30 minutes away from the VU Campus, CIEE Amsterdam is very centrally located and well connected to public transport, allowing student easy commutes to housing, classes, and cultural activities throughout the city.
UvA is the third-oldest university in the Netherlands and one of the largest universities in Europe, serving more than 40,000 students from 100+ different nationalities, divided across seven major faculties. CIEE students take classes at two different mini campuses: The historic inner-city campus and the newly designed “Roeterseiland” campus.
With a student body of 30,000, the VU is the smaller – but just as established – second research university in Amsterdam. Unlike the UvA, the VU occupies a centralized campus located in the southern part of the city in Amsterdam’s Zuidas knowledge district.
Internships & Volunteering in Amsterdam
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or complete volunteer work in Amsterdam. For students looking to intern in Amsterdam, they may have the opportunity to join guest lectures and site visits that connect them with professionals in the field.
Students interested in volunteering in Amsterdam may have the opportunity to teach English once a week at a local elementary or middle school.
Study Abroad Programs in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Spend a semester in the Netherlands’ creative and culturally rich capital – Amsterdam – where you’ll take courses across a variety of academic subjects.
- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Dive into two of the world’s leading healthcare systems – and take a class in each European city – when you study abroad in both London and Amsterdam.
- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
See how public health is handled in Europe when you spend eight weeks next summer studying and observing healthcare in both London and Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Spend a semester in Amsterdam and explore how the Netherlands' capital is shaping the future with cutting-edge innovation and smart city planning.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Spend the winter between terms in beautiful Amsterdam, taking a class while taking in the local museums, historic landmarks, cuisine, and nightlife.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree while exploring all Amsterdam has to offer.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Take a course that focuses on the Netherlands' cultural and social history while in Amsterdam, where you could spend four weeks living next summer.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Study business or communications when you spend four weeks of summer in Amsterdam, home to the National Stock Exchange and the Dutch National Bank.
- Study Program
Get lessons in international business and economic issues when you spend 17 weeks studying in this competitive program in Amsterdam, a global business hub.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Engage with the bike culture, museums, nightlife – and the classrooms – when you choose a study-abroad block in Amsterdam, known for its liberal environment.
- Study Program
Put in your application for this competitive program in Amsterdam, where social sciences and humanities students can choose from multiple courses.
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Dutch, English
Available Transportation
Bikes, tram, bus, subway, feet
Famous Local
Carice van Houten – Dutch actress whose role as Melisandre on Game of Thrones brought her worldwide fame (and an Emmy nomination!)
Climate
Cold rainy winters; comfortable summers, mild spring and fall
Places to Explore
Amsterdam has 1,281 bridges – three times as many as Venice, Italy
Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Social Norms
Calling the Netherlands "Holland" is a little bit of a faux-pas - Holland refers to only two of the 12 provinces that make up the country
What to Pack
Umbrella, comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Amsterdam is a great location for students looking to study abroad in Europe because it’s a highly bike-able city that provides students with a quintessential Netherlands experience. Students can immerse themselves in centuries of old architecture and beautiful landscapes, while attending world-renowned universities.
Studying abroad in Amsterdam provides students with a safe multicultural atmosphere that’s easy to travel by bike, train, or car. In addition, universities in Amsterdam offer a wide variety of courses for students looking to study Dutch, film, art, design, medicine, and so much more.
Tips for studying abroad in Amsterdam include keeping your wits about you when traveling in crowded areas, pack an umbrella for the fall, and explore the Netherland’s scenic bike rides along the coasts. CIEE encourages students to select courses that pique their interest, explore different areas of the city as much as they can (e.g. Albert Cuyp Market, Bloemenmarkt, and Rokin), and chat with locals.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Amsterdam.
For more detailed information on diversity in Amsterdam, visit our Diversity in Amsterdam page.
The cost of studying abroad in Amsterdam varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Amsterdam study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Amsterdam. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Amsterdam to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Talk To A Student Who's Lived It...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Amsterdam, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
Study Abroad Amsterdam Blog
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