Amsterdam, Netherlands

Business + Culture

AACSB Accredited
Click to scroll down and read more

Information for term Business + Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 18 – Dec 23, 2023 (18 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 semester hours / 22.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 3.0 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

October 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: October 1, 2023
  • Dates: Jan 29 – Jun 1, 2024 (18 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 semester hours / 22.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 3.0 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 18, 2023 – Jun 1, 2024 (41 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 semester hours / 22.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 3.0 Overall GPA

Overview

Click to Open

Live and study abroad in Amsterdam, one of Europe's most curiously conscious global economic hubs! Designed for students with a background in business, this rigorous program will provide insight into critical international business and economic issues.

When class is in session, you'll study in one of CIEE Amsterdam's two partner schools, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) or the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). The UvA is located in the heart of The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, one of the oldest "modern" markets in the world. The VU, on the other hand, is located in the bustling business district of Amsterdam South, home to the headquarters of startups and corporate giants alike. In addition to these partner schools, you'll also have the option of taking classes at CIEE Amsterdam, a quick walk from the UvA and a 30-minute commute from the VU. All courses are delivered by highly qualified CIEE, UvA, and VU faculty.

Outside the classroom, your courses will be complemented with CIEE co-curricular excursions and activities to enhance your studies and provide you with a nuanced intercultural perspective of the Netherlands.

Unique Experiences

  • GET A MULTINATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

    on how business is done in a comparative perspective by living in one of the most multicultural and innovative cities in the world.

  • COMMUTE AND CRUISE AROUND BY BIKE

    - it's the Dutch way - and make the most of an up-close and fast-moving city experience.

  • JOIN A DUTCH FAMILY FOR A WEEKEND

    for a personal introduction to Dutch culture and lifestyle.

  • bicycles

    850 K
  • annual visitors to the Anne Frank house

    1.3 M
  • bridges

    1753

Location & Culture

Click to Open

If you find yourself wondering why it’s so easy to feel at home in Amsterdam, chalk it up to “gezellig.” Roughly translated, it’s Dutch for cozy or home-like – a sensibility commonly associated with this city. Compact and easy to navigate by bike or on foot, the city center of Amsterdam is home to more than 6,000 buildings dating as far back as the 16th century that are protected for historic importance. It’s loaded with charm and treasures, from the gabled houses that stand shoulder to shoulder along the canals, to glorious masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Matisse, and the like. What's more, CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located across the street from the University of Amsterdam in the tranquil Plantage neighborhood, where students can easily drop in to speak to CIEE staff, study, or simply hang out in the student area between classes. 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amsterdam.

The Culture

FEATURED EXCURSION

Slip out of urban life to experience the wonders of Dutch nature during our weekend overnight trips! Go mudflat walking on the floor of the Wadden Sea at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Schiermonnikoog in the spring, or cycle leisurely through changing landscapes of De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the fall. 

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Take day trips that highlight Dutch innovation outside the city rings of Amsterdam, such as a winter getaway to the Frisian city of Groningen, or an architecture-focused visit to Rotterdam. 
  • Experience a world-class Dutch theater or dance performance at a historic concert hall. 
  • Have an informative conversation on the practical intricacies of sex work in the Netherlands during a guided walk of Amsterdam's Red Light District. 
  • Explore Amsterdam's world-famous canal belt on a private canal cruise, or leave the city behind and paddle a canoe through the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). 
  • Team up with a student coach from the UvA’s International Student Network (ESN), join the Dutch Buddy Program through the VU’s Erasmus Student Network (also called ESN), or enjoy city outings with your own group of international students at the UvA and the VU. 

PROJECTS & OPPORTUNITIES

  • Join one of several weekly activities! From exploring Amsterdam’s multicultural composition, to its status as a global culinary capital, or a hub for business innovation, there’s a way to pursue nearly every interest and explore nearly every facet of Amsterdam. 
  • Take part in a Power and Privilege workshop to explore the uneven distribution of power and privilege in the Netherlands along gendered, raced, and classed lines. 
  • Lend your voice to the Student Representative Council and help shape CIEE Amsterdam’s activities and programming. 
  • Sign up for a weekend homestay and get to meet and spend a weekend with a Dutch family. 

Program Blogs

Click to Open

Program Blogs

Daily Life

Click to Open
  • HOUSING

    Housing is tight in Amsterdam, however, CIEE offers a variety of accommodation options within the Amsterdam metropolitan area, including residence halls, shared apartments, and homestay families. All housing is within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam. If we cannot accommodate your first choice of housing, we will let you know before you arrive onsite.  

     

    Residence Halls/Shared Apartments: Students live in single or shared rooms with en suite bathrooms and access to kitchen facilities. Common areas are available in each of the housing options.  

     

    Homestays: Students live with a Dutch host and immerse themselves in the local language and culture. Each student is placed in a single room and has access to shared space.  

     

    Transportation: Students are responsible for their own travel costs in and around Amsterdam. The best way to travel around the city is by bike. Whatever the weather, the Dutch will steadfastly cycle to work, school, and back home – and you can, too! CIEE staff will fill you in on all your options for getting a bike once you arrive onsite.  

  • MEALS

    Apartments/Residence Halls: Students staying in apartments and residence halls are responsible for their own meals.  
     

    Homestays: Students in homestays will receive breakfast and access to the kitchen for lunch and dinner. Students will have at least one dinner a week with their host families. Students are responsible for all other meals. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE AMSTERDAM

    Just across the street from the University’s Faculty of Economics and Business.

  • B

    UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM

    FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

  • C

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

    Founded in 1880, VU is ranked among the world's top 150 universities.

Academics

Click to Open

Academics

The Business and Culture program invites students to immerse themselves in university life through coursework at the University of Amsterdam (UvA ) or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and CIEE Amsterdam.  Semesters at UvA and VU consist of three 8-week blocks and CIEE students are only present for the first two blocks of the semester. Courses at the host institutions may run for one or two blocks. Students with some Dutch language experience can take Dutch language classes at the Dutch Language Institute of the University of Amsterdam (INTT). 

University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers intensive courses across business studies, economics, and finance. UvA is one of the largest broad-based research universities in Amsterdam, one of the top 15 universities in Europe, and is AACSB accredited. 

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) boasts a strong international environment and with almost 50 Bachelor’s degree programs and over 150 Master’s degree programs, the VU offers a wide and varied range of study options for both Dutch and international students and is AACSB accredited. 

CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located across the street from the University of Amsterdam and is only a 30-minute commute from the VU campus by tram or subway. 

GPA

3.0

Language Prerequisites

There are no specific language requirements for this program. 

Additional Requirements

  • Students must be juniors or seniors when the program starts.  

University of Amsterdam (UvA) 

The University of Amsterdam admits students to specific tracks of courses. The course tracks and their pre-requisites/entry requirements are detailed below:  

  • Business – 3 business courses (such as marketing, human relations management), 1 course in mathematics, and 1 course in statistics. 
  • Economics – 1 intermediate (upper division) course in macroeconomics and microeconomics; 1 course in mathematics, and 1 course in statistics. 
  • Accounting, Finance, and Econometrics – required economics courses (listed above), 2 background courses in these topics. 

Acceptance depends on review by University of Amsterdam faculty; please note that Advanced Placement (AP) courses and test credits are not considered prerequisites. 

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) 

Students are admitted to any Business and Economics courses for which they meet the background and prerequisite requirements. These requirements are listed in the course catalog.  

Enrollment is based on a review by CIEE and VU staff to verify student eligibility. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Program Requirements

If students enroll at the UvA, they must take at least 3 business or economics courses through the University of Amsterdam (UvA) (based on the Study Track the student has been assigned). Students who enroll at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) must take 3 courses at the VU of which at least two courses must be with the School of Business and Economics. All students must take 2 CIEE courses in order to reach a total of 15 U.S. credits.  

Program Credit

Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits. 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • University of Amsterdam (UvA) courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 30 contact hours  
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 30 contact hours  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Classes are held Monday through Friday. Students should be ready to take initiative and approach coursework more independently than they may be accustomed to in the U.S. 

Class Format

Students take CIEE classes only with other CIEE students. Courses at the UvA and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are attended mostly by Dutch and international students. Lectures typically include around 50-100 students; tutorials have smaller sizes and range from 25-40 students. 

Grading

Grades are based on a range of assessment methods, including presentations, papers, and oral or written exams, along with class participation. University course grades are awarded on a scale of 1-10, which CIEE will convert to a U.S. letter-based scale. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used for CIEE courses. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Click to Open

Course Information

Course Notes 

  • The UvA and VU semester runs on a block system and CIEE students are present only for the first two of the three-semester blocks. The fall semester is the 1st semester of the academic year and therefore starts with block 1. The spring semester is the 2nd semester of the academic year and therefore starts with block 4. 
  • Most CIEE courses run during the first two blocks of the semester. 
  • The University of Amsterdam offers courses in different subjects (Business Studies, Economics, Finance, Econometrics, Statistics, and Accounting), referred to as Study Tracks. The courses are for 2nd and 3rd-year students and require a solid background; since the U.S. education system is different, a CIEE student will not always have a background of two years for a certain study program. For that reason, the student’s transcript has to be reviewed by the UvA faculty to decide which Study Track(s) the students are allowed (or possibly not allowed) to take courses from. Detailed information is provided to students upon acceptance into the program. 

 

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

Click to Open

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Host Institution Courses

Click to Open

UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM COURSES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 

Acceptance to the program does not guarantee course availability. Typically, students are admitted to either the Business and/or Economics track, which allows them to choose 3-5 courses from the respective track. Please contact CIEE for further information.   

Business Studies courses

  • E-Business 
  • Marketing Management 
  • Information and Data Management 
  • Innovation Management 
  • Strategy and Organization 

Economics courses

  • Environmental Economics 
  • Game Theory 
  • Macroeconomics 
  • Microeconomics 
  • Development Economics 
  • Labor Economics 
  • Transition Economics 
  • Behavioral Economics 
  • Political Economy: Dialectical Methodology 

Finance courses

  • Finance 2 
  • Investment and Portfolio Theory 1 
  • Investment and Portfolio Theory 2 
  • Financial Statement Analysis 

Mathematics courses

  • Mathematics 2 for Economics 

Accounting courses

  • Management Accounting 1 for Economics 

Other

  • Corporate Law

For more information about these courses, go to the University of Amsterdam online catalogue of courses for international students:  
https://studiegids.uva.nl/xmlpages/page/2022-2023-en

VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM COURSES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)  

Students who enroll at the VU may choose Business and Economics courses from the complete VU course catalog for exchange students, provided they meet the background and eligibility requirements.  
Some of the course titles on offer include: 

  • Cross-Cultural Marketing 
  • Business Information Systems 
  • Consumer Science for Online Commerce 
  • Inclusive Growth and Sustainability 
  • Foundations of Business Administration 
  • Health Economics 
  • Risk Management in Financial Institutions 
  • Corporate Governance and Accountability 
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management 
  • Financial Markets and Institutions 

The full course catalog can be found here: https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/exchange/2022-2023#

DUTCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES (INTT) 

Pre-Intermediate 
For those who have a global understanding of simple, everyday Dutch, and can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch that is still full of mistakes. The aim of the course is to help participants 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 can make themselves understood in simple everyday Dutch but still make many mistakes. The aim of the course is to help participants 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 still make systematic mistakes. Therefore, the advanced course can help those students who have a Dutch language background but are still 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. 

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 canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Click to Open

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.

See more scholarship info

Dates & Fees

Click to Open

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Fall 2023 18 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 18, 2023 Dec 23, 2023
$21,950
Click to Close

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,453 **

Housing = $7,000 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $21,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $2,600

International Airfare = $1,250

Local Transportation = $700 ††

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $200

Personal expenses = $2,750

Total Estimated Costs = $7,700

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 residence hall option

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†† This would cover six round trips per week from students' housing to the UvA campus/the CIEE classroom

Academic year 2023-2024 41 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 18, 2023 Jun 1, 2024
$42,800
Click to Close

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $27,553 **

Housing = $14,750 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $42,800

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $2,600

International Airfare = $1,250

Local Transportation = $1,400 ††

Books & Supplies = $400

Visa Fees = $200

Personal expenses = $2,750

Expenses during break = $1,500

Total Estimated Costs = $10,100

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 residence hall option

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†† This would cover six round trips per week from students' housing to the UvA campus/the CIEE classroom (and is double the amount of the single-semester costs)

Spring 2024 18 weeks Oct 1, 2023 Jan 29, 2024 Jun 1, 2024
$22,950
Click to Close

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,706 **

Housing = $7,750 ***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $22,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $4,464

International Airfare = $1,250 ††

Local Transportation = $700 †††

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $200

Personal expenses = $250

Other = $200

Total Estimated Costs = $7,264

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 residence hall option

For Apartment. Students at Homestays should budget $4032

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† This would cover six round trips per week from students' housing to the UvA campus/the CIEE classroom

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Looking for funding?

What's Included

Click to Open

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Click to Open

Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply Now
  • 2

    CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE 
    Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

  • 3

    Contact Us

    Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.