Amsterdam canal at sunset
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Business + Culture

AACSB Accredited

Study Program

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

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 Multicultural 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 the Weekend

for a personal introduction to Dutch culture and lifestyle.

850 K

bicycles

1.3 M

annual visitors to the Anne Frank house

1753

1753

Experience
  • Amsterdam winter group
  • amsterdam fall river boat

Your Destination

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

amsterdam girls on bridge

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. 
amsterdam bike trail

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.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Why Study Abroad in Amsterdam

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Dubbed the cultural capital of the Netherland s and considered one of the top financial centers in Europe , the opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam promises a diverse and... keep reading

From CIEE

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Amsterdam

By CIEE Amsterdam at CIEE

Hello! My name is Bella and I am currently studying abroad in Amsterdam through the CIEE program. Studying abroad for me meant leaving the U.S. for the first time ever... keep reading

Housing
Academics

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

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. 

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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.

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

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. 
     

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

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

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/2023-2024#/tab=3

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

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
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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

Program Spring 2024 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $22,950
Program Fall 2024 18 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $22,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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.

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 protection 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 = $1,238

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $700†††

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $200

Personal expenses = $250††††

Other = $200

Total Costs = $4,038

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide breakfast. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $371 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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 protection 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 = $1,238

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $700†††

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $200

Personal expenses = $250††††

Total Costs = $3,838

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

*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 students in homestays, families provide breakfast. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $371 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

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

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

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 protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

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

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

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 travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Gildas Fresneau

Center Director

Gildas holds a master’s degree in European Law from the University of Rennes (France). He worked in many roles within international higher education before joining CIEE as Center Director.

Cathelijn Kuis

Student Life Director

Cathelijn studied Journalism (BA) and American Studies (MA) at the University of Utrecht.

Merve Erdogan

Academic Director

Merve studied Sociology, Public Administration, and Political Science and obtained a Masters degree in Communication Science. She worked as a lecturer and academic tutor and is currently working as Academic...

Get Started Steps

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!

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.

Request Info