Information for term Social Sciences + Humanities
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenBring your interest in the Dutch language, society, politics, and culture to the multicultural city of Amsterdam! As one of the most historically rich cities in all of Europe, the capital city of the Netherlands can act as the perfect backdrop to your immersive semester abroad. Designed for students across various social sciences and humanities disciplines, this rigorous academic program allows you to choose from multiple courses, including political science, sociology, anthropology, European studies, film studies, history, international relations, media, psychology, cultural studies, and more.
When class is in session, you'll study at our partner host institution, the University of Amsterdam (UvA). You can also take classes at CIEE Amsterdam, a quick walk from the UvA and the historic city center. All courses are taught by highly qualified CIEE and UvA faculty. Outside the classroom, you'll have the opportunity to participate in CIEE excursions and activities to enhance your studies and provide a nuanced intercultural perspective of the Netherlands, particularly to scrutinize preconceived cultural notions.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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COMMUTE AND CRUISE AROUND BY BIKE
– it’s the Dutch way – and the best way to get a closer and fast-moving perspective of this multicultural city
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Get a multinational perspective
by studying side by side with the many international students enrolled at the University of Amsterdam
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Live like the locals
by going on a bike tour, attending a special exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, or another world-class institution
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bridges
1753 -
nationalities
180 -
ANNUAL VISITORS TO THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE
1.3 M
Location & Culture
Click to Open
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, that’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 historic buildings dating as far back as the 16th century. 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
- Travel overnight to experience life in another Dutch city or slip out of urban life at a coastal preserve.
- Take day trips that highlight Dutch innovation and lived reality outside the city rings of Amsterdam by embarking on a winter getaway to the Frisian city of Groningen, an architecture and social housing-focused visit to Rotterdam, or a trip to Utrecht's working-class districts.
- Experience a world-class Dutch theater or dance performance at a historic concert hall.
- Join a story-telling tour experience told by former asylum seekers on a refugee boat used to transport hundreds of displaced persons into Europe
- 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
- Get to know Dutch youngsters by volunteering to teach English once a week at a local Amsterdam elementary or middle school.
- 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 gender, race, and class 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 OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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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 ensuite 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.
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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
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A
CIEE STUDY CENTER
Steps from the University of Amsterdam, on the eastern side of the city center.
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B
UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
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C
Getting Around
An exceptionally walkable and bike-friendly city, Amsterdam also has easily accessible public trams, busses, and metros.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program invites students to study a range of social science and humanities courses at CIEE Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam (UvA). Semesters at UvA consist of three 8-week blocks but CIEE students are only present for the first two blocks. Courses run either for one or two blocks. Students can also take CIEE classes which are taught at two locations in the vicinity of the UvA Roeterseiland campus.
University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the third oldest university in the Netherlands and one of the largest universities in Europe with over 30,000 students divided over seven major faculties.
Dutch Language Institute at the University of Amsterdam (INTT) offers Dutch courses at all levels to students of the University of Amsterdam and other highly educated foreign language speakers.
CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located across the street from UvA in a thriving, student-friendly neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and picturesque canals.
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.
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
- Students must take at least one course at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) but the remainder of the classes they take can be CIEE courses.
- Students should take at least two classes in each block.
Program Credit
Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- University of Amsterdam courses: typically, 3-6 U.S. semester/4.5-9 quarter credits; 30-60 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.
Class Format
While CIEE classes are composed only of CIEE students, classes at the University of Amsterdam usually feature a combination of Dutch students and international students from all over the world. Classes typically meet twice a week for a lecture and discussion session. While discussion sessions are capped at 25 to 30 students, lectures can be significantly larger.
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 OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- The UvA 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.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Psychology
Social Sciences
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Psychology
Social Sciences
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM COURSES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the University of Amsterdam and is subject to change. Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have pre-requisites. The final list of courses is made available before the semester begins.
College of Social Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Social Geography and Urban Planning
- Sociology
- Communication Science
- Cultural Anthropology
- Child Education and Development
Faculty of Humanities
- Arts, Religion and Cultural Sciences
- Dutch Studies
- History
- Archeology and Area Studies
- Language and Literature
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Modern European Languages
UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM - DUTCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES
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 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 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 OpenScholarships & 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 infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 18 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 30, 2023 | Jun 3, 2023 |
$21,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $14,483 ** Housing = $7,000 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $21,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 Other = $200 Total Estimated Costs = $7,900Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 |
| Fall 2023 18 weeks | Mar 15, 2023 | Aug 21, 2023* | Dec 23, 2023* |
$21,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $21,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $7,700Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 |
*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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Cathelijn Kuis
Center Director
Cathelijn studied Journalism (BA) and American Studies (MA) at the University of Utrecht.
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Caroline Hartevelt
Academic Director
Caroline holds a BA in Psychology from Wheaton College and a MA in Education from Boston University School of Education.
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Noa Welling
Student Services Coordinator
Noa strongly believes in the value of intercultural exchanges. In her role, she hopes to create an environment in which all students can make the best of their time in Amsterdam.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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