Social Sciences + Humanities
Unique Experiences
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
GET A MULTINATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
by studying side by side with the many international students enrolled at the University of Amsterdam
LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS
by going on a bike tour, attending a special exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, or another world-class institution
1753
BRIDGES
180
NATIONALITIES
1.3 M
ANNUAL VISITORS TO THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE
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
Experiential Learning in Amsterdam
If there's one thing you'll come to realize after studying abroad (and specifically in Amsterdam), it's that difference matters. When one pictures the Netherlands, it's hard not to immediately think... keep reading
The Student Representative Council
The Student Representative Council, or SRC, was the first opportunity to get involved with the CIEE community that I had heard of in preparing to leave for my study abroad... keep reading
Communicating through CIEE Teach
“An experience doing the educating while studying abroad? Sign me up.” Those were my thoughts when I heard the Amsterdam program staff first mention CIEE Teach during our orientation on... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
While housing is limited in Amsterdam, CIEE offers a variety of accommodations within the Amsterdam metropolitan area, including residence halls, student hotels, and homestay families. All housing is located within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam Center and the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
Standard Housing
Residence Halls/Shared Apartments: Students live in single rooms with en suite bathrooms and access to shared kitchen and laundry facilities.
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 spaces.
Select Housing
Residence Halls/Shared Apartments: Students live in single rooms with en suite bathrooms, access to a shared kitchen, a gym, and laundry facilities. The commute time to CIEE Amsterdam is under 15 minutes by public transport or bicycle. Select housing requires an upgrade fee.
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.
Academics
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.
Course 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.
UNIVERSITY 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.
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Psychology
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Psychology
Social Sciences
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 & 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.
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 | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $22,950 | |
| Program Fall 2024 18 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $22,950 | |
| Program Fall 2023 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $21,950 |
| Program Academic year 2023-2024 41 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $43,750 |
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 = $22,950Estimated 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 = $4,038Optional 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.
*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 = $22,950Estimated 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 = $3,838Financial 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.
*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.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $14,453**
Housing = $7,000***
Insurance = $197
Total Fees = $21,950Estimated 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 Costs = $7,700Financial 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.
*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
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 = $28,503**
Housing = $14,750***
Insurance = $197
Total Fees = $43,750Estimated 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 = $3,838†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $1,400†††
Books & Supplies = $400
Visa Fees = $200
Personal expenses = $3,000††††
Expenses during break = $1,500
Total Costs = $11,588Optional 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.
*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 (and is double the amount of the single-semester costs)
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
^first-come, first serve, based on availability
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
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
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.
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