Social Sciences + Humanities
Competitive Admissions
Unique Experiences
Commute and cruise around by bike
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, or another world-class institution
Your Destination
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its progressive values, rich cultural heritage, and global outlook. From historic landmarks like the Anne Frank House to world-renowned institutions like the Rijksmuseum, the city offers endless inspiration for students studying sociology, political science, international relations, philosophy, history, and more. Whether you're exploring issues of social justice, migration, or identity, Amsterdam is the perfect place to study the social sciences and humanities abroad.
The Culture
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer to teach English once a week at a local elementary or middle school and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Amsterdam will open doors for you to explore the Netherlands' rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Experience a world-class Dutch theater or dance performance at a historic concert hall
- Explore Amsterdam's world-famous canal belt on a private canal cruise
- Travel overnight to experience life in another Dutch city or slip out of urban life at a coastal preserve
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Let’s Eat in Amsterdam!
By: Clare Cardoza While in Amsterdam, if you’re not in the mood for its famous pickled herring or stamppot dinner, there are still so many restaurants that offer delicious cuisine... keep reading
Amsterdam Top 5 Museums to Visit
By: Emma Janssen Amsterdam is a bustling city with incredible tourist attractions that you must see when you’re here! Having spent almost three months studying abroad in Amsterdam, I’ve had... keep reading
Top 20 Things to Do in Amsterdam
Want to learn about the best things to do in Amsterdam? When you are a tourist, you hear one side of the story of Amsterdam, but when you are living... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
While housing is limited in Amsterdam, CIEE offers a variety of housing options throughout the city, including, residence halls and homestay families. All housing is located within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam and our host universities by public transportation or bicycle
Standard Housing:
- Residence Halls/Shared Apartments: Students live in single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and access to fully equipped shared kitchens and laundry facilities, Additional amenities include free WiFi, laundry services, bed linens, towels, and a TV.
- 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. The commute time to CIEE Amsterdam is under 45 minutes by public transport or bicycle.
Select Housing:
- Students live in single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and access to fully equipped private or shared kitchens and laundry facilities. These rooms offer added amenities and are more spacious than Standard rooms. Commute time to the office varies:
- Single Rooms with Private Kitchen: under a 45-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam
- Single Rooms with Shared Kitchen: under a 30-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam.
- Select housing requires an upgrade fee.
Select Plus 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 15minutes by public transport or bicycle.
- Select Plus housing requires an additional fee and has limited availability.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Apartments/Residence Halls: Students staying in apartments and residence halls are responsible for their own meals.
- Homestays: Students in homestays will have two meals a day at their homestay included in their fee, usually that is breakfast and dinner, but could change on the weekend, in accordance with the homestay host. Students are responsible for all other meals.
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.
Academics
CIEE Amsterdam: Study in the heart of the Plantagebuurt in Amsterdam! CIEE Amsterdam boasts four classrooms, a student lounge with complimentary books, an office space, and a charming outdoor patio.
University of Amsterdam (UvA): The University of Amsterdam is the third oldest university in the Netherlands and one of the largest universities in Europe with more than 30,000 students divided over seven major faculties.
Dutch Language Institute at the University of Amsterdam (INTT): The INTT offers Dutch courses at all levels to students of the University of Amsterdam and other highly educated foreign language speakers.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
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.
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Psychology
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Health Professions and Related Programs
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Health Professions and Related Programs
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
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.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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 Fall 2025 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $23,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2026 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 | $15,706 ** |
| Housing | $7,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $23,950 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $2,550 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,975 |
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.
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 | $2,115 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $700 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Visa Fees | $200 |
| Personal expenses | $280 †††† |
| Total Costs | $4,745 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $470 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly. For students in homestays, families typically provide two meals a day, students should budget $735 to purchase groceries for the remaining meals or 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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Kallan Picha
Center Director
Kallan has more than 15 years of experience working in international higher education for both universities and providers and is passionate about expanding opportunities for students to experience the transformational power of studying abroad.
Cathelijn Kuis
Student Life Director
Cathelijn studied Journalism (BA) and American Studies (MA) at the University of Utrecht.
Get Started
1
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.
You might also like
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Spend a semester in the Netherlands’ creative and culturally rich capital – Amsterdam – where you’ll take courses across a variety of academic subjects.
- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
Dive into two of the world’s leading healthcare systems – and take a class in each European city – when you study abroad in both London and Amsterdam.
- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Study Program
See how public health is handled in Europe when you spend eight weeks next summer studying and observing healthcare in both London and Amsterdam.