amsterdam canal sunset buildings
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

If you are interested in language, society, politics, and culture, spend your summer studying abroad in the multicultural city of Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. This Dutch city is also home to famous museums such as Rijksmuseum and the Van Gough Museum.

When class is in session at CIEE Amsterdam, you'll choose from three sessions and courses about the Dutch public health system, gender, race, sexuality, and popular culture, or racialization in the Netherlands. All courses are delivered in English by highly qualified faculty. Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to explore the city with your peers and immerse yourself in Dutch culture.

Unique Experiences

GET AROUND BY BIKE

it’s the Dutch way – and the best way to get a closer perspective of this multicultural city.

FOR A COMPLETE LOOK AT DUTCH CULTURE

explore beyond Amsterdam with day trips.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

by catching an outdoor film or hosting a barbecue at Vondelpark.

850 K

BIKES

1753

BRIDGES

180

NATIONALITIES

Experience
  • bikes along amsterdam canal sunny day
  • two students sitting by amsterdam canal

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, Amsterdam houses more than 6,000 buildings from the 16th century forward 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 more. Not to mention, though it boasts 180 different nationalities (making it home to one of the most diverse populations in the world), English is the unofficial second language here, so it’s easy to communicate with the locals. What's more, CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located close to 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

excursion abroad amsterdam mud flat

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • During the orientation, venture out into the countryside to visit an old medieval castle, a small authentic fisherman’s town, or small Dutch town bearing immense historical significance 
  • Take a day trip that highlights Dutch innovation outside the city rings of Amsterdam, such as a trip to the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier or an architecture and design-focused visit to Rotterdam. 
  • 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)  
  • Relax during an open-air movie screening at a popular Amsterdam city beach. 
  • Go to a concert, play, flea market, or a special exhibition in one of Amsterdam’s museums.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

A Summer Day in Zwolle with CIEE Amsterdam

By Erin Bankersen at CIEE

The students had arrived. The rooms were full. The pancakes had been eaten. Names shared, friendships begun, stories told. The week of arrival and orientation for study abroad students at... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I made lasting friendships that I can confidently say that I will keep for a long time. I stepped outside of my comfort zone while knowing that there is a support system, whether it be the friends that I made or the CIEE staff that will be there to help me. I learned so much about public health, not only in the Netherlands, but the field of study in general and may decide to pursue in terms of studying as a major."

    Wen Long Y., Yale University

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students choose one, two, or three 4-week sessions and focus on the Netherlands’ cultural and social history and challenges. Courses are taught by qualified lecturers from the Netherlands. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering. 

CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located a short walk away from the University of Amsterdam in a thriving, student-friendly neighborhood surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and picturesque canals. 

GPA

2.5
 

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in one 3-credit CIEE course per session.
 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session.
 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • CIEE Communicative Dutch Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Classes are held Monday through Friday. Students should be ready to take  initiative and approach coursework independently.
 

Class Format

Classes are with CIEE study abroad participants only. The program combines lectures, discussions, guest speakers, and guided site visits.
 

Grading

Grades are based on a combination of class participation, oral presentations, papers, and/or written or oral examinations. All assignments are given a percentage grade and the final grade is converted to a letter-grade.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes
Students studying in Amsterdam for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Dutch Language course once.

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session III 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

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 Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,250
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,250
Program Summer Session III 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,250
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $11,250
Program Summer Session II and III 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $11,250
Program Summer Sessions I, II and III 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $16,250

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 = $3,750**

Housing = $2,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $6,250

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 = $470

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $140

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $150†††

Total Costs = $2,060

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$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 = $3,750**

Housing = $2,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $6,250

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 = $470

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $140

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $150†††

Total Costs = $2,060

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$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 = $3,750**

Housing = $2,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $6,250

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 = $470

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $140

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $150†††

Total Costs = $2,060

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$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 = $6,750**

Housing = $4,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $11,250

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 = $940

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $280

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $300†††

Total Costs = $2,870

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$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 = $6,750**

Housing = $4,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $11,250

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 = $940

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $280

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $300†††

Total Costs = $2,870

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$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 = $9,750**

Housing = $6,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $16,250

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 = $1,410

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $420

Books & Supplies = $150

Personal expenses = $450†††

Total Costs = $3,680

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

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

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

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 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