Overview
Click to OpenBring your interest in Dutch culture, politics, and society to the progressive, multicultural city of Amsterdam this summer. Choose from three sessions and coursework on the Dutch public health system; gender, race, sexuality, and popular culture; or racialization in the Netherlands. Courses are taught in English at CIEE Amsterdam and are complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Get around by bike
it’s the Dutch way – and the best way to get a closer perspective of this multicultural city.
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For a complete look at Dutch culture,
explore beyond Amsterdam with day trips
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Live like a local
by catching an outdoor film
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canals
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bridges
1281 -
nationalities
180
Location & Culture
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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.
The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore beyond Amsterdam with a day trip to visit a medieval castle, an authentic fishing town, or a second urban area.
- Take a trip to Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht – each significant in its own right – and compare your observations to what you know of Amsterdam.
- Take a bike tour through Amsterdam’s countryside.
- Relax during an outside movie night 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
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Residence Halls: students live in single rooms, and may have private or shared bathrooms and kitchens. Residence halls are a short commute by foot, bike, tram, or metro to CIEE. Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Note: Session 1 students share quad rooms with other CIEE students in a nearby hostel for the first two weeks of the program.
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MEALS
Students are responsible for their own meals, and have the option to prepare food at the residence hall, or eat at local restaurants – there are many affordable options.
Amsterdam, Netherlands Where You'll Study
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1
CIEE AMSTERDAM
Steps away from the University of Amsterdam, on the eastern side of the city center.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 across the street from the University of Amsterdam, embedded in a thriving, student-friendly neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and picturesque canals.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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
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.
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.
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
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Course Notes
Students studying in Amsterdam for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Dutch Language course once.
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 Global Institutes and CIEE Centers.
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
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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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Jonathan Key
Director
As the Director, Jonathan is first and foremost committed to ensuring that students who study in Amsterdam are afforded every opportunity to pursue their academic interests during their study abroad experience.
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Erin Thoes
Student Services Coordinator
As the Student Services Coordinator Erin is responsible for all housing related matters, orientation and activities.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
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START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.