Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cities program in Amsterdam lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how the Netherlands' capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Amsterdam while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Amsterdam!
Unique Experiences
Learn about the Amsterdam City Doughnut
to evaluate the first visualization of its kind that showcases ecological limits and underserving societyal needs
Take an urban walking tour
and visit Impact Hub, KIT, and SDG House for an urban exploration of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Network with an award-winning design studio and think tank
to learn about its dedication to developing holistic urban solutions and tackling global sustainability challeneges
Your Destination
Amsterdam is the Netherlands' sustainable smart city celebrated for its cycling infrastructure, innovative urban planning, and commitment to carbon neutrality. As a leader in renewable energy, the city offers smart solutions, efficient transit, and eco-friendly design. Explore the Jordaan, Vondelpark, and a vibrant startup scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Amsterdam is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
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 excursions and activities:
- Visit the Waternoods museum to explore the innovative engineering used in water management
- Take a guided tour of Schoonschip, a sustainable floating residential neighborhood
- Volunteer at Taste Before You Waste, a foundation with the mission to reduce consumer food waste and responsible waste-free consumption
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
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: AMSTERDAM
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN AMSTERDAM You’ll be craving apple pie ( appeltaart) long after you’ve returned home from studying abroad in Amsterdam. That’s because it’s not your grandmother’s apple... keep reading
Pathé Tuschinski Movie Theater in Amsterdam
By: Ellie Stein If you are a movie lover like me, Amsterdam’s 1920s movie theater will be one of your favorite spots to visit in Amsterdam. The art deco style... keep reading
Embracing Sustainable Travel
By: Mya Cummins When I decided to study abroad in Amsterdam with CIEE, I knew I’d be stepping into a city famous for its canals, art, and rich history. What... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
While housing is limited in Amsterdam, CIEE offers a variety of housing options throughout the city. All housing is located within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam and host universities by public transportation or bicycle.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall located west of the city center in a lively artistic hub that was once a shipyard district. Residence halls feature an en suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, bed linens, towels, and a TV.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall with an en-suite bathroom, access to a fully equiped private or shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. These rooms are more spacious than standard rooms. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- Residence Halls with Private Kitchenettes: Located within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam.
- Residence Halls with Single Rooms/Shared Kitchen: Located within a 30-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam.
Select housing requires and additional fee.
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. Please know that room sizes per location may vary in Amsterdam, but you always get your own single room!
Meals
Residence Halls: No meals are included for residence hall residents.
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 weatpaher, 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.
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
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Pathways to Sustainability |
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
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Health Professions and Related Programs
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Psychology
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% 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
- Trailblazer 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.
*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 | $7,506 ** |
| Housing | $6,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,500 |
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 | $1,800 |
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 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 | $1,410 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $700 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Personal expenses | $226 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,786 |
*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.
††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 | $7,506 ** |
| Housing | $6,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,500 |
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 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 | $1,410 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $700 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Personal expenses | $235 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,795 |
*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.
††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
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.
Tamisha Bouknight
Academic Director
Tamisha holds a graduate degrees in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and has worked in higher education since 2007.
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.
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